SkyCity Adelaide is set to become the latest Australian casino to fall under the regulatory spotlight after South Australia’s Liquor and Gambling regulator announced it is commissioning an independent review of casino operations in the state.
The review is primarily in response to the findings of recent inquiries in other states into the operations of Crown Resorts and Star Entertainment Group, both of which have uncovered significant failings of governance.
“Commissions of Inquiry have been undertaken in New South Wales, Victoria and Western Australia into the casinos operating or proposing to operate in those states and a further inquiry is about to be commenced in Queensland,” said Liquor and Gambling Commissioner Dini Soulio.
“Inquiries to date have highlighted significant failings on the part of Crown Resorts as operators of Crown Casinos.
“In addition, Star Entertainment Group is the subject of a current inquiry in NSW where significant failings have been identified.
“A number of the matters raised to date extend beyond any one organisation and point instead to broader systemic issues within the casino industry.
“As a result, an investigation will be undertaken by the Honourable Brian Martin AO QC to ensure that the way that SkyCity operates demonstrates that the licensee is still suitable to hold the casino licence in South Australia.”
Martin is due to report back to the Liquor and Gambling Commissioner by 1 February 2023.
Separately from past and future inquiries SkyCity, Crown and Star are all currently under investigation by Australia’s financial crimes watchdog AUSTRAC over potentially serious breaches of Anti-Money Laundering laws.
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