SkyCity Entertainment Group has announced the rollout of mandatory carded play at its casinos in New Zealand starting July 2025. This initiative will first be introduced at the company’s properties in Auckland, Hamilton, and Queenstown, with plans to extend it to SkyCity Adelaide in Australia by 2026. The decision aligns with the company’s broader efforts to strengthen regulatory compliance and enhance responsible gaming practices. By requiring customers to register and use an identity-linked SkyCity-issued card to access gaming facilities, the company aims to track gambling behavior, promote transparency, and allow for timely interventions.

Strengthening Compliance and Responsible Gaming

Proactive Compliance: The move towards mandatory carded play is part of SkyCity’s broader transformation program, aimed at improving compliance with evolving regulatory standards.
Focus on Responsible Gaming: The initiative enables patrons to track their gambling activity, including play duration and spending patterns, empowering players to better understand their gaming habits.
Promoting Transparency: By linking the card to a customer’s identity, SkyCity will be able to monitor gambling behaviors and intervene when necessary, promoting a safer and more responsible gaming environment.
This approach underscores the company’s commitment to responsible gambling and transparency, ensuring that player welfare is prioritized alongside business operations.

Aligning with Industry Standards

Regional Trend: SkyCity’s decision mirrors similar measures undertaken by Crown Resorts and Star Entertainment Group in Australia, following regulatory reviews that identified weaknesses in anti-money laundering (AML) and responsible gambling protocols.
Consistency in Compliance: The introduction of mandatory carded play ensures that SkyCity’s operations align with the highest industry standards, setting a benchmark for compliance and customer care across the gaming sector.
Building Trust with Regulators: By proactively adopting such measures, SkyCity aims to rebuild and strengthen trust with regulators and the public.
With increasing scrutiny on the gaming industry, adopting best practices in compliance has become imperative for long-term success.

Addressing Past Regulatory Challenges

Previous Penalties: In 2023, SkyCity reached a settlement with AUSTRAC, Australia’s financial crime watchdog, agreeing to pay AU$67 million (US$42.5 million) for historical failures in AML compliance.
New Zealand Settlement: The company also paid a NZ$4.2 million (US$2.4 million) settlement to New Zealand’s Department of Internal Affairs for similar compliance failures.
Focus on Prevention: The implementation of mandatory carded play is a key step in preventing future compliance issues and minimizing regulatory risks.
These measures are expected to reduce the likelihood of fines and penalties, reinforcing the company’s reputation as a responsible operator.

Operational and Customer Impact

Customer Experience: The introduction of carded play will require customers to register for a SkyCity-issued card linked to their identity. This card will be mandatory for accessing gaming facilities, ensuring that players can track their activity.
Increased Awareness: Players will be able to monitor their gambling behavior, which can help them make more informed decisions and recognize potential problems early.
Seamless Integration: SkyCity is working to ensure a smooth implementation process for customers, emphasizing ease of use and minimal disruption to the gaming experience.
By placing customer welfare at the forefront, SkyCity aims to create a safer, more transparent gaming environment.

Leadership Perspective: Commitment to Customer Care

CEO Jason Walbridge emphasized that the initiative represents a significant advancement in customer care and host responsibility.
Walbridge stated that the system will provide players with greater awareness of their gaming habits, which is essential for promoting responsible behavior.
The CEO reiterated that SkyCity’s focus remains on fostering a culture of responsibility, transparency, and accountability across all operations.
This leadership-driven approach is key to building a culture of trust and integrity, essential for long-term success in the gaming industry.

The Future of Gaming Regulation

Rising Regulatory Expectations: The gaming industry is facing increasing scrutiny globally, with stricter compliance requirements for operators.
Focus on Technology: As regulations evolve, leveraging technology to monitor and manage player behavior will become a standard practice.
Industry-Wide Impact: The adoption of carded play by SkyCity, Crown Resorts, and Star Entertainment Group is likely to influence other operators to follow suit, setting a new standard for responsible gaming.
SkyCity’s proactive measures demonstrate that compliance and innovation can coexist, setting the stage for a more sustainable and responsible gaming industry.