DIA Audit: SkyCity Auckland failed to tackle gambling-related harm

The New Zealand Department of Internal Affairs has found that SkyCity Casino repeatedly failed to tackle gambling-related harm at its Auckland venue.

New Zealand.- An audit conducted by the New Zealand Department of Home Affairs (DIA) has concluded that SkyCity Auckland repeatedly failed to address gambling-related harm. The investigation, which was completed last year, found that operator underperformed in nine out of 10 areas of compliance despite warnings to address similar issues in previous audits.

SkyCity staff were arrogant about problem gaming issue and failed to identify banned players, the audit found. It also identified a high probability of underage customers entering the casino. Local media outlet Newshub shared the case of a banned gambler who played pokies for 28 hours straight before being discovered.

Andree Froude from the Problem Gambling Foundation said: “For someone to be able to sit at a pokie machine for 28 hours just should not be able to happen.”

SkyCity argued that the DIA audit began in 2019 and that the casino has since taken various steps, including the use of facial recognition to identify self-excluded customers. The company also said it has increased the number of employees and that staff are now better trained. 

Home secretary Jan Tinetti told Newshub she was unaware of the audit and has plans for a review of pub slot machines and gambling sites.

See also: New Zealand announces review after US$1.81bn spent on gambling in 2020/21