Billionaire businessman James Packer's Crown Resorts on Saturday said it's believed the employees were being interviewed.

"Crown believes that a number of our employees in China are being questioned by local authorities," a company spokeswoman said.

"At this time we can provide no further details."

It is not known why the Crown staff are being questioned or whether any charges have been laid.

Officials from federal government's foreign affairs department are seeking information of the reported arrests from Chinese authorities.

"The Australian government is aware of reports of the possible detention of a number of Crown International Group employees across China, including three Australians," DFAT said.

"If Australians have been detained, consular officials will seek to offer appropriate consular assistance."

According to the Australian Financial Review, at least 18 Crown employees have been arrested, including a senior Crown executive.

It is illegal for casinos to advertise in mainland China, but operators have been getting around the ban by promoting tourism and the resorts where  casinos are located.

Chinese police arrested 13 South Korean casino executives last October, accusing them of luring wealthy punters to gamble at several venues in South Korea, with enticements such as free hotel accommodation and sexual services.

The Chinese government has been undertaking a high-profile campaign against corruption and luxury spending since President Xi Jinping took power in 2012. It has paid special attention to foreign casinos in China, particularly those in Macau.