SkyCity Adelaide casino suitable to hold licence, independent review finds
Following a three-year review, retired Supreme Court judge Brian Martin found SkyCity had neglected its corporate responsibilities and prioritised revenue over compliance.
But he noted the company, which holds South Australia's only casino licence, had shown a "substantial commitment" to reform — particularly in the last year.
Mr Martin's report was handed to Liquor and Gambling Commissioner Brett Humphrey, who will now consider enforcement action in relation to identified breaches.
The review was commissioned in mid-2022 following interstate inquiries into similar casino operations, which uncovered major failings.
Its aim was to ensure that SkyCity Adelaide and its parent company, SkyCity Entertainment Group, were still suitable to hold a licence.
Mr Martin was initially due to report back by early 2023. But the review was put on hold while financial crimes agency AUSTRAC took civil action against SkyCity for breaches of Australia's anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing laws.
The inquiry resumed in June 2024, after SkyCity was ordered by the Federal Court to pay a $67 million fine.
In the report — made public on Tuesday —Mr Martin found that SkyCity Adelaide's board had for decades failed to exercise its functions and fulfill its responsibilities.
From the time the casino licence was granted in 1999 until November 2021, the board did not meet or receive any reports.
He also found SkyCity's compliance with anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing laws were "seriously inadequate in a number of ways" during the 2016-2022 period.
It also found the casino failed to establish and maintain a "host responsibility program" — a mandatory policy that sets out a casino's obligations in respect to harm minimisation and prevention.
Mr Martin identified the appointment of Avril Baynes as acting chief executive in April 2024 as a turning point for the company.
"The failings and inadequacies of the past were — for the first time — freely acknowledged without reservation," he said.
SkyCity has agreed to a series of reforms, including changes in senior management personnel, new policies and measures to develop an appropriate culture across the casino.
The work is due to be complete by mid-2027 but Mr Martin noted "significant issues" with SkyCity's ability to complete it on time.
However, he said the timeline was less relevant because the operator has now recognised the problems and committed to address them.
"I am satisfied that, broadly speaking, today the licensee is conducting the business of the casino competently and effectively and will continue to do so in the foreseeable future.
Commissioner Humphrey said he accepted Mr Martin's findings that SkyCity was suitable to hold and operate the casino licence.
"Even though many of the issues raised have either been addressed or are being addressed through a program of work being supervised by the independent monitor since August 2023, the deficiencies and breaches uncovered are deeply concerning."
SkyCity chief executive Jason Walbridge said the company fully accepted and acknowledged the findings of the report.
"We further acknowledge Mr Martin's findings and the Commissioner's comments that we still have work to do.
"We have made significant enhancements in terms of leadership, resourcing and systems including a commitment to invest [approximately] $60 million over three years to transform our culture, to uplift our financial crime and host responsibility practices."
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