Australia: us$ 300 million River Murray casino planned in Adelaide

Haddad said a concept plan for the complex, which is understood to include entertainment and conference facilites, has already been presented to Premier John Brumby. "The river in Mildura is magnificent but it has never been used properly,'' he told 3AW radio. "The land there can go right to the river and you would open up the riverfront. It would be marvellous for Mildura and also for Victoria.''

Haddad said the casino would double as a regional entertainment and convention centre. "It has all the ticks. But at this stage it is my initiative - it's not something that has been developed through the Government. I just mentioned it to the Premier.

"I think people get nervous about gaming. But if it's controlled properly and done well it can be a major attraction and catalyst to bring visitors.'' "I need to speak to people who are concerned that there is too much gambling in the state. Because if it is properly controlled and contained it can be a great plus.''

Grand Hotel owner Don Carrazza told 3AW the complex would be different from Melbourne's Crown Casino. "I think these facilities will really make a difference to the city," he said.