Theme park boss wants Gold Coast Caesars, RSL boss says not so fast

A GOLD Coast theme park boss is excited at the prospect of global giant Caesars coming to the city — but not everyone is thrilled.

The giant entertainment operator behind the famed Caesars Palace in Las Vegas is in ongoing talks with State Government about a potential resort development on the Gold Coast.

A THEME park bigwig is excited at the prospect of Caesars Entertainment entering the Gold Coast but an RSL boss says the extra gaming would hurt small venues.

The giant entertainment operator behind the famed Caesars Palace in Las Vegas is in ongoing talks with State Government about a potential resort development on the Gold Coast.

Caesars head of international development Steven Tight recently dined with Gold Coast tourism chiefs in Broadbeach after an initial scouting trip last year.

Poseidon statue at Caesar's Palace casino complex in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. (Pic: Anthony Keane)

But not everyone is excited about Caesars coming to town and possibly starting a second casino which requires State Government sign-off.

HOW CAESARS COULD COME TO COAST

Surfers Paradise RSL president Ross Eastgate said the increase in gaming would “make life difficult for us”. “We’d be a small venue competing with two casinos,” he said.

Mr Eastgate adding if an integrated resort and associated second casino licence was made available for a Surfers Paradise site “we would close our doors”.

“We would make money off the construction because we would get all the workers in for lunch but after that we would be stuffed.

Ross Eastgate is not keen on another casino. Photo: Steve Holland

“The question I would ask is does the Gold Coast need another casino, does the Gold Coast want another casino.”

But Village Roadshow executive general manager theme parks Bikash Randhawa said a Caesars-backed resort operation would be fantastic for the city’s reputation.

“We need landmark developments. You can’t just build another hotel, it’s got to have some wow factor. Look at Marina Bay Sands. I think it would be fantastic. The more global brands the better. We were the first to bring Warner Bros to town.

“I think the fact it is getting some traction is a great but obviously nothing is set in stone until they break soil.”

Mr Tight told the Bulletin this week Caesars was analysing the Gold Coast market and waiting on State Government’s tender process for a potential integrated resort site.

“We will then evaluate the eventual site once identified and decide whether or not to bid.”