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Aussie Crown Casino workers to go free after China guilty plea

Three Australian employees of James Packer’s Crown Resorts in China will be free within weeks after pleading guilty to illegally promoting gambling.

The trio, including Melbourne senior Crown executive Jason O’Connor, were among 19 who pleaded guilty.

O’Connor was sentenced to 10 months with time served, which means he will be free in August.

Senior Crown executive Jason O'Connor will be free in August. Source: 7 News
Senior Crown executive Jason O'Connor will be free in August. Source: 7 News

The others were sentenced to between nine to 10 months but it could’ve been 10 years if they had fought the charges.

University of Sydney professor Vivienne Bath labelled the sentencing a “wrap over the knuckles.”

Crown will also pay a $1.6 million fine and the convictions may also have significant implications for Packer’s Barangaroo casino in Sydney still under construction.

Casino regulators could review Packer casino licences in Australia.

There were 19 charged with illegally promoting gambling. Source: 7 News
There were 19 charged with illegally promoting gambling. Source: 7 News

There are also concerns it might affect the casino’s ability to attract Chinese gamblers.

But the company denies concerns and says the bulk of turnover at its casinos in Perth and Melbourne is domestic.

Crown is confident the convictions won't affect operations in Australia. Source: 7 News
Crown is confident the convictions won't affect operations in Australia. Source: 7 News