SkyCity halts dealings with junket operators
SkyCity Entertainment Group has taken the decision to stop dealing with junket operators after a strategic review into its International Business Division.
New Zealand.- SkyCity Entertainment Group has announced that it will immediately cease working with junket operators as it introduces a revised operating model for its International Business Division.
SkyCity said it will now deal directly with international customers “after appropriate know your customer and customer due diligence requirements are satisfied.”
Although the company did not detail the reason for the decision to stop working with junket operators, it is believed to have been influenced by the inquiries into Crown Resorts on money laundering on other failings.
Crown Resorts is facing inquiries into its suitability to hold a casino gaming licence for Crown Perth and for its Melbourne casino.
SkyCity said it would consult regulators in New Zealand and South Australia concerning its revised operating model.
New Zealand bank launches gambling blocker
Kiwibank is the first in the country to offer a system that lets customers block payments to casinos and gaming websites.
The system was developed with the help of the Problem Gambling Foundation and arrives after the Department of Internal Affairs reported pokies (slot machines) set a new record in money spent from October to December 2020.
The system allows customers to ask for payment blocks to be put on their cards via phone banking.
