SkyCity introduces Carded Play across New Zealand venues
The introduction follows investigations into the operator's anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing compliance.
Key points:
– SkyCity has announced its Carded Play system in New Zealand
– The cards will monitor player behaviour and are required for all machine and table players
SkyCity has introduced new player safeguards at all its New Zealand properties with the introduction of Carded Play.
Players will be required to collect a Show by SkyCity card, which will identify players and uphold safeguards across all machine and table gaming. Players will need a legal form of photo ID to sign up, and can be done online or on-site.
The cards will monitor player behaviour to look for signs of problem play, with players also able to see how long they have played.
On the launch, SkyCity COO Callum Mallett said: “Carded Play gives us the tools to better support our customers. We can make earlier interventions where needed, and ensure gaming remains a safe and enjoyable experience.
“Our players all play differently, across different products. Our previous approach supported safe play within an anonymous system, but Carded Play takes that commitment further. It allows us to identify patterns of concern earlier and encourage breaks before harm occurs, giving us better tools to support our customers in real time.”
Good to know: SkyCity recently adjusted its FY25 guidance, with the operator expecting EBITDA to fall 4% to around NZ$245m – NZ$225m (US$148m – US$135.9m)
The move follows several instances of compliance breaches in recent years by the casino – a trend that has been seen with several operators in the area, particularly in Australia. In November, executives addressed compliance issues with shareholders, including the NZ$4.16m penalty it was fined earlier in the year for anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing.
SkyCity execs are also currently under investigation from the Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre for failings between 2016 to 2022, with one investor filing for an AU$67m (US$44.9m) recovery of funds, after it was alleged that execs failed in their duty of care, which led to compliance failings.
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