After a return to profit, strategic shifts are underway behind the scenes
Crown Resorts is moving more than 100 back-office roles to a specialist capability centre in Asia.
The casino operator, owned by a global investment group, will transfer most of its technology, accounting and finance functions offshore while retaining guest-facing and frontline positions in Australia.
The company recently returned to profit after years of regulatory scrutiny, fines, and changing gambling rules that reshaped operations at its casinos in Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth. Stricter controls on high-roller activity and tighter compliance requirements have forced Crown to reset its business model and spending priorities, according to a report from The Aussie Corporate.
Consultants brought in to improve performance identified areas where support functions could be consolidated. Management is acting on those recommendations after already cutting about $220 million in costs, selling offshore assets, and divesting minority stakes in hospitality brands to stabilise its balance sheet.
The offshore shift appears central to Crown’s broader strategy to replace declining high-roller revenue with stronger earnings from restaurants, hotels, entertainment, and nightlife.
Crown Melbourne strike disrupts Valentine’s Day
Workers at Crown Melbourne went on a strike for 12 hours on Valentine’s Day as the company is negotiating with unions representing more than 1,000 workers over pay and conditions.
United Workers Union casinos director Andrew Jones said the strike was a response to stalled talks and previous proposals for a two-tier wage system, which employees had rejected. He emphasised that the action was lawful, and that workers were prepared to escalate if Crown did not present a fair wage offer that accounted for rising living costs and workforce equity.
Crown Sydney staff strikes
Crown Sydney Casino employees staged a protected strike in August 2025, the first at the venue since its opening and the first casino strike in Sydney since 2009. The four-hour action involved 70 workers across gaming operations, security and cleaning, and coincided with one of the casino’s busiest periods.
Workers, represented by the United Workers Union, are demanding pay increases that reflect the high cost of living in Sydney, fair recognition for years of service, and improved working conditions. Union officials highlighted disparities between Crown Sydney and Crown Melbourne, where employees performing similar roles earn up to $7.94 more per hour.
Jones said the strike was about “dignity, respect, and the right to build a decent life in this city,” noting that staff turnover at Crown Sydney has approached 60% annually. He criticised the current wage offer and changes to length-of-service increments as undermining experienced workers’ pay.
The strike also sent a message to Blackstone, Crown’s US private equity owner, urging management to make a “meaningful offer” and address staff concerns. Crown’s current pay offer stands at 3.25%, 3% and 3% over the next three years, the union noted.
