This note examines the factors which the courts and the Fair Work Commission have taken into account in interpreting the meaning of "regular and systematic employment" and "reasonable expectation of continuing employment on a regular and systematic basis". The concepts impact on whether casual employees are eligible for certain entitlements and relief under the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) and industrial instruments, including unfair dismissal, unpaid parental leave, requests for flexible working arrangements and casual conversion.