Crown Resorts has dismissed more than 1,000 workers across its venues in Melbourne, Perth, and Sydney. This round of job cuts, linked to a challenging financial landscape and stricter rules in the Australian gaming industry, mainly affects personnel in Melbourne and Perth, with administrative positions in Sydney also undergoing simplification.
Crown Resorts Chief Executive Steve McCann cited the steep drop in global visitors, the dwindling supply of local talent in urban hubs, and gaming limitations in Sydney and Melbourne as major hurdles. He stressed the company’s dedication to fulfilling regulatory requirements and continuing its evolution, including endeavors like Crown PlaySafe, the Melbourne and Sydney overhaul projects, and ongoing corrective measures in Perth.
These dismissals follow a turbulent period for Crown Resorts. Last summer, the corporation was mired in scandal after being deemed non-compliant with anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing regulations, leading to a substantial $450 million AUD ($294 million USD) penalty. They entered a guilty plea to these accusations, alongside other compliance shortcomings.
Compounding their troubles, Crown Resorts was hit with a separate $3 million AUD fine a few months later for acknowledging improper workplace behavior towards its staff. This admission came after an inquiry by the Fair Work Ombudsman into wage theft practices within the organization.
The gaming regulatory body in Victoria is conducting an investigation into the leadership of Crown Resorts. This action follows a distinct inquiry in New South Wales that permitted Crown to retain its gaming permit in that state.
