SkyCity Entertainment may be facing a suspension of its casino license for “between 10 and 14 days” as a result of a complaint from a client.
After being informed by the Department of Internal Affairs, that its Secretary Paul James intends to submit a request to the New Zealand Gambling Commission regarding a potential course of actions, the operator released an update.
SkyCity Casino Management Limited is a subsidiary owned by SkyCity and holds the casino operator licence in New Zealand for its casinos located in Auckland, Hamilton, and Queenstown.
The Commission will then assess a possible suspension and its duration. However, this decision “may not come for several months”.
The application was prompted by a complaint made in February 2020 by a former SkyCity customer who had played at the Auckland-based SkyCity gaming venue from August 2017 until February 2021.
The company has been accused of not following the requirements for detecting incidents of continuous playing, despite claiming full cooperation throughout the process.
SkyCity noted that it was inappropriate to comment on the allegations and application at this time, given the fact that the Commission is currently considering the case.
Section 144(a), New Zealand Gambling Act of 2023, allows for the suspension of a casino license if the act, the conditions of the licence, or the minimum standards of operation are violated.
SkyCity assures that a temporary shutdown of casino operations will not affect its other operations including hotels and restaurants.
SkyCity has committed itself to maintaining the highest standards in host responsibility, and to reducing the impact of problem gambling.
SkyCity continues to invest and enhance its technology, host responsibility controls and resources.
The South Australian Liquor and Gambling Commission, Dini Soleio gave the green light to the consultancy firm Kroll Australia to be appointed to the role of independent monitor for SkyCity Adelaide.
The independent review of the operation of this facility is on hold until the Federal Court has ruled on the disciplinary actions taken by AUSTRAC.
The group has made a provision of A$45m for any potential AUSTRAC penalty, including legal costs. It also wrote down its Adelaide Casino licence value by A$45.6m.
