Crown Melbourne, one of the most important and famous properties of Crown Resorts, has finally received permission to resume some of its gaming operations starting this week.

However, the casino will have to observe substantial health and safety restrictions. For instance, gaming will be limited to VIP patrons in ten designated areas with a maximum of ten customers in each of those zones.

Smoking will not be permitted in the gaming areas. Moreover, there will be a requirement for every second machine to be disabled, to keep customers at a safe distance to each other.

There will also be a time limit for customers, no single patron will be allowed on the gaming floor for more than ninety minutes per day.

Extensive Physical Distancing and Hygiene Measures

Speaking about the reopening of Crown Melbourne, Ken Barton, Chief Executive Officer of Crown Resorts, 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. We are pleased to be able to commence the process of welcoming back our employees and customers to Crown Melbourne.”

In addition to the measures outlined above, each area of the casino will be required to have a person designated as “COVID Marshal” supervising the activity to make sure everyone is following the rules.

Earlier this year, Crown Resorts introduced similar social distancing policies at Melbourne and Perth Casinos, but the evolution of the coronavirus pandemic led to nationwide lockdowns.

Crown Resorts is one of Australia’s largest entertainment groups. The company owns and operates two of the country’s largest integrated resorts, Crown Melbourne and Crown Perth.

Moreover, Crown Resorts also owns and operates Crown Aspinalls in London, along with various online businesses like Betfair Australia, DGN Games, and Chill Gaming. Furthermore, it is currently building an exclusive casino, hotel, and high-class apartment tower at Sydney’s Barangaroo, an investment worth 2.4 billion dollars. The new venue is expected to open in the first half of 2021, along with the new Crown Sydney Hotel Resort in New South Wales.

Source: “Revised Operating Conditions“ press release. Crown Resorts. November 9, 2020.