Opening date just around the corner
On August 8, Crown Resorts will finally launch gaming at its Sydney casino. The New South Wales (NSW) Independent Liquor & Gaming Authority recently approved the operator to start offering slots and table games.
an independent inquiry into the company in 2021 found Crown unsuitable for NSW licensing
The casino was set to open in December 2020, but the gambling watchdog shut down the entertainment option due to an inquiry into the operator. Officials found that Crown Resorts allowed money laundering to take place and an independent inquiry into the company in 2021 found Crown unsuitable for NSW licensing. Regulators required an overhaul of management before gaming could begin.
Ready for games at Crown Sydney
Next month, Crown Sydney, located in the Barangaroo area of the city, will open a gaming floor called the Crystal Room. A second gaming floor will open in the future. In total, the two gaming areas will house 70 electronic table games and 160 gaming tables.
Simon McGrath, the CEO of Crown Sydney, called the opening a “defining moment” after months of on-site preparation.
gaming facility has been designed with the highest levels of governance and compliance”
“We are committed to delivering a safe and responsible gaming environment for all, and Crown Sydney’s restricted gaming facility has been designed with the highest levels of governance and compliance,” McGrath said.
McGrath stated that the Barangaroo property is the only one of its kind in Australia, where all guests must complete a comprehensive check to access services.
Regulators approved a conditional license for casino operations in June after the company removed board members and Blackstone, an American private equity company, took over.
Conditional casino gaming for 18-24 months
Now that officials have approved Crown Resorts casino operations in Sydney, the facility will finally be able to offer games to its patrons. Gaming, however, is only being permitted via a conditional license for 18-24 months.
During the conditional time frame, the NSW Independent Liquor & Gaming Authority will monitor changes Crown has implemented. Once the conditional period is up, the regulator must decide if the casino should receive permanent licensing. After only offering hotel and dining services, the casino is excited to offer guests more and will certainly benefit from the additional revenues that slots and electronic games bring in.