Queensland’s first casino marks 30th anniversary

The Conrad Jupiters Casino and Resort opened on the Gold Coast in the Australian state in November 1985 at the cost of $186m.

Now one of four casinos in Queensland, Jupiters remains the largest casino facility in the state. This, however, could be lost if the Aquis Great Barrier Reef Resort becomes a reality in Cairns. Tony Fung is waiting on final approval to start building the $8bn Aquis resort, which would become the largest casino in Australia and one of the largest in the world.

Meanwhile, Jupiters broke ground earlier this year on a $345m expansion and will change its name to The Star. Providing a gaming and entertainment experience for three decades, the complex underwent a $53m revamp in 2006 and $20m makeover of Jupiters Theatre in 2012. The new expansion includes a six-star hotel and major improvements at the casino.

The seven-acre complex includes a 600-room hotel, eight bars, seven restaurants, meeting and conference facilities, a ballroom, theatre, gym, and connects by monorail to the Oasis Shopping Centre. Over the years, the property has changed in relation to the evolution of the casino business, remarked Geoff Hogg, managing director of the Star Entertainment.

“Thirty years ago it was very much about the casino, the table gaming offering and then the machine offering that came afterwards.If you look at an area like Vegas, originally it was all about gaming. Today they make more money out of hotels, bars, restaurants and live entertainment. It’s very much the same here in Australia,” said Hogg.