Australian Sports Entertainment

Wednesday, June 29, 2022

Australian Sports Entertainment Blog: Blackstone gets green light to operate Crown Sydney Casino

Blackstone gets green light to operate Crown Sydney Casino


The NSW Independent Liquor & Gaming Authority has approved funds manager Blackstone’s suitability to hold a casino licence in NSW, paving the way for the company to become the operator of Crown Sydney casino.

The NSW Independent Liquor & Gaming Authority has approved funds manager Blackstone’s suitability to hold a casino licence in NSW, paving the way for the company to become the operator of Crown Sydney casino. 

Authority Chairperson Philip Crawford said Blackstone had been subject to an extensive probity assessment that examined its capacity to address the risks and issues of concern identified in the Bergin Report.

“The probity assessment has also resulted in certain persons being approved to become “close associates” of Crown Sydney,” Mr Crawford said.

“These approvals are a key step in the Authority’s ongoing work to ensure Crown Sydney is able to fully meet its undertakings for major operational, governance and structural reforms.

“As the prospective owner of Crown Resorts, Blackstone has been required to demonstrate the highest standards of probity as well as a commitment to deliver the full suite of operational changes recommended by the Bergin Inquiry.

“This commitment is vital to ensure Crown Sydney is free from criminal influence and properly manages the risks of harm associated with casino activities.” 

The Authority’s regulatory approvals follow a meeting of Crown shareholders on 20 May that voted overwhelmingly to accept Blackstone’s takeover offer. 

Mr Crawford said Blackstone has also been required to meet certain conditions under a private equity model of ownership.

“These approvals and conditions are dependent on Blackstone gaining Federal Court approval for its takeover of Crown, as well as the necessary regulatory approvals from Victorian and Western Australia regulators, Mr Crawford said.  

“Separately, the Authority has worked closely with Crown on plans for a conditional opening of gaming at Crown Sydney  

 “This would allow the Authority to monitor the implementation by Crown of  its obligations under revised internal control measures.”

Friday, June 03, 2022

WWE And A&E Weekly programming news update

WWE And A&E Weekly programming news update



Biography: WWE Legends – Season Two, premiering Sunday, July 10 at 8pm ET/PT

Under the award-winning Biography banner, each two-hour episode will tell the intimate, personal stories behind the success of some of WWE’s most memorable Legends and events. Through rare archival footage and in-depth interviews, each episode explores a different Legend and their immense impact in the WWE universe and on pop culture. Legends featured this season include The Undertaker, Goldberg, The Bella Twins, Lex Luger, Edge, Kurt Angle, Rey Mysterio, D-Generation X and a look at the iconic first-ever WrestleMania.


WWE Rivals – new series premiere Sunday, July 10 at 10pm ET/PT

Actor and former WWE writer Freddie Prinze Jr. leads a roundtable discussion of WWE luminaries to delve into the storylines and dynamic characters behind the epic battles that built the WWE. Each one-hour episode features archival footage from WWE’s library as well as interviews with the Legends involved and the Superstars that watched these rivalries unfold. Rivalries featured this season include “Stone Cold” Steve Austin vs. The Rock, Bret “The Hitman” Hart vs. Shawn Michaels, The Undertaker vs. Kane, John Cena vs. Edge and the “Monday Night Wars” between WCW and WWE.


WWE Smack Talk – new series premiere Sunday, July 10 at 11pm ET/PT

Featuring WWE Legend Booker T, Hot 97 and ESPN host Peter Rosenberg and WWE host Jackie Redmond, each half-hour after show episode breaks down the biggest moments from each Sunday’s episode of “Biography: WWE Legends” and “WWE Rivals” as well as reveals new information that didn’t make the cut. Along the way, Booker, Peter and Jackie will welcome WWE Legends, current Superstars and other celebrity guests to further discuss the night’s events.