Crown Resorts CEO Cleared After Whistleblower Complaint

Crown Resorts CEO Ciaran Carruthers did not break any regulations or laws when he allowed two patrons back into the Crown Melbourne casino after they had been ejected by security. That’s according to an internal investigation by Crown into its boss’ conduct, The Australian Financial Review (AFR)

On one occasion, Carruthers is alleged to have readmitted a customer who had been 86’d from the casino and banned for a year for bringing a minor onto the gaming floor. On another occasion, he intervened to allow a drunk patron to remain in the casino after security had asked him to leave.

Carruthers was one of several veteran casino executives installed by U.S. private equity giant Blackstone James Packer-controlled Crown Resorts in 2022.

The takeover was accelerated by a regulatory investigation that resulted in the revocation of Crown’s New South Wales gambling license.

According to the inquiry, the company facilitated money laundering and pursued commercial relationships with junket operators with links to triads. Packer was singled out for having a “deleterious impact on the governance of Crown Resorts.”

A similar investigation in Victoria to hold a gaming license for its flagship Crown Melbourne, but gave it time to overhaul its operational shortcomings.

Carruthers’ appointment was part of a drive by the new owners to clean up the company’s reputation.

Crown wasn’t taking any chances this time, and hired two law firms to conduct the internal investigation, which was prompted by a whistleblower’s complaint against the CEO in December.

In a note to all staff seen by AFR, Crown chairman Bill McBeath said Thursday that while Carruthers had been cleared of wrongdoing, the board had started a wider review of the company’s policies and protocols. This would “ensure clearer lines of authority and accountability over operational decision-making in our properties,” he explained.

McBeath added that he wanted to create “a culture of raising concerns” and that “speaking up is of great importance.”

On Thursday, the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) said it was satisfied with the results of the internal investigation.

The regulator is still assessing Crown’s suitability to operate the Melbourne casino, and a decision is expected in April.

Before joining Crown Resorts, Carruthers was COO at Wynn Macau. Before that, he was the senior VP and director of the Venetian and Plaza Operations for Sands China.