Pursuits

Echo Seeks Casino License Blocking Billionaire Packer

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Echo Entertainment Group Ltd. will seek to extend a license to operate Sydney’s only casino beyond 2019, potentially blocking a rival resort that billionaire James Packer wants to build on the shores of the city’s harbor.

The government of New South Wales state had received a proposal from Brisbane-based Echo to extend the license for its Star casino and spend more money to upgrade the site, according to an e-mailed statement from premier Barry O’Farrell’s office. The state will only grant one of two proposals from Packer and Echo, according to the statement.