Wynn Resorts To Buy London Casino Aspinall’s

Damian Aspinall the son of John stepped down from the Board back in August last year

Crown Resorts has announced the sale of its high-end London casino, Aspinall’s Club, to the Las Vegas-based gaming operator Wynn Resorts.

The deal, which comes more than a decade after Crown’s initial acquisition of Aspinall’s for £36 million, is part of a broader strategy by Crown’s new owners, investment firm Blackstone, to streamline operations and refocus the company’s portfolio. This sale follows closely on the heels of Crown’s divestment of its 20% stake in the celebrity-backed Nobu restaurant and hotel chain earlier this year.

Aspinall’s Club has long been a jewel in the crown of London’s exclusive gaming scene. Established in the 1960s by John Aspinall, a colourful and controversial figure in British society, the club quickly became synonymous with high-stakes gambling and elite clientele.

Wynn Resorts CEO Craig Billings said, “This acquisition of an iconic asset offers us a presence in a global gateway city and will create a conduit for Wynn guests to visit our resorts, particularly Wynn Al Marjan Island which is slated to open in the first quarter of 2027 in Ras Al Khaimah in the United Arab Emirates.”

A Legacy of Luxury and Exclusivity

From its inception, Aspinall’s set itself apart as a haven for the wealthy and well-connected. The club’s opulent interiors, discreet service, and stringent membership requirements created an atmosphere of unparalleled exclusivity. It was not uncommon to find royalty, business tycoons, and celebrities rubbing shoulders at the gaming tables.

The club’s founder, John Aspinall, was known not only for his gambling enterprises but also for his passionate commitment to wildlife conservation. This unique blend of interests infused Aspinall’s with a character that set it apart from other high-end casinos. The Aspinall family’s continued involvement in the club’s operations over the years helped maintain its distinctive charm and prestige.

Crown’s Acquisition and Stewardship

When Crown Resorts acquired Aspinall’s in 2011, it marked a significant expansion of the Australian company’s international portfolio. Under Crown’s ownership, the club underwent renovations and updates to ensure it remained at the forefront of luxury gaming experiences while preserving its storied heritage.

The sale of Aspinall’s comes at a time when Crown Resorts is undergoing substantial changes in its corporate structure and strategic direction. These shifts have been driven by a combination of regulatory pressures, market forces, and new ownership.

In 2022, investment firm Blackstone completed its acquisition of Crown Resorts in a deal valued at $8.9 billion. This takeover marked the end of an era for Crown, which had long been associated with Australian billionaire James Packer. The Blackstone acquisition brought with it expectations of significant changes to Crown’s operations and asset portfolio.

Prior to the Blackstone acquisition, Crown had faced intense scrutiny from regulatory bodies in Australia. Allegations of money laundering and links to organised crime led to investigations that threatened Crown’s casino licenses in multiple states. These challenges necessitated a comprehensive overhaul of Crown’s governance and compliance structures.