SkyCity Group has confirmed the dates for a mandatory five-day closure of the gambling area at SkyCity Auckland casino, following a directive from the Secretary for Internal Affairs. The closure is scheduled from Monday, September 9, 2024, to Friday, September 13, 2024. This action stems from SkyCity Auckland’s failure to fulfill its host responsibility obligations towards a former customer.
Scope of the Closure
The closure will specifically affect the gambling area and associated food and beverage services within the casino. However, other attractions and services at SkyCity Auckland, including its hotels, Sky Tower, theatre, restaurants, and bars located outside the gambling area, will remain operational during this period.
Reasons for the Closure
The five-day cessation of gambling activities is a consequence of shortcomings on SkyCity’s part. SkyCity CEO Jason Walbridge admitted to the failures and emphasized the company’s commitment to adhering to expected standards in the future. “The closure is the result of failings on the part of SkyCity, which we have accepted responsibility for. We failed to meet the standards expected of us in this case,” Walbridge stated.
Staff Compensation During Closure
SkyCity has assured that its staff will not be financially impacted by this closure. All employees scheduled to work during the five-day period will be rostered and compensated as usual, despite the suspension of gambling operations. This decision underscores the company’s commitment to its workforce amid regulatory compliance measures.
Background and Apology
The directive for the closure was issued by the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) in mid-July, citing SkyCity Auckland’s failure to meet its host responsibility obligations. In response, SkyCity Group has formally apologized to the Secretary of Internal Affairs and taken steps to rectify the identified shortcomings.
SkyCity New Zealand COO Callum Mallett, who served as the interim CEO before Jason Walbridge’s appointment, reaffirmed that the group has addressed the design errors that led to the compliance issue. Mallett expressed confidence in the steps taken to prevent future occurrences of similar failures.
Corporate Responsibility and Future Commitments
SkyCity Group’s swift acknowledgment of the issue and acceptance of responsibility reflect its dedication to corporate responsibility and regulatory compliance. The company’s proactive measures, including the rectification of design flaws and formal apology, demonstrate its commitment to maintaining high standards of operation.
The incident serves as a reminder of the critical importance of host responsibility in the gambling industry. SkyCity’s experience underscores the need for rigorous compliance with regulatory standards to ensure the safety and well-being of customers.
Implications for SkyCity Auckland’s Operations
The five-day closure is likely to have significant implications for SkyCity Auckland’s operations, particularly in terms of revenue and customer experience. However, the continued operation of other services and attractions within the SkyCity complex will mitigate the overall impact.
SkyCity Auckland’s upcoming five-day closure of its gambling area, set from September 9 to September 13, 2024, highlights the company’s response to regulatory directives and its commitment to upholding host responsibility obligations. While the closure poses operational challenges, SkyCity’s actions to address the issue and support its staff demonstrate a commitment to corporate responsibility and regulatory compliance.