CLAIMS TO FAME
- Veteran MGM executive with career stints across regional and Las Vegas properties
David Tsai has enjoyed a rapid rise through the ranks at Australia’s Crown Resorts. First joining the company in late 2022 as CEO of Crown Perth, he was in July 2024 promoted to President and Group COO of Crown Resorts and just three months later confirmed as Group CEO once his predecessor Ciarán Carruthers announced his departure.
Tsai stepped into the top job at a good time, with the company having just months earlier been deemed suitable to reclaim its casino licenses at Crown Melbourne and Crown Sydney. The Perth property was deemed suitable earlier this year.
Since then, Tsai – alongside Crown’s owner Blackstone – has been focused on providing a more seamless experience for customers under Australia’s extremely rigorous requirements. While much of that focus has revolved around mandatory AML and responsible gambling controls, Crown Melbourne has in recent times undergone some long overdue upgrades and customer-friendly initiatives that management claims has the property back in the black.
Crown has even announced the return of the Aussie Millions poker series in 2026, providing further evidence that life is slowly but surely returning to normal. Crown Sydney presents more complex challenges given its premium player focus but remains the most luxurious gaming venue in town.
Tsai brings nearly two decades of integrated resort experience to Crown, having spent 15 years with MGM.
For the full list of 2025 Asian Gaming Power 50 winners, click here.
