The gaming giant, Crown Resorts, suggests a phased launch, under rigorous regulatory control, for its new Sydney establishment as the optimal method to demonstrate its license worthiness. This follows a suggestion from the Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority (ILGA) to postpone the casino’s debut.
Initially scheduled to open its doors on December 14th, the $2.2 billion Barangaroo venue’s future remains uncertain as the ILGA awaits the conclusions of an ongoing investigation into Crown’s business practices. The inquiry, led by Commissioner Patricia Bergin, is expected to present its final report in February 2021.
The investigation itself originates from serious accusations of financial misconduct at Crown’s Melbourne and Perth locations, and apprehensions regarding the company’s associations with high-roller tour organizers potentially connected to criminal syndicates. These accusations have subjected Crown to intense examination, tarnishing their reputation. This is not the first instance of Crown encountering legal issues; four years prior, Chinese officials found several Crown personnel guilty of unlawfully promoting wagering activities.
Despite these obstacles, Crown’s legal representative, Neil Young QC, contested delaying the Sydney casino’s inauguration. Instead, he proposed permitting the casino to initiate operations under the close supervision of the ILGA. This gradual opening would enable Crown to exhibit its dedication to improvement while affording the ILGA direct oversight.
To further appease the regulatory body, Young detailed a series of actions Crown would undertake, encompassing a leadership restructuring, an assessment of the company’s ethos, and strengthened anti-money laundering procedures. He even recommended positioning ILGA inspectors within the casino and furnishing daily updates to the regulator.
Yang stressed the importance of regulators obtaining a “practical understanding” to grasp the situation completely. He posits that certain inquiries are better addressed not through theoretical documents but by witnessing the casinos firsthand and meticulously assessing their activities.
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