Crown Resorts Granted Conditional Casino License in Sydney After Demonstrating Commitment to Reform

The New South Wales Independent Casino Commission (NICC) has granted Crown Resorts a conditional casino license for its Crown Sydney property after the company demonstrated a commitment to responsible gambling and cultural change. NICC chief commissioner Philip Crawford stated that Crown has progressed significantly and must now show its long-term dedication to maintaining suitability.

Crown Sydney was previously deemed unfit to hold a gaming license in 2021 due to allegations of money laundering at the venue. However, the NICC is now satisfied that Crown has made the necessary reforms and can retain its casino license, though it must continue to maintain high standards and undergo ongoing monitoring.

The NICC found that Crown Sydney has fundamentally reformed its business and is operating the casino in compliance with regulatory requirements. While the NICC acknowledged the misconduct exposed in 2021, it believes Crown is a transformed business that is focused on the future.

Why this matters: The decision to grant Crown Sydney a conditional casino license is a significant development for the Australian gaming industry. It demonstrates the importance of responsible gambling practices and cultural reform in maintaining regulatory compliance and public trust.

Crown Resorts has invested $200 million in a comprehensive transformation of its business, implementing major structural overhauls, anti-money laundering measures, and changes to its corporate culture. The reforms include the implementation of hundreds of new internal controls, a new license and regulatory agreement with the NSW government, and the removal of certain compensation trigger clauses.

Crawford expressed confidence in Crown's ability to keep operating its Sydney casino into the future, stating, "Crown has rebuilt its gaming model from the ground up, but there is still potential for enhancement. Crown must continue to lift standards and maintain its cultural transformation."

Key Takeaways

• NICC grants Crown Resorts conditional casino license for Crown Sydney
• Crown Sydney previously deemed unfit due to money laundering allegations
• NICC satisfied Crown has reformed business, complies with regulations
• Crown invested $200M in transformation, including new controls and culture
• NICC confident in Crown's ability to operate Sydney casino long-term