The Barangaroo casino will open with a gaming floor called Crystal Room, one month after the operator was given the green light to operate by the New South Wales Liquor & Gaming Authority. Another floor is scheduled to open at a later date, with the floors to host 160 gaming tables and 70 electronic table games.
Crown was due to open the floors of its AU$2.2bn (US$1.52bn) resort in December 2020, but was prevented from doing so by the NSW gambling watchdog after an enquiry found that the operator had facilitated money laundering. An independent inquiry last year found Crown was unfit to hold a casino licence in NSW and required a management overhaul.
But following a takeover by US private equity firm Blackstone, and a clearout of the board, Crown was last month provided a conditional licence by the regulator to operate its Barangaroo licence.
“The opening of our gaming operations at Crown Sydney is a defining moment for Crown, and the culmination of months of hard work from our dedicated team,” said outgoing Crown Resorts Chief Executive Steve McCann.
“The entire team at Crown Sydney has been preparing for this moment for a long time and we felt the symbolism of the 08.08 date represented ideal timing to open our doors.”
A statement from the operator read: “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. It is the only casino of its kind in Australia, with all patrons required to be a member or guest of a member and undergo comprehensive checks.”
