Operator News
New Zealand – SkyCity pulls the plug on international junkets
By Phil - 13 April 2021
New Zealand casino operator SkyCity Entertainment Group has confirmed that it will no longer use junkets to bring in VIP players from other countries to its casinos.
The move mirrors that of Australian casino group Crown, who after being found an unsuitable operator at the recent Bergin enquiry, opted to cease all arrangements with operators of international junkets. China has said it will crack down further and blacklist on any countries that try and attract Chinese players to foreign casinos.
SkyCity stated: “Following completion of a strategic review into its International Business division, the SkyCity Board has determined to permanently cease dealing with all junket operators, effective immediately, and continue to operate its International Business division under a revised operating model.’
The operator said: “As previously indicated to the market as part of SkyCity’s interim result announcement for the six months ended 37 December 2020), earlier this year SkyCity commenced a strategic review of its International Business division. Under the revised operating model, SkyCity will deal directly with International Business patrons after appropriate know your customer and customer due diligence requirements are satisfied. SkyCity will consult with its gaming regulators in New Zealand and South Australia 1n relation to its revised operating model.”
