Crown Sydney adapts to economic pressures and scales back operations

Lea Hogg November 20, 2023

SiGMA news

Crown Sydney adapts to economic pressures and scales back operations

Crown Sydney has announced a significant reduction in its casino operations. The company is struggling with the impact of Australia’s regulatory gambling crackdown and ongoing economic challenges.

The move comes as part of a broader trend within the industry, signalling the need for adaptability in the face of external pressures. The casino will no longer operate around the clock, with a new schedule set to take effect from Wednesday, 29 November.

Strategic adjustments aligned with business demand

In response to the continuous economic and financial pressures affecting the industry, Crown Sydney conducted a thorough analysis of its VIP casino operations. The outcome of this assessment led to the decision to scale back the casino’s opening hours, aligning them more closely with the demand patterns of the business. The adjusted schedule, which includes a Sunday closure for 12 hours, reflects the casino’s commitment to optimizing its operations in the current challenging environment.

Workforce reductions and future reorientation

The operational changes at Crown Sydney are accompanied by a planned reduction in the workforce, impacting 180 team members. The casino management, led by CEO Mark McWhinnie, emphasized their commitment to supporting the affected employees and their union in determining the next steps. Efforts will be made to redeploy as many individuals as possible to other roles within the business, aligning with Crown’s dedication to its reform and remediation program. While the decisions made are challenging, they are deemed necessary to ensure a world-class experience for guests, with the hope of resuming 24-hour casino operations across two floors when business demand returns.

Casino industry in Australia

Crown Sydney’s strategic adjustments reflect the dynamic sector faced by the casino industry in Australia, as regulatory changes and economic pressures continue to reshape operations.

The move to reduce opening hours and implement workforce changes underscores the need for flexibility and resilience in navigating challenging external factors.

As Crown Sydney prioritizes its commitment to providing an exceptional guest experience, the industry will be watching closely to see how these adaptations position the casino for future success in an evolving market.

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