James Packer, the billionaire publishing and casino tycoon, has reportedly set his sights on a North American chain of casinos, worth $2.4 billion.
The Sydney Morning Herald reports that Packer, the executive chairman of Crown Limited, the Australia-based casino entertainment company, is likely to bid on Ameristar Casino, whose eight casinos span six states.
Packer already owns three casinos outside Las Vegas and one racetrack in Pittsburgh, Pa.
Shares in Ameristar have been trading at record lows, but have risen in recent days upon the news of a potential takeover, the newspaper said.