SkyCity closes its Auckland land-based casino due to licence suspension

SkyCity Entertainment Group will temporarily close its land-based casino in Auckland, New Zealand, from September 9 to 13 due to a licence suspension. The company has reached an agreement with the New Zealand Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) to resolve an issue concerning its Auckland facility, which mandates the closure of the gaming area for five days.

SkyCity announced on August 2 that the closure will affect only the gaming section and food and beverage establishments, while the rest of the SkyCity Auckland precinct will continue to operate as usual.

SkyCity CEO Jason Walbridge acknowledged the company's mistakes, stating, “The closure is a result of shortcomings on SkyCity's part, for which we take full responsibility.”

This situation arose after a complaint was filed with the DIA in February 2022 by a customer regarding noncompliance with responsible gambling regulations between August 2017 and February 2021. Subsequent documentation review raised concerns about ongoing gambling practices at the casino. As a result, the Home Secretary imposed a temporary suspension of the casino's licence. The matter was resolved last month with the agreement of a five-day closure, the specific dates of which were announced today.

The closure is projected to affect SkyCity's profits for the 2025 financial year, resulting in an estimated loss of around three million dollars.