Billionaire James Packer has resigned as a director of Crown Resorts.

A spokesperson says Mr Packer is s “suffering from mental health issues”.

“At this time he intends to step back from all commitments.”

Crown's executive chairman John Alexander issued a statement saying: “We have appreciated James' contribution to the board and respect his decision to step down from his role as director at this time”.

Mr Packer recently sold off over $100 million worth of his shares in Crown Resorts – the parent company for Crown casinos in Melbourne and Perth.

He is still Crown’s major shareholder, holding a 47 per cent stake worth more than $4 billion.

Mr Packer’s personal life has made several headlines in recent years — from his public break-up with American singer Mariah Carey, to questions over his involvement in allegations of corruption against Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

At the same time, Crown has faced potential disciplinary action from the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation, over claims it restricted punters' options by removing buttons on several of its poker machines.