Crown Sydney casino’s move away from VIP-only blocked

Premier rejects pokies for Barangaroo
Barangaroo will have to remain a VIP-only casino unless Crown finds a loophole.

Crown Resorts’ new business model for Barangaroo may be jeopardised as the NSW Premier has ruled out any chance of poker machines at the Sydney venue.

Crown has long called Barangaroo a VIP only complex, but in recent times its expected audience has transitioned due to a decline in high roller revenue.

But the newly appointed New South Wales Premier, Gladys Berejiklian, has created a roadblock for the transition, denying Crown Resorts’ request to put pokies inside the high roller complex in Sydney, according to ABC News 24.

The Premier said the venue would not turn into a regular casino with electronic gaming machines, even if James Packer failed to attract the wealthy high roller casino players initially envisioned.

“The policy hasn’t changed — that’s a VIP room,” Ms Berejiklian said.

Former Premier Mike Baird approved the $2 billion VIP-only Barangaroo complex in 2014 after Packer proposed the venue would be a drawcard for overseas wealthy players – predominantly from China.

Pokies weren’t part of the proposal.

While the Sydney venue won’t be open until 2021, Crown is already rearranging its business model, with newly appointed chairman John Alexander suggesting VIP isn’t the only “arm and leg of Barangaroo.”

Ms Berejiklian has affirmed the Baird-approved casino policy, emphasising it will remain a “restricted gaming facility” business model.

Crown has struggled in the wake of the arrests of 18 Crown staff and associates last year, which has resulted in a steep drop in VIP revenue for its Australian properties.

The arrests could result in a review of its licenses with former chair of the Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority, Chris Sidoti, suggesting the Sydney license was granted too quickly.

“I don’t think there was an appetite for thorough scrutiny, I think there was a wish simply to get the job done in terms of having some basic level of examination and doing the deal.”

Ms Berejiklian refuted Sidoti’s comments.

“I respect [the rights of] anyone with experience to express their views but there was a very thorough process,” she said.

“That part of Sydney is potentially the most highly regulated and scrutinised processes we’ve gone through as a government.

“I’m convinced that the process was robust, in the strictest of probity and I look forward to seeing the site further develop.”

Alternatives to land-based casinos

If you don’t want to wait for Barangaroo to be built, or you aren’t located in Australia, you can head online and play real money casino games.

We recommend playing at OnlineCasinoGames, due to the range of secure games for players from United States, and security features used.

Subscribe
Notify of
guest

0 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

iOS App
Android App
OnlineCasinoGames
Play the best Online Casino Games
Available to residents of United States
Welcome package of $20,000

18+. Gamble Responsibly. Full T&C's apply.

iOS App
Android App
BETMODE
Play, Win and Run the show with On-Chain Gaming
Available to residents of United States
75 Free Spins + Up To 50% Cashback

Deposit $500 or more and get 50% cashback. 18+ Gamble Responsibly. BETMODE T&Cs apply.

iOS App
Android App
ReefSpins
ReefSpins is for winners
Available to residents of United States
100% match up to $300

ReefSpins encourages all players to play responsibly and within their limits, gamble responsibly. Full T&C's apply.

BetOnline Casino
Trusted brand
Available to residents of United States
100 Welcome Free Spins

Sign up at BetOnline Casino and make a deposit to score 100 free spins on selected online slots. Full terms.

Bovada Casino
Bitcoin Friendly
Available to residents of United States
100% up to $3000

18+. Gamble Responsibly. Full T&C's apply.

Wild Casino
It's a jungle out there
Available to residents of United States
$5000 + 225 free spins

18+ gamble responsibly. First deposit only. Use code WILD250. Max deposit $1000. 5x turnover requirement. Full terms

0
Would love your thoughts, please comment.x
()
x