In Australia, the race between developers to secure one of three Queensland casino licences is now officially under way.

Brisbane

Acting State Development Minister Ian Walker said the first Expression of Interest documents have been issued to parties interested in developing new integrated resort developments across the state.

They include one at the Queen's Wharf development in Brisbane and two in regional Queensland. The state government last year announced the approvals would be accompanied by casino licences.

Walker said eight registrations had so far been received, but other groups had until February 28 to register interest and receive EOI documents. "To proceed to the next step, these parties will now need to clearly demonstrate they have experience in design, development and operation of large-scale integrated resort and entertainment projects, or will be part of a bona-fide bidding team," he said in a statement.