The South Australian Liquor and Gambling Commissioner, Dini Soulio, has ordered SkyCity Entertainment to hold an independent review of its anti-money laundering, counter-terrorism financing and host responsibilities at SkyCity Adelaide.
Following the investigation that was enacted in 2022, Soulio has confirmed that the preliminary materials gathered were enough to warrant action taken against the casino.
Soulio said: “This is not a matter that I have taken lightly.
“I believe it’s important that the people of South Australia can have confidence that SkyCity Adelaide, as the licensee of the Adelaide Casino, is operating effectively to minimise gambling harm and ensure compliance with all anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing regulatory obligations.
“The Independent Monitor will not displace the role of the SkyCity Adelaide Board, but will monitor SkyCity's enhancement program implementation and operations to ensure that these objectives are met.”
The independent expert will be responsible for overseeing the implementation of improved compliance programmes at SkySity Adelaide, as well as the steps the casino will take to reduce harm from anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing.
Due to this, another investigation is underway to assess the suitability of SkyCity Adelaide to hold a casino licence and to be considered a close associate of SkyCity Entertainment Group.
As reported by Australian media outlets, David Christian, COO at SkyCity, said: "We will fully co-operate with the commissioner in relation to the selection and appointment of the independent expert, and work closely with the independent expert.
"It is very important to us that our customers, community, and the regulators have confidence in our commitment to the highest standards of compliance."
In other news, the 2023 Global Gaming Awards Asia Pacific winners were announced today, via a virtual awards ceremony.
