The casino group behind Crown Melbourne and Crown Perth changed hands in mid‑2022 when private equity firm Blackstone completed a A$8.9 billion acquisition. This guide traces the ownership saga, explains what the regulatory investigations uncovered, and gives you the practical details you need before visiting the two active casino locations.
Last checked: 2026-08-24
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Number of Casinos: 2 (Melbourne and Perth) · Owner: Blackstone Group · Melbourne Opened: 1994 · Perth Opened: 1985 (as Burswood)
How we researched this
Last checked: 2026-08-24.
Sources reviewed: official property website (crownperth.com.au), Wikipedia, app store listings (Apple, Google Play), public news archives.
We did not conduct an on‑site visit, interview staff, or independently verify financial data beyond publicly disclosed reports.
Crown Casino at a glance
- 2 (Melbourne and Perth) (Wikipedia)
- Blackstone Group
- 1994 (Wikipedia)
- 1985 (as Burswood)
| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Number of Casinos | 2 (Melbourne and Perth) |
| Owner | Blackstone Group |
| Melbourne Opened | 1994 |
| Perth Opened | 1985 (as Burswood) |
| Operating hours | 24/7 at both Melbourne and Perth |
| Minimum entry age | 18 years |
Crown Casino timeline
- 1985 – Burswood casino opens in Perth (later rebranded Crown Perth).
- 1994 – Crown Melbourne opens.
- 2021 (Oct) – Victorian Royal Commission finds Crown Melbourne unsuitable to hold a casino licence.
- 2022 (Feb) – Crown Resorts agrees to A$8.9 billion takeover by Blackstone.
- 2022 (Jun) – Blackstone completes acquisition; Crown delisted from ASX.
What happened to Crown Casino?
In October 2021 the Victorian Royal Commission into the Casino Operator and Licence (the Finkelstein Royal Commission) found that Crown Melbourne was unsuitable to hold the state’s casino licence. The commission described conduct as “illegal, dishonest, unethical and exploitative.” (Victorian Government) Rather than cancel the licence immediately, the commission recommended that Crown Melbourne continue operating under a Special Manager for two years.
That same year, the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) imposed an A$80 million fine on Crown Melbourne for evading Chinese currency restrictions and facilitating illegal fund transfers. The Australian financial intelligence agency AUSTRAC also began civil penalty proceedings against Crown Melbourne and Crown Perth for alleged anti‑money‑laundering and counter‑terrorism financing breaches.
Ownership changed dramatically in 2022. Crown Resorts, previously controlled by James Packer, accepted a A$8.9 billion takeover offer from Blackstone. The deal was approved by the Federal Court of Australia on 15 June 2022 and took effect on 24 June 2022. (The Guardian) (Crown Resorts)
In response to the Royal Commission, the Victorian Government increased the maximum penalty under the Casino Control Act from A$1 million to A$100 million and supported legislative changes that could lead to automatic cancellation of Crown Melbourne’s licence if suitability is not proven. (Victorian Government)
Why this matters: The combination of regulatory findings, a record fine, and a forced change of ownership means that Crown’s casinos are now operating under much stricter oversight than before 2021.
Who is Crown Casino owned by?
Since October 2021, Crown Resorts (the parent company of Crown Melbourne and Crown Perth) has been owned by Blackstone, the American private equity firm. The acquisition was completed on 24 June 2022, making it Blackstone’s largest investment in Asia Pacific. (Blackstone)
Before Blackstone, the majority shareholder was James Packer, who held about 36–37% of Crown Resorts shares. Packer sold his stake as part of the A$8.9 billion deal, receiving roughly A$3.36 billion. The transaction ended the Packer family’s direct control of the casino group, which had been a subject of controversy during the regulatory inquiries.
The bottom line: Blackstone now controls all three Crown properties, and the ownership change was explicitly seen by the Victorian Royal Commission as a necessary step toward the company regaining suitability.
Where are Crown casinos located?
Crown Resorts operates three integrated resorts, but only two contain active casinos:
- Crown Melbourne – Melbourne, Victoria (opened 1994, casino 24/7)
- Crown Perth – Perth, Western Australia (opened 1985 as Burswood, casino 24/7)
- Crown Sydney – Sydney, New South Wales (opened 2020, but no casino licence; operates as a hotel, restaurants, and bars)
Both active casinos are open to the public 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Can anyone go into the Crown Casino?
Entry to the gaming areas at Crown Melbourne and Crown Perth requires visitors to be at least 18 years old and to present identification. The casinos are open 24/7, and the public can access the ground‑floor gaming floors freely (subject to age checks). VIP rooms and high‑roller areas have additional access restrictions.
The catch: While the main casino floor is open to all adults, some areas are reserved for members or high‑stakes players, so not every part of the property is accessible to casual visitors.
How to download the Crown Casino app?
There is no official real‑money Crown Casino app available for Australian users. The only Crown‑branded app found on the Apple App Store and Google Play is CrownCoins Casino, a social casino experience that does not involve real‑money gambling. (Apple App Store) (Google Play)
What to watch: Be cautious of third‑party apps claiming to be “Crown Casino” – they are not affiliated with the official operator and may be scams.
Comparing Crown Melbourne and Crown Perth
| Property | City | Year Opened | Operating Hours | On‑site Hotel | Entry Age Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crown Melbourne | Melbourne, Victoria | 1994 | 24/7 | Yes (multiple hotels) | 18 |
| Crown Perth | Perth, Western Australia | 1985 (as Burswood) | 24/7 | Yes (multiple hotels) | 18 |
Our pick for visitors
If you’re visiting Melbourne: Crown Melbourne is the larger, more central option with a wide range of restaurants, bars, and entertainment beyond the casino floor. It’s a short walk from the Yarra River and Southbank precinct.
If you’re visiting Perth: Crown Perth is the only casino in Western Australia, situated on the Swan River near the city centre. It includes a resort hotel, multiple dining venues, and a convention centre.
Both properties offer 24/7 gaming, validated identification required, and a similar minimum age of 18. Your choice really depends on which city you’re travelling to.
rccol.archive.royalcommission.vic.gov.au, vgccc.vic.gov.au, reuters.com, en.wikipedia.org, smh.com.au, smh.com.au
Frequently Asked Questions
How much did James Packer sell Crown for?
Approximately A$8.9 billion in the 2021 sale to Blackstone.
Is Crown the only casino in Victoria?
Yes, Crown Melbourne is the only casino in the state of Victoria.
Does Crown Casino Melbourne ever close?
No, it operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
What types of games are available at Crown Casino?
Table games (blackjack, roulette, poker) and electronic slot machines are available on the gaming floors.
Who owns Crown Casino?
Blackstone Group since June 2022.
When was Crown Melbourne opened?
1994.