Operator News
Australia – Crown could be declared a suitable operator by second half of 2021
By Phil - 28 April 2021
The NSW Independent Liquor & Gaming Authority has said that Crown could prove its suitability to be a casino operator at its Crown Sydney in Barangaroo by the middle of this year.
The suggestion came as Crown Resorts was granted a six-month extension of its liquor licenses for Crown Sydney by the NSW Independent Liquor & Gaming Authority with the regulator saying it remained in discussions over the corporate governance changes needed for Crown to be able to operate gaming at the venue.
ILGA chair Philip Crawford explained said ILGA was still considering Crown’s boardroom changes and responses to the the Bergin Report
He said: ““These issues are detailed and complex, and Crown is required to undertake significant change to satisfy the Authority that it is on a pathway to regain suitability to hold a gaming license. It will take time for Crown to fully implement that change and for the Authority to give it proper consideration before determining the most appropriate course of action. Some were speculating that it might take eight months to two years, but certainly two years is ridiculous. If they can’t get to suitability within 2 years then we’ve got a real problem. I would have thought the second half of this year at some stage is a realistic prospect as long as they can get their structures in place.”Late last year, ILGA agreed to work with Crown Resorts to enable the opening of accommodation, restaurants, bars and entertainment areas.”
