SkyCity stops using junket operators to bring high-rollers to casinos

Tuesday, 13 April 2021

SkyCity Entertainment Group will stop working with junket operators to bring high-roller gamblers to its casinos after regulators in Australia raised concerns about links to organised crime at Crown casinos.

As part of a new operating model, SkyCity will deal directly with its international business customers after “know your customer” and “customer due diligence” requirements are satisfied, the casino company’s board said in a statement to the NZX.

The use of junket operators has come under fire after a New South Wales inquiry in February found Australian casino operator Crown Resorts was not suitable to hold a gaming licence at its new facility in Sydney, following issues with money laundering, poor governance and the operation of junkets by people linked to organised crime. That followed earlier concerns at Crown operations in Melbourne and Perth.

SkyCity flagged in February that it had started a strategic review of its international business division. The review was now complete, and the company’s board has decided to “permanently cease dealing with all junket operators, effective immediately,” it said.

**READ MORE:

* Are you a casino 'high roller'? Australia's Crown Resorts sets a wealth threshold on patrons to curb money laundering

* SkyCity reverses course on application to operate only pokie machines at its casinos

* SkyCity wants to close gambling tables in favour of pokie machines

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SkyCity has casinos in Auckland, Hamilton, and Queenstown in New Zealand, as well as Adelaide in Australia. It said it will consult regulators in New Zealand and South Australia in relation to its revised operating model.