Crown Resorts should be able to open its $2.2 billion Sydney casino next month as a 'working test' of its operations, a lawyer representing the company says. The future of the towering hotel, casino and entertainment complex is under a cloud amid an Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority probe examining whether Crown is fit to run the gaming operation. The regulator announced on Wednesday it was withholding regulatory approval for Crown to open the casino in mid-December until the inquiry hands down its report. The extraordinary inquiry has previously heard evidence the company facilitated money laundering, partnered with dodgy junket operators and had a poor culture. 'Many of the matters the authority may wish to be satisfied about are going to be matters that require a working test, as it were,' Crown's lawyer Neil Young QC told the hearing on Thursday. 'That is best addressed by allowing the casino to operate and then very closely monitoring, reviewing and having an audit after two months ... of how it's running. 'We don't suggest that there needs to be, in the overall scheme ... a complete postponement of the commencement of operations.' Mr Young said the company was reviewing its culture and would conduct a full report into operations a year after the casino opens. 'The Crown board ... is trying to address the issues in the fullest and most appropriate way,' he said. Mr Young suggested Crown's junket partners could be made to pass a probity test and be licensed by regulators. He rejected recommendations from lawyers assisting the inquiry that major shareholder and billionaire James Packer be forced to dilute his shareholding in Crown. Counsel assisting recommended Mr Packer's company Consolidated Press Holdings not exercise more than 10 per cent of its voting power. Mr Young said this was not necessary as there was no evidence CPH intended to use its voting power inappropriately. He said the board had already reduced the influence of CPH and Mr Packer by terminating an agreement that allowed them access to certain Crown information. Mr Young said Crown and CPH's relationship will be 'no different' to that of any public company and its major shareholder. The ILGA on Wednesday said allowing gambling to take place at the Barangaroo casino before the inquiry delivers a final report in February would pose an unacceptable community risk. Crown says it will continue to focus on opening non-gaming operations until February. Crown's lawyers have admitted that money was likely laundered through its bank accounts, but sought to persuade inquiry commissioner Patricia Bergin that subsequent reforms meant it was now fit to hold the casino licence. Australian Associated Press

Christmas by Crown Available to order from 1 December 2020 and for delivery or pick up from 21 December to 24 December 2020. Celebrate the magic of Christmas at home with the added luxury of Crown. With a six-person hamper carefully curated by Crown’s very own award-winning Chef Kelly Jackson, you can feast on all your festive favourites. Experience the unparalleled facilities of Crown Metropol Perth. Indoor, outdoor and kid-friendly pools promise to provide hours of entertainment, while The Pavilion offers the ultimate in poolside luxury. Friday, Saturday and Sunday. (Open for take-away only) PH: +61 3 9686 1488 View on Google Maps.Opening hours may vary and are subject to change. Hours before Louisiana would officially reopen under Phase 1, Gov. John Bel Edwards announced changes to his executive order that would affect casinos and shopping malls.

Crown resorts has been hit by a major setback after the New South Wales gaming regulator blocked next month's opening of a new multibillion-dollar casino in Sydney.

Crown announced to the ASX on Wednesday it wouldn't open on schedule, less than 24 hours after its lawyers submitted information that showed it probably allowed money laundering to happen.Source:Supplied

As midnight approached on Tuesday, lawyers for Crown Resorts sent an email.

Attached were two reports which led to bad news for the company as it neared the opening of its $2.2 billion casino and resort at Barangaroo in Sydney’s Darling Harbour – which may no longer be able to operate as a casino.

Advisory firm Grant Thornton and anti-money laundering compliance solutions group Initialism had concluded evidence of money laundering could be seen in accounts of two Crown subsidiaries.

The email, and specifically its late night arrival at 11pm, didn’t impress former NSW Supreme Court judge Patricia Bergin, who said it was “incredible … this is happening in the middle of the night”.

“This material should have been produced last year or at the beginning in February when the material was summonsed,” she added.

RELATED: Crown attack on staffer a ‘blot on the board’

Crown Sydney at Barangaroo won’t open on schedule. Picture: Saeed Khan/AFPSource:AFP

RELATED: Porn pauses teen hacker’s hearing

Ms Bergin is chairing an inquiry by the NSW Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority (ILGA) seeking to determine whether Crown remains suitable to hold a restricted gaming licence in New South Wales.

The ILGA has now blocked the casino from opening on schedule.

It was slated to start opening on December 14, but the inquiry is not due to deliver its decision until February.

ILGA chair Philip Crawford said the Authority was “not comfortable” letting Crown operate gaming before the inquiry handed down its findings.

At 2.05pm on Wednesday, Crown announced a pause in trading of its shares on the ASX “pending a further announcement”.

Crown Casino Perth Opening Hours Christmas Day

A mere 38 minutes later it upgraded that trading pause to a halt.

At 5.03pm the market was informed the Crown “board has determined that gaming operations at Crown Sydney will not commence in December 2020”.

RELATED: Writer fired for exposing himself on Zoom call

Crown announced to the ASX on Wednesday it wouldn't open on schedule, less than 24 hours after its lawyers submitted information that showed it probably allowed money laundering to happen.Source:Supplied

It said because the ILGA “deferred its consideration of a number of applications required for the commencement of gaming operations” until February, “Crown will continue to focus on opening the non-gaming operations at Crown Sydney”.

Those operations include 14 bars and restaurants, a 350-room hotel, and 82 “bespoke” luxury apartments.

A rendering of a luxury Crown Residence with views of the Opera House.Source:Supplied

James Packer has already paid $60 million for levels 48 and 49 of the 72-storey spiral tower, which was originally going to be six apartments.

Emails have already landed Mr Packer in trouble during the inquiry.

In October, he agreed the threatening emails he sent to an anonymous businessman were “shameful” and “disgraceful” and said it was due to bipolar that he’s now being treated for.

Crown Casino Opening Hours Perth

During the inquiry there have been calls for Mr Packer to be banned from associating with Crown, which he was formerly chairman and director of until resigning in 2018, citing “mental health issues”.

Crown Casino Opening Hours Melbourne

On Thursday morning Crown’s share price had sunk more than four per cent in early trade before rebounding to be down closer to two per cent by noon.

Crown Casino Opening Hours Christmas Eve

– With NCA NewsWire