Crown London Aspinalls, a prestigious Mayfair casino owned by Australian gambling giant Crown Resorts, has sounded the alarm over its financial future. Despite a recent uptick in revenue due to eased travel restrictions, the casino’s ability to continue operations is in question due to the ongoing regulatory troubles faced by its parent company.
These traditional-style casinos are already locked in a battle with their online casino counterparts; the latter having surged in popularity over recent years, namely due to the flexibility, security and choice these casinos bring to their clientele. With access to thousands of real money games, scores of bonuses and 24/7 customer service according to online casino writer, Ciaran McEneaney, it’s an uphill struggle for many traditional casino houses to compete.
Crown Resorts is currently under scrutiny by Australian authorities for alleged money laundering and other improprieties at its Australian casinos. The company is undergoing regulatory reviews and the outcome of these investigations could significantly impact its financial stability.
And, consequently, its ability to support Aspinalls.
While Crown Resorts recently retained its license for its Melbourne casino, these proceeding regulatory issues have raised concerns about the company’s long-term financial health. These concerns have prompted Aspinalls’ directors to acknowledge the “material uncertainty” surrounding the casino’s ability to remain operational.
The history of Aspinalls is synonymous with gambling in Great Britain. John Aspinall was a prominent figure in the London gaming world, who more than left his stamp on the industry. He played a key role in the enactment of the 1960 Betting and Gaming Act, which allowed for legal casinos throughout the country. Additionally, he was a founding member of the exclusive Claremont Set, a social group known for both its influence and affluence.
Over the following three decades, the Aspinalls brand became synonymous with high-end gaming and exclusivity.
Today, however, how things have changed. In 2024, Aspinalls heavily relies on financial support from Crown Resorts, which is currently grappling with the fallout from scandals and investigations and the growing use of online casino sites. Allegations against Crown Resorts include facilitating money laundering and failing to properly vet junket operators, leading to a major overhaul of the company’s management and ownership.
The future of Aspinalls hangs in the balance, as it depends on the outcome of the ongoing regulatory reviews of Crown Resorts. While the casino has recently seen somewhat of a revenue boost due to increased international clientele, its ability to continue operations is intrinsically linked to the financial stability of its parent company.
If Crown Resorts is unable to provide the necessary financial support, Aspinalls in London may face significant challenges in remaining a viable business.
Thanks to the interconnectedness of its gambling operations and the potential risks associated with regulatory and legal issues faced by its parent companies, Aspinalls, a casino with a rich history and a loyal clientele, has an uncertain future as it awaits the resolution of Crown Resorts’ regulatory troubles.