Packer wins big on casino JAMES Packer's Crown casino resort at Sydney's Barangaroo has been given the green light by the NSW government after a remarkable lobbying effort that changed government policy and avoided a competitive tender. Premier Barry O'Farrell announced the decision last night, emphasising that the casino, which he called a "restricted gaming facility," would be aimed at international high-rollers, of which Sydney captured only a small proportion, and would have conditions to restrict an expansion of gaming for locals.