Star Casino hopes to lure high-end gambling tourists

The casino operator wants to attract visitors from Asian countries with better hotels and entertainment venues. The company also said it plans to upgrade the gambling facilities at its Sydney and Gold Coast properties.

Turnover from The Star's international VIP sector declined by 20% in the year to June 30, affected by a high win rate against high-rollers and the disruption to the North Asia VIP market due to the Crown arrests in October last year.

However, CEO Matt Bekier pointed out that there was an increase in deposits of funds from VIP players outside of its north Asia business in the second half of the financial year.

The boss said on Wednesday, “We think that, as we have reflected on our VIP strategy, the real sweet spot for us is the customer that's diversified, who wants to do more than just gamble, a family who seeks out tourism experiences,”

“Therefore, we are focusing on a customer that probably looks more like a super- high-end tourist customer who enjoys gaming.

“And that customer comes from across Asia, and in fact across the world.”

Bekier expects these customers to eventually account for 25% of the group's international VIP business.