Crown Resorts has revealed it hopes to launch gaming operations at Crown Sydney in early 2022.
Providing an operational update as part of an investor presentation being conducted at the AU$2.2 billion (US$1.6 billion) development in Sydney’s Barangaroo precinct today, Crown said it has been making “good progress” in implementing reforms outlined under the company’s remediation plan.
That plan, recommended as part of February’s Bergin Report into Crown’s suitability to retain its casino license, included working closely with the NSW gaming regulator – the Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority (ILGA) – to achieve suitability after the company was deemed unsuitable.
Crown said Monday that discussions were ongoing with ILGA but that it was “targeting a gaming floor opening early in the new year.” Such action would be a “staged opening based on current staffing levels” with “further recruitment for gaming related roles to be undertaken ahead of a full commencement of gaming” later in the year.
Crown added that it currently has 420 staff employed in gaming related roles at Crown Sydney and that gaming areas were ready for opening on a staged basis pending a determination of suitability by ILGA.
Crown launched some non-gaming operations in December 2020 and was recently granted an eight-month extension to three interim liquor licenses allowing alcohol to be sold at bars and restaurants across the property.
The company revealed Monday that all non-gaming facilities are now operational after the final restaurant to open, Oncore by Clare Smyth, commenced trading on 18 November 2021.
