In response to ongoing economic pressures and regulatory changes impacting the Australian gaming industry, Crown Sydney has announced a reduction in its casino operating hours effective from November 29, 2023. The decision follows a comprehensive analysis of VIP casino operations, aligning new hours with business demand.
Revised Operating Hours:
Crown Sydney’s casino will operate under the revised schedule:
Monday to Thursday: 10 am to 2 am
Friday: 10 am to 4 am
Saturday: 2 pm to 4 am
Sunday: 2 pm to 2 am
This marks a departure from the previous 24/7 operation, highlighting the casino’s adaptability to current market conditions.
Workforce Impact:
The reduction in operating hours coincides with a planned workforce reduction, reflecting Crown’s commitment to addressing economic challenges. Approximately 180 employees will be affected, and Crown Sydney aims to support impacted team members, collaborating with their union to explore alternative roles within the business.
CEO’s Perspective:
Crown Sydney CEO Mark McWhinnie emphasized the need for strategic decisions to ensure a world-class guest experience amid challenging circumstances. The CEO expressed optimism about redeploying affected employees to other roles within the company while maintaining dedication to reform and remediation efforts.
Previous Measures:
In August 2023, Crown Sydney had temporarily closed one of its two VIP gaming floors and initiated a voluntary redundancy program, anticipating up to 95 staff reductions. The move was attributed to macroeconomic challenges, signaling the casino’s proactive response to industry dynamics.
Industry-Wide Workforce Adjustments:
Crown acknowledged that its decision aligns with broader industry trends, with numerous companies resizing their workforce to navigate external pressures. The announcement reflects Crown’s commitment to adaptability and sustained excellence in providing a premium gaming and hospitality experience.
The adjustments in operating hours and the associated workforce changes underscore Crown Sydney’s responsiveness to evolving industry dynamics. As the casino implements strategic measures to navigate challenges, it remains poised to resume 24-hour operations across two floors when business demand rebounds. Crown’s proactive approach aligns with the broader context of companies in the gaming sector adjusting their strategies to address economic and regulatory influences.