Crown Resorts staff held in China are formally charged

Image source, Getty Images

Image caption, Gambling is illegal in China, except for Macau

Casino operator Crown Resorts says its employees who were detained in China last year have been formally charged with illegally promoting gambling.

Crown said in October 18 staff had been held after a police operation believed to target its marketing activities.

Among them were three Australians, including Jason O'Connor, a senior executive in charge of attracting Chinese high-rollers.

Casino gambling, and promoting gambling abroad, are illegal in mainland China.

The cases have been referred to Shanghai's Baoshan District Court, the company said in a brief statement made to the Australian Stock Exchange.

The Australian newspaper reported that the court has set a hearing date for 26 June.

Crown Resorts, controlled by Australian billionaire James Packer, said that with the matter now before the court it would not be making further comment.