NSW’s gaming regulator has given the green light for Crown Resorts to operate its Sydney casino on a conditional licence – days before the company is taken over by US private equity firm Blackstone. Last year, the Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority (ILGA) deemed the company unsuitable stewards of a license to operate its newly-built Barangaroo casino after a damning public inquiry heard evidence about money laundering and criminal links at its Melbourne casino. But Crown has since implemented “deep structural change” – including the departure of billionaire James Packer – and it has been granted a conditional licence that will see the regulator  “keep a very close eye” on things. That’s how it will be until the end of 2023. While it hasn’t been able to run its casino in the Barangaroo development, Crown opened the hotel and restaurants to the public last year. Crown boss Steve McCann said the casino’s opening plans will be “announced shortly”. #SquizShortcut