Smooth sailing! Billionaire businessman James Packer is spotted onboard his luxury yacht with friends in Mexico weeks in lockdown
James Packer has emerged from lockdown, with the businessman spotted on his luxury yacht with friends in Mexico’s Cabo San Lucas recently.
The 52-year-old billionaire appeared to be making the most of his outing, and was spotted strolling along the deck.
There was no missing the sizable boat, which towered next to nearby apartment buildings.
Back in business: James Packer (pictured far right) has emerged from lockdown, with the businessman spotted on his luxury yacht with friends in Mexico’s Cabo San Lucas recently
James was dressed casually in a navy blue shirt, which he paired with dark trousers and a pair of sunglasses.
He seemed happy and relaxed after months in lockdown amid the coronavirus pandemic.
It’s been a rollercoaster few years for the renowned investor, who has dealt with his share of setbacks in both his career and personal life.
On Tuesday, it was revealed his new $2.4 billion Crown casino in Sydney won’t have a single pokie after a rival casino snapped up exclusive rights on Friday.
The Harbour City’s other casino, The Star, signed a deal with the New South Wales state government for sole rights to operate the revenue spinners for the next 21 years.
Crown had been lobbying for years to remove a pokie ban at its Barangaroo site but was unsuccessful – leading The Star’s share price to jump by more than four per cent on Monday.
The coronavirus pandemic has also thrown Crown’s plan to target Chinese billionaires into disarray – leaving the company scrambling to drum up business by targeting RSL punters in Sydney’s west.
Crown Resorts, which operates casinos in Melbourne, Perth and London, had originally intended its Sydney operation to largely target international VIPs.
In January, however, the Morrison government banned visitors from mainland China because of the growing coronavirus pandemic.
In April, Hong Kong gaming tycoon Lawrence Ho’s Melco Resorts ended its joint venture with Crown by selling its 10 per cent stake in the company – further damaging Crown’s ability to bring in wealthy Chinese gamblers.
Construction of Crown casino at Barangaroo is nearing completion with the $2billion building – the tallest in Sydney – schedule to be finished before the end of 2020.
The venue will open it’s doors in February with 120 gaming tables and members only being allowed to place bets of a minimum of just $20 to $30.