Gambling has taken a huge step forward in Australia this year. There were already plenty of casinos and resorts in Australia, but strong expansion plans will alter the landscape in many territories. The lobbying of state governments continued this year, with casino moguls keen to add five and six star resorts and casinos that appeal to foreign tourists.

Despite the dangers of having many luxury casinos in a country, Australian government officials are not worried. They are happy to sign papers that legalize the construction of these sites, with tax revenue the driving force. States know that gambling may not be the most morally sound vice, but it brings money.

For example, Queensland already has four major casinos that can attract tourists and Australians. However, three more licenses are being offered by the government. It is likely that casino moguls such as James Packer will be at the front of the queue.

These projects are not expected to be tiny casinos that cause minimal disruption. There are billion dollar plans afoot. Citizens in these states are worried about the economic, environmental and social impact of having such massive resorts and casinos in their backyard. This opposition may delay a few projects, but it will not pose a long term obstruction.

Brisbane is another area where major expansion plans are already underway. Two major casino companies, Crown Resorts and Echo, are fighting for a license to build a casino resort. Other major plans are also in the final stage of approval, such as the $5 billion casino next to the Great Barrier Reef.

Australian casino companies may need to think twice about their expansion plans. The decline in high roller revenue in Macau could be a warning sign to other Asia-Pacific casinos. If Chinese high rollers are not splashing the cash freely, these multi-billion dollar casinos will not succeed.