The operator's own releases tell the story in numbers. We kept to those numbers.
The complex marks its 45th year in November 2026. Its sale announcement traces the business back to 1981 and the Diamond Springs Casino. In 1997, the company that would hold it for the next 24 years, Ford Dynasty, a subsidiary of Lasseters International Holdings Limited, bought a property with a 75-room hotel attached to the casino.
Growth by the numbers
| Year | What changed | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 1981 | Opened as Diamond Springs Casino | Sale release, 2021 |
| 1997 | Bought with a 75-room hotel | Sale release, 2021 |
| 2013–2021 | More than $50 million spent on renovations in eight years | Sale release, 2021 |
| 2018 | $6.25 million refurbishment of 139 rooms to Crowne Plaza / IHG standards | Media release |
| 2021 | 205 rooms, IHG franchise, health club, day spa, convention centre; sale agreed 20 April | Sale release, 2021 |
| 2024 | Development plan published; Liquor Act consultation, comments closed 30 April 2024 | Developments page |
| 2026 | 45th year celebrations in November | Event page |
The 2013–2021 row is our arithmetic: the 2021 release speaks of 'the last 8 years'.
The 2018 rooms
The refurbishment release is the most useful document for a guest. Completed in April 2018, the work refreshed tiles, carpet, furniture, cabinetry and fittings; each bathroom was completely updated with a walk-in shower and illuminated vanity mirrors. New paintings by local Indigenous artists joined the Lasseters Collection, which the release puts at more than 150 pieces made for and placed in the hotel's rooms. It also gives a figure you rarely see: 62 per cent of the spend went to local builders, suppliers and artists.
The sale
On 20 April 2021 the operator announced the sale of Lasseters to Iris Capital. Its developments page names Sam Arnaout as owner. Wikipedia still lists the previous holding company as owner, which is out of date; we follow the operator's own release. Sale of Lasseters.
What is planned
The developments page describes a project 'exceeding $200 million'. Phase one lists childcare, a rooftop bar, a revamped casino, accommodation and an entertainment enclave with a night club, bowling and a cinema. Later stages add more rooms, a health club, a day spa, convention facilities and several resort pools. No completion dates are published.
For a guest, this matters in one way: building work. If you are booking far ahead, ask whether any construction is planned for your dates. Lasseters developments page.
In the community
Lasseters names the Finke Desert Race, Red CentreNATS and the Henley on Todd Regatta among the events it supports. On 1 April 2026 it reported that its TITO donation programme had raised more than $7,000 for the Alice Springs Animal Shelter. The 2025 AHA NT award it won was for community service and achievement.
Back to all field notes, or see how the history shows in the rooms today.