On the surface, some competitive tension has been added to the Sydney casino game by Echo Entertainment presenting the NSW Government with a $1 billion alternative to James Packer’s Barangaroo it’s-not-a-casino-it’s-a-gaming-thing proposal. But that’s only on the surface.

Both Echo and Crown are seeking to exploit the weakness of the “unsolicited proposals” route to gaining government favour, a process totally unsuited to handing out an exclusive gambling licence, whatever legal euphemism Premier Barry O’Farrell might apply to it.

NSW Premier Barry O'Farrell Credit:John Veage

Just as Crown is trying to use the unsolicited proposal loophole as a way of gaining a casino licence through the backdoor, Echo is trying to cement its casino licence monopoly via a rear entrance.

A cynical soul might also think Echo’s offer to spend another billion around Pyrmont is the Echo board trying to increase pressure on Crown to use the front door via an expensive takeover offer, while Packer awaits permission from authorities in Queensland and NSW to increase Crown’s present 10 per cent stake.