Crown chooses the luckiest day of the year to open its Barangaroo gaming floor

Crown Resorts will open its new gaming floor at the $2.2 billion casino in Barangaroo on August 8, otherwise known as the Lion’s Gate Portal and widely considered by the Chinese as one of the luckiest days of the year.

The opening comes just a month after the gaming giant received conditional approval from the NSW regulator and US private equity fund Blackstone’s $8.9 billion acquisition.

The gaming floor is designed to cater for VIP high rollers.

Crown’s former owner and major shareholder, James Packer is no longer involved with the company, but will be moving into his $60 million Barangaroo apartment with his family and enjoy the opening after playing such a prominent role in getting the ball rolling for a Sydney casino ten years ago

“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.

After heavy investigation into its operations, Crown Casino was granted a conditional licence by the NSW Independent Liquor & Gaming Authority to operate its casino under strict conditions.

Crown will offer “intimate gaming” operations set over two “luxurious VIP gaming floors” including the famed Crystal Room and Mahogany Room.

The casino will include about 160 gaming tables and 70 electronic table games.

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

“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.

“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.”