Crown Melbourne restarts some gaming operations

The casino will begin some operations with limited capacity as of November 12

Australia.- Crown Resorts has received approval from the Victoria state government to restart some gaming operations at its Melbourne casino as of November 12.

The casino will be able to operate with a limited number of electronic gaming machines and table games. Every second machine will be deactivated to keep a distance between players.  

Crown will also be allowed to open ten designated VIP areas, each with a maximum capacity of ten customers.  

Players will only be allowed to use the facility for 90 minutes a day and no smoking will be allowed. The casino must have a “Covid-19 Marshal” for each area.

Crown said select retail and food and beverages outlets have recommenced operations. 

Ken Barton, Crown’s chief executive officer, said: “We have been working for some time with the Victorian Government and health authorities to determine how we can safely re-open Crown Melbourne and have developed extensive physical distancing and hygiene measures to allow re-opening in a safe manner.” 

Crown is also aiming to open its new casino and resort in Barangaroo, Sydney in December, although the inquiry held by the New South Wells Independent Liquor & Gaming Authority (ILGA) has not yet decided if the company is suitable to keep its licence.

ILGA’s decision won’t be announced until February 2021. The Guardian recently reported ILGA will hold a meeting on November 18 to discuss the conditions of Crown Sydney’s opening in December. 

The minister responsible for gaming, Victor Dominello, said on Monday that the regulator will consider limiting or restricting the opening of the new venue.