NSW Premier backs Packer's bid for second Sydney casino at Barangaroo

An ambitious plan for a second Sydney casino on Lend Lease's

Barangaroo

site has been publicly supported by NSW Premier Barry O'Farrell.

Led by gaming and media tsar James Packer, the concept proposes including the casino as part of a major restaurant and hotel complex.

''It's the sort of tourism-related investment we want in Sydney but everyone's aware there are a range of regulatory approvals needed before it could proceed,'' O'Farrell says.

''I think it's an exciting proposal which could add extra life to Barangaroo, give Sydney another world-class hotel, generate jobs and boost tourism.''

According to the

Barangaroo Development Authority

, the current proposal permits ''civic, educational and recreation spaces''.

Under current regulatory provisions, NSW is only allowed one casino license until 2019.

However Mr Packer's recent raid on Echo Entertainment - owner of Star City Casino - which saw his stake increase to 10% could allow the billionaire to extend the existing license to the new proposal on the Barangaroo site.

For years, Mr Packer has been calling for more luxury hotels in Sydney to target high-rolling Asian tourists.

It is also believed the new proposal would not include poker machines and be limited to gaming tables and high roller rooms.