Crown Sydney anticipates reopening its dormant casino premises in early 2022. Crown Resorts anticipates launching the gaming floor of its $2.2 billion Crown Sydney Hotel Resort in the early stages of next year. However, the real-money casino notes that the regulator has not set an official timetable yet.

More on Crown Casino Reopening 

The business announced the news during an investor briefing, adding that it believes it has made “excellent progress” with its cultural change program, which is aimed at addressing several previously recognized severe failures. It resulted in the establishment of a royal inquiry in New South Wales due to a damning study commissioned by the Independent Liquor & Gaming Authority and overseen by retired Supreme Court judge Patricia Bergin, which found the firm unable to run its Sydney site.

The nearly 800-page assessment of the group’s suitability, which followed allegations made by Australia’s Nine Network, the Sydney Morning Herald, and The Age, alleged that Crown, or its agents, affiliates, or subsidiaries, engaged in money laundering; violated gambling laws; and partnered with junket operators linked to drug traffickers, money launderers, human traffickers, and organized crime groups.

A further inquiry was also begun in Victoria, which is slated to provide its report and regional government reaction on October 26, 2021, and in Western Australia, where the Perth Casino Royal Commission is planned to release its findings by March 4, 2022.

“With the completion of all aspects of the hotel resort, we have welcomed around 1,300 staff to Crown Sydney at a time when pandemic restrictions have significantly impacted the hospitality industry,” commented Steve McCann, CEO and managing director of Crown. It totals nearly 420 employees in gaming-related positions to date.

“As you are aware, gaming areas have not yet begun construction while we continue to discuss with the ILGA.

“We think we have made significant progress toward implementing the reforms specified in our remediation plan, including those in the Bergin report, and we continue to engage cooperatively with the independent monitor.

“We are in regular contact with the ILGA, and while the regulator has not yet confirmed the official opening date, we are currently aiming for an early January launch of the gaming floor.

“While all gaming sections are complete, the opening will occur in stages due to present staffing levels, with more recruitment for gaming-related positions required before a full start of gaming operations.”

Crown previously negotiated an arrangement with the ILGA in New South Wales to suspend all overseas junket operations while maintaining its Melbourne casino license despite an inquiry finding the group to be “unsuitable” due to its “illegal, dishonest, immoral, and exploitative” conduct.

McCann continued, “A critical aspect of this program is ensuring we strengthen our risk culture and also our approach to compliance, to ensure we are meeting the objectives and purpose of the regulations and policies we follow, rather than simply meeting their requirements.”

“And, while we recognize that cultural change takes time to take root, I am confident that we have made significant headway in a relatively short period in reshaping Crown’s culture.”

“As they try to infuse this new culture throughout the organization, the resort reinvigorated leadership is setting a new tone from the top and facilitating the transformation; we need a clear vision and a clear set of values that people understand and accept in their daily work.”

About Crown Resorts 

Crown Resorts is one of Australia’s leading entertainment conglomerates, contributing significantly to the country’s economy. Crown Australia owns and runs two of the country’s finest integrated resorts, Crown Melbourne and Crown Perth, as well as Crown Sydney, Sydney’s newest premium hotel resort and dining complex. Crown also owns and manages Crown Aspinalls in London, an expensive private members club in the heart of the West End entertainment district. Crown also owns a 50% stake in the UK-based Aspers Group and a 20% stake in Nobu. Crown owns 100% of Betfair Australasia, DGN Games, and Chill Gaming (50 percent).