The battle lines are being drawn still more for the three pending New York casino licences and the latest to throw its hat into the ring is Saks Fifth Avenue.
Reports the New York Post, the huge department store wants to install a casino on its top floors on Fifth Avenue that is positioned between East 49th and East 50th streets and next to St Patrick’s Cathedral.
A separate red-carpeted entrance would be installed for casino guest and the casino itself would be modelled on the Casino Royale set for the James Bond movie of the same name.
The casino would take up three floors, from the ninth upwards, said Richard Baker, CEO of HBC, the Canadian owners of Saks. “The casino at Saks will attract an affluent global tourist and not prey on people who shouldn’t be in casinos,” Baker said.
“We have been quietly working with community groups including Broadway theatres, retailers and elected officials and we have a lot of support for a different type of casino in New York City,” Baker said.
Part of his pitch is that Fifth Avenue desperately needs an attraction that will increase foot traffic on the iconic shopping avenue, especially at night when the stores roll up their doors.
The competition for the three licenses is hotting up, with no fewer than five billionaires vying for the rights to have an NY casino licence.
Gambling News from NewsCasinoNew.com is made for the most passionate fans of online casinos and internet gambling. We cover everything: from popular gambling world events and trends to new casino slot game releases and reviews, you will find the latest news stories.
