Australian regulator to launch probe into SkyCity casino

The South Australia Gambling and Liquor regulator has announced it will be conducting an independent review of the SkyCity casino in Adelaide.

The announcement comes amid a number of reviews of Australian casinos, including an investigation into alleged illegal activity at the Star Sydney, which led to the resignation of MD and CEO Matt Bekier.

These reviews were launched to address “system issues within the casino industry,” with an investigation into Crown Resorts uncovering “significant failings.”

Retired Supreme Court Judge Brian Martin AO QC has been named to lead the SkyCity inquiry, which is intended to ensure that SkyCity is operating in a manner expected of those holding casino licences in South Australia. Liquor and Gambling Commissioner Dini Soulio said: “A number of the matters raised to date extend beyond any one organisation and point instead to broader systemic issues within the casino industry.

“Mr Martin is a highly respected member of the legal profession. He has conducted reviews of key criminal justice policies in South Australia including reforms to the handling of major indictable offences and the state’s sentencing discount scheme.”

“I have every confidence he will deliver a report to help us ensure that South Australians can have confidence in the way that the Adelaide Casino is operating.”

Martin is expected to submit his report on SkyCity to the Liquor and Gambling Commissioner by 1 February 2023.

In June 2022, SkyCity reported strong performance from its gaming businesses, particularly in New Zealand, as the company sought to recover lost revenue from the impact of Covid-19 restrictions.

Source: https://www.gamblinginsider.com/