Crown to offshore more than 100 corporate roles as cost-cutting intensifies

Crown Resorts will relocate more than 100 corporate positions offshore as part of a fresh cost-cutting drive, according to reporting by The Australian Financial Review. The decision, communicated to staff by email, will see technology, accounting and finance functions consolidated into a global capability centre in Asia. Frontline and guest-facing roles will not be affected.

The restructuring marks the latest phase of Crown’s overhaul under Blackstone, which acquired the business for AU$8.9bn in 2022. Last year the company delivered its first profit under new ownership, supported by AU$220m in savings and divestments including its London operations and a 20% stake in Nobu. Crown also secured nearly AU$100m through the sale of its private golf course in December.

A spokesperson said the changes aimed to ensure the business remained “efficient and sustainable”, adding that the company continued to prioritise guest experience while preparing for long-term growth. Consultants Alvarez and Marsal have been advising Crown since last year on identifying non-gaming revenue opportunities across its Sydney, Melbourne and Perth precincts, as part of an initiative known internally as Project Velvet.

The timing of the job cuts aligns with increasing tension between Crown and the United Workers Union, which represents more than 1,000 employees at the Melbourne precinct. The union said Crown had not presented a revised wage offer since the previous proposal was rejected, and members intend to stand down on Saturday in protest.

Crown’s financial recovery remains constrained by regulatory changes introduced after government inquiries uncovered serious historical failures in anti-money laundering compliance. With high-spending international gamblers less active than in previous years, Chief Executive David Tsai has shifted focus toward strengthening the company’s food, entertainment and hospitality offerings.

Crown’s repositioning mirrors wider pressures in the industry. Star Entertainment, now led by Bruce Mathieson jnr, is preparing to cut hundreds of head-office roles as it decentralises management in a bid to stabilise its operations.