EntainAustralia starts cutting 10% of its workforce across Australia and New Zealand. This restructuring aims to deliver A$60m in yearly cost savings. The Australian Financial Review reported this development initially. Staff must now return to offices. Australian employees lose their nine-day fortnight benefit, where they enjoyed alternate Mondays off. NEXT.io received confirmation from an Entains spokesperson about 60 departures already completed. Consultations continue for 60 additional roles. EntainAustralia and New Zealand strengthen their business for future success, according to the spokesperson. The company returns to the basics of selling bets while implementing “Win, but not at all costs” culture.

Over A$60m in annual savings will result from these changes. Entain maintains its competitive edge, innovation capacity and compliance leadership. Every impacted person gets careful treatment, respect and assistance. Half the positions exist in Australia, while New Zealand holds the remaining half. Brisbane headquarters accounts for one-third of affected roles. AML teams and Safer Gambling staff remain untouched. Non-core business sales form part of the restructure. EntainVenues manages themed lounges plus app promotions within pubs. Racing Club Australia and New Zealand operate experience-focused ventures. Operational efficiency improves via renegotiated supplier contracts. Entain leverages its international group’s buying strength.

New CEO Andrew Vouris Implements First Major Initiative

June appointee Andrew Vouris serves as Entain’s CEO for Australia and New Zealand. His first significant action involves this restructuring. Q3 2025 showed Entain’s Australian revenue dropped 6% year-on-year. Recent months saw multiple senior executive departures. Dean Shannon left his CEO position. Lachlan Fitt exited the company. Cameron Rodger also resigned. Office attendance becomes mandatory for Australian staff two days weekly starting 1 January 2026. Nine-day fortnight arrangements cease simultaneously. New Zealand employees never accessed this benefit. Certain roles, like call centre workers and bookmakers, maintained standard schedules throughout. AUSTRAC scrutinises Entain regarding anti-money laundering practices. Allegations claim the operator permitted 17 high-risk customers to wager beyond A$152 million, lacking appropriate verification. An internationally wanted criminal featured in one instance.

October saw Entain submit its defence documentation. Previous AML/CTF programme deficiencies receive acknowledgement from the company. Several specific allegations face dispute, however. Vouris expressed sincere regret regarding programme failures against expectations. Expert guidance directed their actions previously, but retrospective analysis reveals programme shortcomings. Compliance programme overhaul followed by tenfold staffing increases. Tens of millions funded new system investments. All 17 problematic high-risk accounts underwent closure. Full cooperation with AUSTRAC continues from the company. A$100m sits reserved for potential penalty payments.

Future Cuts Beyond Australia and New Zealand Uncertain

Current cost-cutting measures affect exclusively Australia and New Zealand, according to NEXT.io’s understanding. Global CEO Stella David issued warnings last month concerning UK gambling tax rises. Shop closures might result from higher taxes at Entain. UK market investment could decrease substantially. Approximately 2,300 high street locations operate under Entain. UK employment reaches beyond 14,000 staff members. The Times quoted David saying tax increase points render certain shops financially unviable. Some consequence follows every taxation level adjustment.