New look gaming floor at Crown Sydney to focus on safety
Crown Sydney unveiled its new gaming floor today after reopening its doors on Friday.
The gaming and entertainment giant dropped its high-roller VIP format, the cause of much of its recent regulatory problems in favour of the new-look casino and luxury Mahogany Lounge.
News cameras were given an exemption by the regulator for a sneak peek at the new floor.
The NSW Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority (ILGA) granted the casino a conditional gaming licence on April 30 2024, after it agreed to change its business practices following allegations of money laundering.
The original configuration of two gaming floors has been revised to a single floor, offering uninterrupted floor-to-ceiling views of the harbor, alongside the opulent Mahogany Lounge, now accessible to the public every day of the week.
In November, Crown announced the consolidation of the two floors into one, rebranding the former Crystal Floor as the Mahogany Floor, which resulted in the elimination of 180 jobs. Additionally, operating hours were reduced during weekdays.
Mark McWhinnie, CEO of Crown Sydney, stated that the casino updates were implemented based on customer feedback, emphasizing that the current demand could be sufficiently met with a single floor.
“The unveiling of our new casino experience, coupled with our significant investment in gambling harm minimisation and financial crime prevention, sets a new standard here in Australia for safe gaming entertainment,” he said.
“We want people to enjoy the experience.”
‘Play safe’ officers will patrol the floors “encouraging people to have a break” from gambling at the appropriate time.
Money laundering teams are also in place.
McWhinnie said Crown should now be viewed as “a world-class integrated resort with award-winning restaurants, an exceptional hotel and Australia’s first Forbes five star rated spa.
“Crown has invested millions of dollars in transforming our business – with significant investment in our guest experience, as well as gambling harm minimisation and financial crime prevention.”
Jonathan Jackson, 7th February 2024
