SkyCity may face a temporary suspension of its New Zealand casino license

The review will examine SkyCity’s business activities and whether the company is suitable to hold a casino license.
Photo: RNZ / Marika Khabazi

Regulatory concerns will continue for casino operator SkyCity as an independent review of the suitability of its Adelaide casino license has resumed.

The review was initiated in 2022 but paused in 2023 as the company was facing legal proceedings against the same casino for breaches of South Australia’s anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing regulations.

The court case has now been concluded and the Adelaide casino has been ordered to pay $73.6 million for the violations.

In a stock exchange announcement on Wednesday, SkyCity said the results of the review would be reported to the South Australian Liquor and Gaming Commissioner by the end of 2024 – but the deadline could be extended.

The review is intended to ensure that SkyCity’s business activities remain suitable for holding a casino license.

Similar investigations into competing casino companies in Australia revealed a number of deficiencies.

SkyCity also faces the risk of temporary suspension of its New Zealand casino license due to breaches of the Host Responsibility Code.

The company was recently ordered to pay $4 million after admitting violations of New Zealand’s anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing laws.