Publishing & Broadcasting, the Australian group controlled by James Packer, on Thursday announced plans for a casino in Las Vegas, underlining its overseas gaming ambitions as it reduces its involvement in the media sector.

PBL said it had formed a joint venture with IDM Properties, a Texan property developer, and York Capital Management, a New York private investment fund, to build and operate a casino next door to Fontainebleau, another casino and resort in which PBL recently acquired a 20 per cent stake.