SkyCity casinos are getting a lot of bad press recently. In New Zealand accusations of loan sharks operating at Christchurch Casino have spread to include SkyCity Auckland. In Australia SkyCity Adelaide, allegations have been made that the casino is being used to launder money from crime. The respective governments are now likely to become involved.

The New Zealand government has ordered an investigation into loan sharking at Christchurch Casino but the Green Party has put the case for a wider public inquiry. Gamblers have apparently been borrowing money, in excess of NZ$10,000 in some cases, from loan sharks at Auckland casino. There have been reports of threats towards those who fall behind with repayments.

In Australia it is motorcycle gangs that are believed to be laundering money and committing other crimes on casino premises. The Police Minister has said that the Government would grant extra powers to the police to ban the bikers from licensed premises. Casino gambling, it is suggested, is a traditional way for organised crime and other criminals to wash their money.

In both countries SkyCity has expressed concern and promised to give the authorities all assistance to resolve the problems, saying they have zero tolerance for such activities. If loan sharks were operating then they would be banned from the company’s premises. In Australia the government has not yet raised the money laundering issue with the company. In New Zealand the Department of Internal Affairs will widen the inquiry if relevant information concerning the Auckland casino is provided. (E-06.22.07)

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