China's detention of Crown Resort employees could have implications for the global gaming industry, Foreign Minister Julie Bishop says.
"It may well be part of President Xi Jinping's anti-corruption campaign involving government officials," she told ABC TV on Sunday.
"I am sure every casino operator around the world is watching this case closely.
"This will have implications but until such time as we know precisely what they're facing, it would be counterproductive of me to speculate."
Australian authorities still do not know why the Crown Resorts employees have been detained by Chinese authorities or what charges they may face.
But the four Australians involved, three employees and another person, will be treated as Australian citizens and be able to receive continuing consular support.
It's understood that under Chinese law, the 18 Crown employees can be detained for up to 37 days before they have to be charged or released. The were detained on October 13.
Last week, the head of competitor casino operator Star Entertainment said the detentions were a potential issue.
"The situation in China has, understandably created some uncertainty and potential impact on revenue is not clear at this point given the limited information available," chief executive Matt Bekier told shareholders at Star's annual general meeting on Friday.
Australia is a popular destination for Chinese travellers, but given China's anti-corruption drive there are fears it could damage international business for local casino operators.
Star chairman John O'Neill told the AGM VIP business delivered less than 30 per cent of the group's gross revenue and 16 per cent of earnings before interest, tax, deprecisation and amortisation.
Around 80 per cent of gross revenue comes from from junkets out of Asia.
