Table of Contents
Entain Australia has confirmed it will cut around 10% of its workforce across Australia and New Zealand operations as part of a comprehensive restructuring program aimed at generating A$60 million in annual cost savings.
An Entain spokesperson confirmed that 60 staff members have already departed the company, with consultations currently underway for another 60 positions. The reductions are split equally between Australia and New Zealand, with one-third of affected roles based in the Brisbane head office.
“Entain Australia and New Zealand is making changes to strengthen its business for the long term – getting back to the basics of selling bets and implementing a ‘Win, But not at all costs’ culture,” the spokesperson said. “These changes will deliver over A$60m of annualised savings and ensure we remain competitive, innovative, and compliance-led. Every person affected is being treated with care, respect, and support.”
The company emphasized that staff in Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Safer Gambling departments will not be impacted by the workforce reductions.
Operational Changes and New Workplace Policies
As part of the restructure, Entain is ending the nine-day fortnight arrangement that previously allowed Australian employees every second Monday off. From January 1, 2026, Australian staff will be required to spend at least two days per week in the office under a new return-to-office mandate. These policies did not apply to New Zealand staff or certain roles such as call center employees and bookmakers.
The restructuring also includes the divestment of non-core business units. Entain is selling Entain Venues, which operates themed lounges and app promotions in pubs, along with Racing Club Australia and New Zealand, the company’s experience-based venture.
The company stated it is improving operational efficiency through renegotiated supplier agreements and using the wider group’s purchasing power to reduce costs.
First Major Initiative Under New CEO
The workforce reduction represents the first major initiative under Andrew Vouris, who was appointed CEO of Entain Australia and New Zealand in June 2024. The restructuring comes as Entain reported a 6% year-on-year decline in Australian revenue during Q3 2024.
Several senior executives have departed the company in recent months, including former CEO Dean Shannon, Deputy CEO and CFO Lachlan Fitt, and Managing Director of Entain New Zealand Cameron Rodger.
Ongoing Regulatory Challenges
The restructuring occurs as Entain faces scrutiny from Australian anti-money laundering regulator AUSTRAC, which alleges the operator allowed 17 high-risk customers to wager more than A$152 million without proper checks. The allegations include a case involving an internationally wanted criminal, with activities spanning from December 2018 to August 2024.
Entain filed its defense in October, acknowledging deficiencies in its previous AML/CTF program while disputing several allegations.
“We sincerely regret that our old programme didn’t meet expectations. We followed expert advice at the time but, looking back, we recognise the old programme missed the mark,” Vouris said.
The company has since overhauled its compliance program, increasing AML staffing tenfold, investing tens of millions of dollars in new systems, and closing all 17 high-risk customer accounts at the center of the case. Entain has fully cooperated with AUSTRAC and set aside A$100 million to cover potential penalties.
Potential UK Market Impact
While the current cost-cutting program affects only Australia and New Zealand, Entain’s global CEO Stella David warned last month that potential higher gambling taxes in the UK could force the company to close betting shops and redirect investment away from the market.
With approximately 2,300 high street outlets and over 14,000 staff in the UK, David told The Times: “Every point of [tax] increase would actually have an impact that certain shops would become unviable … there is no level that does not have some consequence.”
Source: Australian Financial Review
