After years of controversy, Crown Resorts’ new A$2bn (US$1.5bn) casino in Sydney opened for the first time yesterday.
The tall building, at Barangaroo Point on Sydney’s harbourside, opened only for VIPs under a conditional licence, following the inquiry into money-laundering at Crown’s other properties in Melbourne and Perth.
The acquisition of Crown by investment company Blackstone Group was a deciding factor in Crown being permitted to retain its licences.
The property has been open for non-gaming business for 18 months. Its members-only access will open up 160 table games, plus 66 electronic tables. No slots are on the floor.