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SkyCity Agrees In‑Principle Settlement With South Australian Regulator

The provisional heads of agreement would impose a multi‑million penalty while leaving final payment size and enforceable terms to be confirmed in binding documentation.

Overview

  • SkyCity told the NZX it has entered a non‑binding heads of agreement with South Australia’s gambling regulator to resolve findings from the Brian Martin review of the Adelaide casino.
  • Coverage differs on the headline sum, with some reports saying the penalty is $21 million and others saying $24 million, and at least one report says the $21 million would be paid in three instalments.
  • The settlement terms reported so far include stronger local governance measures such as an independent compliance auditor, a majority independent board for SkyCity Adelaide, and a locally accountable chief executive.
  • South Australia’s Liquor and Gambling Commissioner described the measures as needed to correct longstanding failings in anti‑money laundering and harm‑minimisation obligations identified in the review.
  • The deal follows a year‑old inquiry by retired judge Brian Martin and comes after earlier federal action that led to a separate AUSTRAC civil penalty; the agreement remains provisional until final binding documents are signed.