Crown Resorts says the New South Wales Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority (ILGA) has provided approval for Crown Sydney to commence gaming operations.

The approval allows the operator to open its members only gaming facilities at Crown Sydney, with an initial conditional gaming period scheduled to expire on 31 December 2023.

During this period, the operator will work closely with ILGA, and its independent monitor Kroll Associates, to demonstrate its suitability and that it is implementing an agreed remediation plan.

Crown noted that the approval follows an extensive period of consultation with ILGA, along with other state based and federal regulators and authorities, during which the operator has been implementing wide-ranging reforms to its business as part of its remediation plan.

“Today is an important day for Crown, our customers and our people, who have been eagerly awaiting this announcement for some time and cannot wait to share the full Crown Sydney experience with the world,” said Crown CEO and Managing Director Steve McCann.

“Our vision is to become one of the most respected operators of integrated resorts anywhere in the world. Since it opened, Crown Sydney has provided the city with an unrivalled level of luxury accommodation, restaurants and bars and now with the opening of gaming, we can offer our full suite of world-class facilities.

“Over the past 15 months, we have worked closely with ILGA to ensure we have the right measures in place for the commencement of gaming in Sydney and we will continue to work with them on our reform program, to showcase our suitability as a casino operator and demonstrate our ability to deliver exceptional experiences in a safe and responsible environment.”