Tasmania wants to house two additional casinos

There are currently two casinos operating in the island and the government affirms it can handle four.

Australia.- The Tasmanian government wants to take the total of casinos in the island from two to four.

On Wednesday, the Liberal administration revealed plans in parliament for an “open and transparent process” for a new state gaming license due by 2019. The first casino in Australia was opened in Hobart by the Federal Group in 1973 and the operator has long held exclusive rights to operate casinos, poker and Keno throughout Tasmania. The current agreement is due on 2023.

However and according to treasurer Peter Gutwein, the government support to allow two casino licenses at each ends of the state. The southern license is likely to go to Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) operator, David Walsh.

“The government’s position is that limited new high roller, non-residential casino licenses should be available in Tasmania in addition to the Federal Group’s two casinos,” explained Gutwein. “The government’s view is that in the first instance, the opportunity to apply for such a licence should be afforded to Mr Walsh, given he initially came forward with a proposal in respect of financially supporting the Mona museum.”

David Walsh’s initial proposal include up to 12 gambling tables at his complex in Hobart’s northern suburbs, with the aim of targeting wealthy international art lovers.