Crown Sydney casino opening date announced

Crown Sydney casino opening date announced

Crown Sydney will finally open the gambling floor at its new $2.2 billion casino in Barangaroo on 8 August.

This is more than a month after receiving conditional approval from the NSW regulator and is a date that is hoped to resonate with its key target market.

Crown Resorts – which was previously owned by James Packer and then taken over by US equity fund Blackstone for $8.9 billion last month – chose this date to cater to Chinese VIP high-rollers, according to The Australian.

The 8th of August – the eighth day of the eighth month – is considered one of the luckiest days of the year, as the double 8 is said to bring joy. Also, the Cantonese word for eight sounds like the word “prosper” in the same language.

The opening of the casino’s gambling floor comes a decade after Packer met with then NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell over lunch at Alan Jones’ apartment to discuss plans for a new casino.

Despite selling his 37 per cent stake in the company and taking home $3.3 billion, Packer has confirmed that he will move into his $60 million apartment in Barangaroo.

“I am coming back to Sydney, with Erica and my kids, all together, to stay at our family apartment at Crown Sydney for the first time next March. I can’t wait to see Crown Sydney, and to be in Sydney with my kids and with Eri,” Packer told The Australian last month.

Crown Sydney chief executive Simon McGrath said: “The opening of our gaming operations at Crown Sydney is a defining moment for Crown, and the culmination of months of hard work“.

“The entire team at Crown Sydney has been preparing for this moment for a long time and we felt the symbolism of the 08.08 date represented ideal timing to open our doors.

“We look forward to showcasing our exclusive and unique gaming experience to our VIP members and their guests from next month.

Simon McGrath – recently appointed CEO of Crown Sydney and group head of hospitality

“We are committed to delivering a safe and responsible gaming environment for all, and Crown Sydney’s restricted gaming facility has been designed with the highest levels of governance and compliance.

“It is the only casino of its kind in Australia, with all patrons required to be a member or guest of a member and undergo comprehensive checks.”

The NSW Independent Liquor & Gaming Authority (ILGA) chairman, Philip Crawford, said Crown Sydney will be allowed to conduct casino operations but will be monitored by the regulator as part of the final phase of its suitability assessment.

Latest News

  • Destinations
  • News

APT Launches 2025 Asia Adventures

APT has launched its Asia Adventures for 2025, including new luxury holidays in India, Sri Lanka and Japan. Five new tours lead guests to the highlights of India, including a seven-night cruise along the rarely travelled Lower Ganges aboard the Ganges Voyager. Further south, Sri Lanka’s greatest destinations are revealed on a new 15-day Land […]

  • Cruise
  • Luxury
  • News

Seabourn announces Western Kimberley Traditional Owners as Godparents of Seabourn Pursuit

Seabourn has named Western Kimberley Traditional Owners, the Wunambal Gaambera, as Godparents of the ultra-luxury purpose-built Seabourn Pursuit. It is the first cruise line to appoint Traditional Owners as godparents of a ship. Seabourn Pursuit embarks on its inaugural season in the Kimberley region this June. The naming ceremony will take place on Seabourn Pursuit’s […]

  • Luxury

Malolo Island Resort opens brand new Spa

Fiji’s Malolo Island has added another string to its bow – opening its $1.3 million day spa on Thursday, 18th April 2024. (Lead Image: matriarch Rosie Whitton with spa staff) Located at the edge of the resort’s luscious patch of tropical rainforest, the new “Leilani’s Spa” adds another level of elevated experiences to Malolo’s already […]