Crown Barangaroo now expects its VIP gaming facility to be fully operational by October 2022, when the Mahogany floor will open its doors. The main gaming floor, the Crystal Room, has now been opened.

The gaming operation at Barangaroo has 160 tables, as well as 66 electronic tables across the Crystal Room and 30 private salons on the Mahogany floor. There are no poker machines at the VIP-only facility, where a minimum bet of AU$20 applies.

Membership is free, and is available to customers who sign up to the Crown Rewards programme. Existing Black and Platinum Crown Rewards members and their guests will gain initial access to the Crystal Room, followed by Gold Crown Rewards members at a later date.

The launch of gambling operations at the Barangaroo venue comes despite independent inquiries in New South Wales, Victoria and Western Australia last year finding the operator unfit to hold any of its casino licences in the country. The inquiries were triggered by reports of Crown’s relationship with high-roller junket operators linked to powerful Asian criminal gangs, as well as the company’s irresponsible treatment of problem gamblers.

“We expect to be fully open in October as we build the membership base,” said Crown Barangaroo Chief Executive Simon McGrath.

“The level of interest has exceeded our expectations in terms of membership. I think we’ll be at a pretty good pace relatively quickly. However, what’s important to us is that we do that in a very safe and responsible way.”