
In a landscape dominated by high-stakes skirmishes and nearly impermeable regulators, Crown Resorts is weathering the storm, veering towards the future with the learnings of the past in its rear-view mirror. Following a rash of inquiries and the scrutiny of royal commissions, it emerged that the casino behemoth found itself in murky waters, with regulatory violations and allegations of its gaming arenas being exploited by criminals for money laundering.
Now, Crown Resorts’ Captain-at-the-helm, CEO Ciaran Carruthers, is steering the organization towards a new dawn. In his crosshairs is the need to revamp public perception and rejuvenate Crown’s brand after being caught in the maelstrom of multiple investigations. Further, Carruthers is looking to widen the net, eyeing a diversified clientele through a broader spectrum of resort offerings.
Although the company managed to keep possession of its casino licenses, government-appointed oversight bodies are maintaining close quarters. Moreover, these tumultuous times see Crown grappling with shifting demographics and stark economic winds, necessitating strategic adjustments.
Speaking with the acuity that comes with his role, Carruthers recently expressed to Sky News that the inflationary landscape is not conducive to discretionary spending. This is a challenge reflected across the expanse of Crown’s empire – from Melbourne to Perth and Sydney. “We’re certainly not immune to inflationary pressure nor to the subsequent tectonic shifts caused by the 13 interest rate surges in the last 18 months,” Carruthers conceded. This economic fallout spurred Crown to markedly transform its business model.
Notably, Carruthers assumed the CEO mantle at Crown Resorts back in July 2022, succeeding the efforts of Steve McCann, who had been instrumental in orchestrating the casino corporation overhaul.
His tenure at the Venetian and Wynn in China’s Macau has seasoned Carruthers to deftly handle the reins at Crown. With consumers reigning in their leisure and hospitality expenditures due to the financial fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic, Crown is scaling back its dependence on gaming operations and high-end hospitality.
“We’ve made significant strides rehabilitating our brand,” Carruthers said. “We recognise that we’ve had a challenging couple of years, influencing perceptions about who we are and what we represent, and we’re eager to clarify that we’re much more than just a casino.”
The CEO is also eager to diversify their portfolio, launching marketing initiatives aimed at an eclectic clientele, delivering the message that they “don’t have to break the bank” to enjoy a Crown casino or indulge in its various services.
“In addition to being a casino, we’re all about restaurants, entertainment, live music, wellness spas, exquisite cuisine, and quality hospitality. We believe we can, and should be, reaching a much larger audience,” Carruthers proudly declared.
Carruthers is determined to bring more varied and economically appealing options to Crown Resorts. The near future promises a surge of casual dining prospects and reasonably priced events on the horizon.
Carruthers concluded his discussion with Sky News from the opulent Crown Sydney, a $1.5 billion project nestled in New South Wales’ Barangaroo, a stone’s throw away from Sydney Harbor. The brainchild of billionaire James Packer, Crown’s founder, former CEO, and chairman, Crown Sydney was envisioned as an ultra-luxurious resort destination for the crème de la crème of the city’s residents and visitors. However, Carruthers argued that the business blueprint Packer and his predecessors employed was fundamentally flawed.
“Crown Sydney was evolved for a business model that simply doesn’t suit our current landscape,” admitted Carruthers, adding, “The market for high-end gambling has shifted towards London and the UK, where people are migrating for reasons beyond gambling.” In this light, the future of Crown Resorts seems poised for a paradigm shift, aiming to eclipse its past, and venture into a future with a diversified, inclusive, and innovative business model.