SkyCity casino inquiry calls for submissions

The South Australia Gambling and Liquor regulator announced the review in July 2022, citing “systemic concerns raised by inquiries in other jurisdictions.”

A number of other Australian casinos are under investigation, including The Star Sydney, which was considered unsuitable to hold a licence amid allegations of money laundering, organised crime, fraud and foreign interference.

Additionally, Crown Melbourne has faced a range of legal issues, recently receiving an AU$80m (US$55.7m) fine from The Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission.

Retired Supreme Court Judge Brian Martin AO QC was appointed to head the SkyCity inquiry, which intends to determine whether SkyCity is suitable to hold a casino licence and whether SkyCity Entertainment Group is suitable to be an associate of SkyCity Adelaide.

Liquor and Gambling Commissioner Dini Soulio said: “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 the way SkyCity operates demonstrates that the licensee is still suitable to hold the casino licence in South Australia.”

The inquiry is now calling for information from anyone who might have knowledge that could assist the investigation. Submissions can be made via the Attorney-General’s Department website.

Submissions can be made until 10 August, with Martin expected to publish the results of the investigation by 1 February 2023.