Caesars casino giant in Gold Coast Spit site talks with ASF

THE casino giant behind Las Vegas’ famed Caesars Palace is in talks with preferred Spit developer — Chinese-backed ASF — about its Gold Coast resort.

THE casino giant behind famed Caesars Palace in Las Vegas is in talks with preferred Spit developer ASF about teaming up on its Gold Coast mega resort.

ASF Consortium director Louis Chien said Caesars Entertainment, with 50 sites in six countries but none in Australia, was among casino operators it was in talks with.

“They are one of many,” Mr Chien said this week.

ASF Consortium director Louis Chien has confirmed global casino resort giant Caesars Entertainment is among “world-class operators” they are in talks with in relation to a proposed $3 billion integrated resort development on the Gold Coast’s Spit. Picture Glenn Hampson

“ASF Consortium has been in ongoing discussions with a number of world-class operators.

CAESARS SCOUTING ON GOLD COAST

“The heightened interest further validates the Queensland Government’s Integrated Resort Development process and our own research, that there is a market for another casino, especially an integrated resort which has grown the tourism pie in other similar locations. ”

Last week, the Bulletin revealed Caesars was eyeing up the Gold Coast for a project, with its international development president Steven Tight visiting last month.

Mr Tight confirmed Caesars was doing a feasibility study on a possible foray to the Gold Coast.

Caesars Entertainment Corp, which is eyeing the Gold Coast for its first foray in Australia, has 50 casino sites in six countries including its famed Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. Photographer: Jacob Kepler/Bloomberg

He didn’t respond to questions by deadline about whether Caesars preferred working with ASF or going it alone.

Chinese-backed ASF is State Government’s preferred proponent for developing an integrated resort in the city, and has proposed a five-tower resort and casino on a Spit site south of SeaWorld.

State Government consultation finished in April and ASF is waiting to hear results before submitting detailed designs of its $3 billion plan.

Gold Coast’s established casino operator The Star at Broadbeach is pushing ahead with a $1 billion transformation project at the site. Photo: Supplied

“We are confident the consultation will reflect the community’s sentiment and show broad support,” Mr Chien said.

State Development Minister Anthony Lynham said his government was also sounding out the market for “another” casino integrated resort in Queensland and that included the Gold Coast.

“If the market sounding findings demonstrate notable interest, we will go to the market before the end of the year.”

Minister for State Development Dr Anthony Lynham.

Asked about Caesars, a spokesman for Star Gold Coast’s Broadbeach casino said: “We remain focused on a transformation program of $1 billion that will position The Star Gold Coast as a world-class integrated resort.”