Last month New Zealand’s Gambling Commission heard the reasons put forward by the Department of Internal Affairs for requesting the suspension of Dunedin Casino’s licence. The case was originally scheduled to be heard over two days but having commenced on 31 July was adjourned the following day and new dates for the completion of procedures set. The Gambling Commission, an independent statutory decision-making body established under the Gambling Act 2003, is now hearing more from witnesses and counsel over three days, 11 – 13 September.

Yesterday Dunedin Casino started putting its case in defence of the lack of action taken over gambling addict Christine Keenan, sentenced in December 2004 for stealing from her employers. The Gambling Act requires casinos to bar people suspected of having a problem with gambling, but the case is complicated by the fact that Christine Keenan’s problem arose from 2001 and the casino was operated by Aspinall (NZ) Limited until 1 April 2004. The new management, 40% owned by SKYCITY Entertainment, is Dunedin Casinos Management, which contends it should not be held responsible even though senior management remained unchanged.

A former employee of Dunedin Casino yesterday gave evidence that the General Manager did not think that Christine Keenan had a gambling problem. The Department of Internal Affairs maintains that staff failed to stop her gambling away NZ$6 million over three years and wants the Dunedin Casino licence suspended. The hearing is the first of its kind in New Zealand and the gambling industry is closely watching proceedings. A maximum six months’ operating ban could be imposed on Dunedin Casino if it loses the case.
(E-09.12.06)

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