NZ Casino news Archives - Page 3 of 7

Sinking lid pokie rule enters consultation stage

February 15, 2022 by Admin

Waitaki’s District Council is currently in the process of formulating a sinking lid policy on gaming machines in the area, an initiative that seeks to mitigate gambling addiction and harm.

The council’s Class Four Gaming Venue and TAB Venue Policy will be put out for consultation in the near future, with five options to be presented to the community for their feedback.

Pokies in pubs and clubs fall under the definition of “class four” gambling, making them a target of the proposed sinking lid policy that states that when a class 4 gambling venue closes, the council will not issue a licence to another operator to replace that venue.

Existing licences may also not be transferred to other locations in the event of a venue’s closing. This would ultimately prevent the introduction of new gaming machine venues from opening, and gradually decrease the number of gaming venues and machines in the district.

Waitaki’s Mayor, Gary Kircher, stated emphatically that there was “no doubt” that numerous groups and organisations draw benefit from the existence of the machines in question, but that the social cost of addiction to gambling on these devices is unacceptable.

“Many people get to enjoy them as entertainment but, sadly, too many people are addicted as well,” he said.

The council will also present the option of maintaining the status quo, meaning that the current limit of 140 gaming machines and 22 venues, along with other restrictions would be kept in place.

There have been no proposed changes to the council’s TAB venue policy, however, two options will be offered as part of the consultation, which ends on March 1, 2022.

“We welcome the opportunity to get public feedback on gaming machines, as an important part of the review on Waitaki’s bylaw. Please take the time to have your say, good or bad, so we can make the best decision for our community,” Kircher added.

The council is only obliged to review its gambling policy every three years. This is, however, only a component of its duties, as demonstrated in 2021 when it embarked on an initiative to identify significant national areas with “outstanding and significant natural features” that would receive increased protection.

SkyCity gets a bigger slice of the digital pie

January 4, 2022 by Admin

SkyCity Entertainment Group and Gaming Innovation Group (GIG) have bolstered their existing partnership with a 25 million euro equity deal for GIG’s acquisition of France-Pari/Sportnco, a business-to-business online sports and player account management provider.

GIG, a European online gaming platform provider and media services operator has enjoyed a lucrative strategic partnership with Skycity, since the opening of the SkyCity online casino in August 2019.

Through a Sale and Purchase Agreement, GIG is aiming to acquire 100 per cent of Sportnco for 70 million euro, with Sportnco standing to gain an additional earn-out payment if specified profit targets are met.

Sound Investment

SkyCity’s CEO, Michael Ahearne stated that the company is thrilled at the opportunity to broaden its strategic partnership.

“GIG is an established online operator who we have come to know well since partnering in mid-2019 to launch the SkyCity online casino. The partnership has provided SkyCity with access to a complementary and high-growth gaming category and has enabled us to pursue an omnichannel strategy,” Ahearne said.

“The combined GIG/Sportnco business will be licensed or certified in more than 20 jurisdictions, including growth markets such as the US, Canada and Latin America. We are delighted to support GIG in the financing of the transaction, becoming a major shareholder and helping GIG execute on its strategic vision through representation on the Board,” he continued.

Ahearne further advised that the equity investment represents significant growth for the company’s digital capability while strengthening its “strategic alignment” with GIG.

GIG’s COE, Richard Brown shared his thoughts on the announcement, saying that his company was thrilled at the evolution of its relationship with SkyCity.

“Both companies’ outlook and focus around the ever-evolving digitalisation of gambling is expected to enable strategic gains, with SkyCity benefiting from first-hand digital experience that GIG holds, and new opportunities brought about by the transaction with Sportnco,” he said.

NZ Vaccine Mandates

In addition to acquiring new assets, SkyCity Entertainment is seeking to preserve the health and safety of customers and staff at its New Zealand venues once they reopen. CEO Michael Ahearne spoke at the company’s annual meeting, stating that New Zealand’s new traffic light system had paved the way for the reopening of the operator’s larger casinos and hotels.

“Accordingly, our intention is that all SkyCity properties in New Zealand will operate as vaccination-only venues when the new framework comes into effect, a decision that has been made with the health and safety of our staff and customers in mind. As one of the biggest entertainment venues in New Zealand, and a significant employer in New Zealand, we need to take measures to help keep Kiwis safe,” Ahearne said.

The vaccine mandate would affect all 2900 New Zealand employees, as well as any customers, contractors and visitors.

Auckland casinos stage a triumphant comeback following 100-day lockdown

December 10, 2021 by Admin

Auckland’s 100-day lockdown has come to an end and businesses are trading again under the new “traffic light system” that determines restrictions based on individual areas’ vaccination rates and their level of exposure to COVID-19.

As the eye of the country’s Delta variant storm, Auckland has been placed at the red level which mandates the wearing of face masks and limits on gatherings at public places.

On its website, SkyCity Casino announced its reopening date of Friday, December 3, and specified that it would be operating under the red light level.

“All guests must present an official ‘My Vaccine Pass’ upon entry. If a guest wishes to present a printed vaccine pass they will also be required to show valid photo identification. Please note you must also scan in via QR code or our entry register and that mask-wearing is required at all times,” the casino explained.

Over 1200 New Zealanders were compelled into self-isolation following a positive COVID-19 case being recorded at SkyCity Casino, including 240 members of the venue’s staff.

Fresh New Zealand travel restrictions spell bad news for casinos

November 30, 2021 by Admin

An ill omen has emerged for the immediate future of New Zealand’s tourism industry, with an announcement of new regulations prohibiting inbound travel by foreigners. The closure of the country’s borders has been extended beyond initial expectations and means that the country’s casinos will have to survive without foreign gamblers until an unknown point in 2022.

Fresh data from Johns Hopkins’ Center for Systems Science and Engineering, reveals a concerning trend where the country’s mid-August 7-day average of three new cases now stands at 191.

New Zealand has already been operating under nationwide restrictions for most of the year, with its borders mostly closed. From January 2022, citizens mired abroad will be permitted to return home, but international visitors will face stringent entry requirements.

Enduring Lockdown

The country’s COVID-19 Response Minister, Chris Hipkins, stated that any prospective foreign visitors would only be able to visit in the new year if they were willing to enter quarantine until the end of April. Casinos operators like SkyCity Entertainment Group will be particularly hard-hit as they rely heavily on foreign visitation for revenue.

“Closing our border was one of the first steps we took to keep our country safe from COVID-19, and it’ll be the last thing we open up, following our transition into the traffic light protection framework system and lifting of the Auckland boundary,” Hipkin elaborated.

“We are making this announcement today to give families, businesses, visitors and airline and airport companies certainty and time to prepare. It’s very encouraging that as a country, we are now in a position to move towards greater normality,” he concluded.

SkyCity under a cloud

With Chinese VIP clients reportedly responsible for around 40% of SkyCity’s growth, the interruption of this vital revenue by the global pandemic has placed the organisation in a perilous position.

In addition to these troubles, the casino operator is also undergoing a transformative process to appease regulators, recently announcing that it would cut all ties with junkets. This latest action is a proactive remedial measure in response to the recent legal difficulties that Crown resorts Australia has found itself embroiled in.

SkyCity’s has its hopes of somewhat easing the damage partially pinned on the planned December 3 reopening of its Auckland property. The resumption of business comes with the introduction of New Zealand’s new “traffic light” COVID-19 protocol system.

SkyCity Auckland looks to early December reopening

November 26, 2021 by Admin

The New Zealand government has confirmed its intent to transition to a new COVID-19 alert system, allowing venues to operate under a trio of restriction tiers.

Auckland is expected to fall under the most severe, red setting, which means venues may only accept vaccinated individuals with specific capacity and social distancing restrictions in place.

SkyCity made the recent commitment that all staff and visitors to its New Zealand casinos and resorts would have to be fully vaccinated to gain entry, irrespective of the alert setting. The company’s SkyCity Auckland venue is expected to reopen from December 3 with its casino, entertainment and accommodation facilities all being open to the public.

“The SkyCity Auckland property will reopen in a staged manner with health and safety measures in place to reflect the Ministry of Health’s latest recommendations and guidelines,” the operator explained in an official statement.

SkyCity Auckland had previously closed doors on August 17 following a COVID-19 Delta variant outbreak in what is New Zealand’s most populated city.

New Leadership

The reopening is not the only significant event that the company has recently announced. The name of the person who will fill the seat of outgoing SkyCity chairman Rob Campbell has been revealed.

Julian Cook is the new appointee to the SkyCity chair role, leaving the former director to assume the job of group chairman from January 1 2022. The company expressed that it is committed to ensuring that the coming weeks are an “orderly transition and handover period.”

In an October announcement, Campbell advised that he was standing down at the end of the year to turn his attention to other work commitments.

“We have made significant progress over the past year to refresh the SkyCity board and I am delighted that Julian has been selected by the SkyCity board to lead SkyCity and the new chair from January 1,” he said.

Cook has a diverse background, previously serving as the chief executive officer of retirement village operator Summerset Group Holdings from 2014 to 2021 and while also assuming the role of a director at Macquarie Group from 2010.

Vital Mandate

Michael Ahearne, the chief executive of Skycity advised the company’s annual meeting that the new traffic light system would enable it to reopen its major casinos and hotels.

“Accordingly, our intention is that all SkyCity properties in New Zealand will operate as vaccination-only venues when the new framework comes into effect – a decision that has been made with the health and safety of our staff and customers in mind. The vaccine mandate would apply to all its 2900 employees, as well as customers, contractors and visitors to any of its New Zealand venues.

“As one of the biggest entertainment venues in New Zealand, and a significant employer in New Zealand, we need to take measures to help keep Kiwis safe,” he said.

Ahearne emphasised the negative impact that the current lockdowns were having on the company, costing it around $1 million a day in lost revenue, rendering the determination of a full-year earnings forecast impossible.

“Trading over the course of the first half of the financial year has been materially impacted by the COVID-19 restrictions, in particular, the ongoing lockdown in the Auckland region and, consequently, the company’s first-half earnings are expected to be impacted from the difficult trading conditions,” he concluded.

Skycity, Adelaide

Westpac puts the squeeze on gambling-related credit card payments

November 23, 2021 by Admin

Major bank, Westpac has responded to the ongoing scourge of problem gambling with a punitive measure for customers using its credit cards for online gambling transactions

The bank has decided to charge higher interest on what it describes as “quasi cash” credit card payments, including transactions for Lotto, TAB and other online gambling services.

The bank levies a 22.95% interest for ‘cash advances’ on its Hotpoints Mastercard and has stated that from November 30, all payments to gambling accounts, for cryptocurrency purchases will be categorised as cash advances. Assuming the cardholder does not clear their balance by their monthly payment date; all regular purchases performed with Westpac’s standard Mastercard will incur interest of 20.95%.

The Problem Gambling Foundation responded to this measure, by calling for a review of existing gambling laws and for action similar to that taken by the British Gambling Commission that banned payments from credit cards to gambling companies outright.

This ban was imposed by the commission, following the publication of research that pointed to a significant percentage of problem gamblers using credit cards to fuel their addiction.

Andree Froude, a spokesperson for the Problem Gambling Foundation advised that online gambling numbers were on the increase and “obviously credit cards provide a means for them to do that when they don’t really have the money”.

“I think the move to ban credit cards would be a good one,” she asserted.

Froude added that The Gambling Act was almost 20 years old and that in the time since its creation, technological advances have left it sorely in need of an update.

She further stated that the Department of Internal Affairs had completed a review of online gambling a few years ago and that those results would be made available soon, accompanied by options for regulation.

A spokesperson from Westpac said that the majority of “quasi-cash transactions are used to fund online gambling.”

Not Enough

Froude mentioned that institutions like Westpac have a lot more work to do in the fight to empower gambling addicts with the tools to help themselves. She pointed to Kiwibank, which in April announced that it would offer voluntary credit card gambling blocks to problem gamblers. This is to help them stop gambling with borrowed funds and so far, 127 customers have requested the block, representing an average of $13 000 saved in gambling spend saved per year.

Kiwibank initiated this measure after noting a rise in online gambling harm over the Covid lockdowns.

While Westpac’s Australian operations offer similar voluntary measures to Kiwibank, its New Zealand subsidiaries do not.

Microgaming sheds its Quickfire Platform

November 16, 2021 by Admin

Microgaming made the recent announcement that it would be selling its globally-renowned Quickfire distribution business and portfolio. This deal encompasses the platform’s games and the buyer stepping up to the table is Games Global Limited.

As part of the deal, Games Global will also possess several games studios across multiple jurisdictions with the conclusion of this agreement expected to happen by the second quarter of 2022. Once it is done, the buyer will find itself in a highly advantageous position as it will be taking on regulation-ready assets across various jurisdictions.

The management of 25 studios and over 3,000 games, including the platform’s progressive jackpot network and distribution systems that have 260 customers and 980 brands will now pass to Games Global. With this, the previously-held balances of power and influence within the global iGaming industry have shifted enough to guarantee an interesting era ahead.

Starting from the Top

Walter Bugno, the CEO of Games Global, expressed excitement at being able to make such a spectacular entry into the industry as the company is a fairly new venture, having only been established in early 2021.

“We see a very vibrant gaming market at present across the world, with many new regulated markets coming online. The creation of a new large-scale independent supply chain that Games Global will be has not been witnessed for many years,” he said.

Bugno emphasised that his company’s mission is to offer a “best-of-breed product” that creates unmatched end-customer experiences.

Not All the Way Out

Microgaming’s CEO, John Coleman, appeared elated at what he characterised as mutually beneficial and advised that this deal was the conclusion of a lengthy process.

“Games Global will acquire the game IP and distribution business previously known as Quickfire, and Microgaming will continue to support its traditional core business while increasing its reach with the addition of new business and managed services,” he explained.

Quickfire’s influence appears to have rubbed off on Microgaming as the company intends to continue offering turnkey solutions to its key customers.

Kiwibank reveals rise in demand for gambling block function

November 12, 2021 by Admin

Kiwibank’s initiative to offer customers the ability to block payments to online gambling websites has drawn praise from many quarters with other financial institutions being encouraged to follow its lead. The tool was created in collaboration with the Problem Gambling Foundation and has seen increasing interest from consumers.

With the Covid-19 pandemic came an increased interest in and engagement with online gambling in New Zealand. Gambling spending grew from around $4.1 million a week at the beginning of 2020 to $6.25m a week during the lockdown, according to the Ministry of Health’s data.

Kiwibank responded to this trend and the potential harms associated with it by being the first bank in the country to allow customers the option of blocking payments from their credit and debit cards to online gambling websites, after a successful pilot project in 2020.

Julia Jackson, the Kiwibank head of sustainability explained that the rise in activity during lockdown is a global phenomenon as people eased their boredom and stress with online gambling.

“As a bank, we started to think about what we could do meaningfully. We’re not counsellors, we can’t solve all of those problems. But we do have a unique insight into people’s spending behaviour,” she said.

The payment block is applied to merchant codes linked to gambling companies. Any online gambling transactions attempted with the customer’s card via these merchants will be immediately declined. The block can also be placed on additional cards and can be reversed at any time, following a two working day processing period.

Jackson remarked that the auto-save credit card payment function available on most online gambling websites allows individuals to overlook the amount they are actually spending on these activities.

“Eighty per cent of customers who have put the block in place have kept that block on. That’s now been seven or eight months of them not having the ability to gamble online,” she stated.

Kiwibank has reported that it has helped 127 customers side-step close to $13,000 each per year in gambling losses, which comes to about $1.7 million in total with over 200 customers requesting the function.

Jackson explained that customers need not worry about their future lending project if they choose to use this tool, saying,

“The benefit, ultimately, is we are supporting our customers to ensure that they are spending their money in a way that is promoting their long term wellbeing and helping them to get ahead. It ensures we have customers who are more financially resilient and more emotionally resilient as well, which is a great side outcome.”

Banks Under Pressure

The banking industry at large has been urged to prioritise the safety and interests of customers in the wake of the Financial Markets Authority and the Reserve Bank of New Zealand’s joint review of the state of the country’s conduct and culture in 2018.

The Reserve Bank Governor, Adrian Orr, had commented at the time, saying,

“To promote a sound and efficient financial system, banks have a responsibility to ensure customers receive products and services they “understand. These products and services must be suited to customers’ needs on an ongoing basis.”

Gambling counsellor Bonnie Lovich-Howitt spoke up for consumers, explaining that online gambling websites obstruct self-exclusion efforts.

“Our clients report gambling sites are like an octopus. One website will have an offer on other sites. Often unsolicited messages pop up, but we really don’t want them popping up when people are most vulnerable. I had a client who was doing really well, they hadn’t gambled in over a year, they were feeling really good, their relationship was back on track. And then they got an email from a random online gambling place. Basically, it said, you know, spend $1, and we’ll give you $100. But 40 hours later that harmless dollar cost them their whole paycheck,” she said.

Lovich-Howitt added that Kiwibank’s measure is an effective tool for individuals seeking to reduce their exposure to gambling harm and that she had urged the bank to ensure that the use of this measure would not negatively impact the customers’ ability to borrow money.

The counsellor made her final comment on the matter, saying.

“That’s crucial to the success of the block. They wouldn’t have as many people using it if customers were worried it would affect their lending. We need people to be confident to talk to the bank. Offering services helps challenge the stigma associated with harmful gambling, and financial institutions have a responsibility, as gambling is directly related to money.

“I honestly hope and believe that it’s a trend that all others follow.”

Evolution finds a new home at Fair Play Casino

October 12, 2021 by Admin

Evolution is making its mark in the freshly-regulated Dutch gambling market by allying with Janshen-Hahnraths Group and its Fair Play Casino brand. Evolution will supply the platform with its catalogue of premium games and products from its brands, NetEnt and Red Tiger.

The developer’s entire suite of products, including its live offering comprising games like Roulette, Blackjack, Baccarat Crazy Time, and Monopoly Live have set it apart from the competition in the iGaming sphere and will be included on its new partner’s online platform.

Under the partnership, Evolution’s pokies by NetEnt and Red Tiger like Starburst, Narcos, Gonzo’s Quest, and Gonzo’s Quest Megaways, among others, will also be available to Fair Play Casino players.

Mutual Benefit

Evolution’s commercial director, Gavin Hamilton commented on the new deal, explaining that Evolution has been waiting for the chance to enter the Dutch market and that working alongside Fair Play Casino and Janshen-Hahnraths Group is a great strategy to meet this end

Hamilton added that it was an ideal partnership, saying,

“Our extensive online offering is a great fit for further developing their exciting games portfolio, and we look forward to achieving great new things together.”

Janshen-Hahnraths Group was similarly thrilled at the new partnership, as exemplified by the statements of the organisation’s chief digital officer, Björn Fuchs, who said that the company has eagerly anticipated the opportunity to offer an online product in the Netherlands.

Fuchs stated that Fair Play is excited to offer Dutch players an extensive selection of “world-class online games.”

“We are sure players will agree that the sheer quality and variety of the online games now available to our players on desktop and mobile at the Fair Play website has been well worth the wait,” he added.

The Janshen-Hahnraths Group is a household name in the land-based Dutch gambling market and currently operates over 38 retail casinos as part of the Fair play Casinos brand. The venues showcase pokie and automatic roulette experiences.

SkyCity‘s Hamilton casino shuttered by new NZ lockdowns

October 8, 2021 by Admin

SkyCity recently announced that its Hamilton casino property would be temporarily closed following the issuing of a level 3 novel Covid-19 alert by the New Zealand government on October 3.

The alert covers parts of the Waikato region, including the Hamilton CBD, after the discovery of two new cases of Covid-19. The five-day lockdown began at 11:59 pm on October 3.

Fortunately for the operator, its Queenstown property remains open, subject to conditions stipulated by the level 2 alert that is currently active in the area.

This has been a year of mixed fortunes for SkyCity as in August, it was compelled to temporarily close its Hamilton, Auckland and Queensland venues due to Covid-19 measures enforced at the time. Over this period, SkyCity recorded a 17.6% decrease in revenue for its 2020-2021 financial year.

Delta Threat

The government of New Zealand recently reported that the Delta Covid variant has spread beyond the borders of Auckland which has been under lockdown since mid-August.

In a public address on October 3, the country’s Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern, assured the nation that the government was doing its best to ensure that the spread of the virus is kept in check.

“We are doing everything that we can to keep cases confined to Auckland and managing them there, “she said.

Arden added that strict lockdowns would be suspended once 90% of the eligible population is fully vaccinated, a significant increase from the country’s current 46% vaccination rate.

From 1 November, full vaccination will become an entry requirement for any non-New Zealand citizens seeking to visit the country, according to Chris Hipkins, the Covid-19 response minister.