Crown Sydney to open VIP casino on 8 August

In June, the NSW ILGA approved the move on a conditional level, stating that Crown’s operations will be monitored closely as part of the final phase of its licence suitability assessment.

This initial conditional period is set to expire in 2023.

The assessment was imposed following the Bergin inquiry, which found Crown Resorts unfit to operate in Barangaroo.

A statement from Crown confirmed the gaming floor’s opening date and detailed its facilities.

“Today, we announced that Crown Sydney’s VIP gaming facilities will open to members and guests on 8 August 2022,” read the statement.

“Crown Sydney’s intimate gaming operations will be Australia’s first VIP casino and will be set over two luxurious floors, the Crystal Room and Mahogany Room, with an additional 12 exclusive private Sky Salons located on levels 28 and 29.”

The casino’s interior was designed by Bates Smart.

The Crystal Room will open on 8 August with the Mahogany Room following at a later date.

Sky News Australia reported that only Crown Sydney VIP members and their guests will be allowed to use the casino facilities, along with guests at the hotel.

Last month, private equity group Blackstone completed its AU$8.87bn (£5.10bn/€5.87bn/US$6.12bn) acquisition of Crown Resorts, after the deal was approved by the Federal Court of Australia, New South Wales, Victoria and Western Australia.

Initially, Asian gaming group Melco was in the running, but the Bergin inquiry – along with other similar inquiries into Crown’s suitability to operate in Victoria and Western Australia – halted this.

Earlier this month the Victoria Gambling and Casino Control Commission put further disciplinary proceedings in motion, that could see Crown fined up to AU$100m.