SkyCity Entertainment Group, the company that owns and operates five land-based casinos in Australia and New Zealand, has been ordered by authorities in South Australia to hold an independent review of its anti-money laundering, counter-terrorism financing and host responsibilities at SkyCity Adelaide.
The order was issued by Dini Soulio, the South Australian Liquor and Gambling Commissioner, following an investigation into the operator’s practices. The inquiry started in 2022 after both Star Entertainment and Crown Resorts, the main competitors of SkyCity, have been the subject of similar investigations.
The investigation will continue but the evidence gathered so far was enough to determine the Honourable Brian Martin AO KC, the Commissioner appointed by the local authority to review the activity of SkyCity Adelaide, to take action against the casino operator.
The company will have to appoint an independent expert which will oversee the modification of its anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing policies. The appointment of the aforementioned expert will have to be approved by the Commissioner himself.
The independent expert will then make any necessary amendments to SkyCity Adelaide’s anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing programs and also monitor the implementation of the policies. Moreover, the independent expert will oversee the casino’s harm minimization efforts and report his findings back to the Commissioner.