Crown Resort given $3.6million government backing to employ Indigenous Australians

Job creation is one of the most fundamental roles of government. The importance of job creation stems from the fact that it is directly connected to the quality of life and crime rate in a locality because a high employment rate can improve the standard of living and lower the crime rate. Undoubtedly, the task of job creation requires a partnership between the government and the private sector. 

Businesses had to be supported to prevent significant job losses which could further decimate the economy. For instance, in the first half of 2020, the unemployment rate in Australia rose from 5.2 per cent in March to a high of 7.4 per cent in June. Consequent to its status as a developed nation, Australia is a target for immigrants who are seeking better opportunities than what obtains in their nations. Considering that these immigrants might be interested in taking lower pay, this scenario can potentially worsen the chances of Australian indigenes securing jobs. In recognition of the significant potential for job creation available in the gambling industry, the Australian government injected a value of $3.6million into Crown Resort (Australia’s largest entertainment group) for the sole aim of employing indigenous Australians. A proactive action to ensure aboriginals retain their means of livelihood amidst the global economic meltdown as a result of the pandemic.   

Gambling as a Potential Job Creation Industry

Casinos are gaining ascendancy as a major business venture as well as a revenue source for the government. They can serve to complement the retinue of sports betting platforms available nowadays in providing opportunities for gamblers to earn residual income. The decision of the Australian government to infuse such an amount of money into Crown Casino is a strategic one. The art of gambling is growing in importance and significance and as such provides natural opportunities for expansion in terms of employee recruitment. Interestingly, Crown Casino was under investigation based on allegations bothering on shady dealings. This collaboration between the government and Crown Casino could serve as evidence that Crown Casino has been absolved of wrongdoing. This is also very indicative of the establishment’s desire to play a significant role in the economic growth of the country and its people. 

Whenever there is an increase in casino shops, employment is bound to rise among the locals. Gambling aside being a business can also be a tool for economic growth. Going by the success of casinos in America, there is a lot that can be achieved if Australia can implement a similar model. Nevada has the largest casino market in America, generates almost $9.5 billion annually. While it may be a tall order to fix such expectations on the Australian gambling industry, however, even a fraction of this amount can significantly boost the local economy and stimulate jobs for indigenous Australians within and outside the casino business. 

Casino operations require labour that would be sourced from the local area and the scope of the labour requirement may range from skilled to semi or unskilled labour. As new casino shops open in Australia, there will be vacancies for different job opportunities. The types of casino jobs that are available include; croupier, blackjack dealer, cashier, bartender, cocktail server, gaming dealer, shuttle driver, slot key personnel, sportsbook writer, security guard etc. The good news is that these jobs are likely to grow and it would present an opportunity to create more jobs for indigenous Australians. 

Casinos can also create jobs indirectly through the performance of their corporate responsibility duties. For example, they may organize sporting competitions among indigenous Australians. Australians can get to partake in the planning and organization of these events and they can also participate directly in the events. This will provide them with the opportunity to earn extra income through which they can use invest and curate other sources of income for themselves. The employment opportunities available in gambling should be adequately explored. Additionally, the rise in casinos can also generate more interest in gaming and esports. While the income payable for jobs in the casino industry may vary according to skill or even according to the specific role assigned to the individual, a surveillance operator may earn up to AU 94K dollars and a duty manager may earn up to AU$64K salary. For the middle-income earner, this amount should be enough to live a modest life and enhance a good standard of living.