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SkyCity Auckland Expansion Plan Sparks Backlash
The operator came under fire for indirectly encouraging smoking while playing pokeys, which may lead to increased health and problem gambling risks

SkyCity’s plan to construct an expansive outdoor smoking deck at its Auckland casino has come under scrutiny from public health groups and gambling harm advocates. The controversial project will allow more clients to gamble and smoke at the same time, raising alarms about its health and social impacts. Such a move also threatens to further damage SkyCity’s public image following last year’s AML fines.
Smoking and Gambling Harm Go Hand-in-Hand
Documents submitted to the Gambling Commission reveal that SkyCity Auckland’s current smoking balcony will be transformed into an indoor space and replaced with an outdoor deck four times as big. Anti-smoking organization ASH and the Problem Gambling Foundation have joined forces to oppose this development, arguing that allowing vulnerable people to stay at machines without breaks could lead to a spike in problem gambling.
Public health experts point to the well-documented link between smoking and gambling addiction. Problem Gambling Foundation director Andree Froude was adamant that the ability to step away from pokies was a vital component of harm minimization strategies. Taking time apart from the machine gives players a critical opportunity to reflect on their experience and choose to end their gaming session.
We already have an issue with people being able to smoke and use pokie machines. We know that gambling is highly co-morbid with smoking.
Andree Froude, Problem Gambling Foundation director
Speaking for news outlet Checkpoint, Froude added that expanding the outdoor gambling space would exacerbate current issues. He also noted that SkyCity’s plan contradicted the broader push toward a smoke-free New Zealand by 2025. The Problem Gambling Foundation announced it will submit a formal objection to the Gambling Commission, urging other stakeholders to do the same.
SkyCity Is No Stranger to Controversy
ASH director Ben Youdan was also highly critical of SkyCity’s plan, noting it was of no benefit to the public. He drew attention to recent surveys highlighting that vulnerable groups were more likely to engage in smoking. Youdan alleged that operators like SkyCity were fully aware that smoking kept people at the machines, implying that the company prioritized profits over responsible gambling.
Building a large dedicated smoking and gambling deck is deeply manipulative of people who smoke. It will increase harm all around and is a double blow to public health.
Ben Youdan, ASH director
SkyCity has defended its project, stating that the expanded deck would comply with all legal requirements, redesigning the existing balcony space to cater to smoking customers. However, critics note the deck design more resembles an indoor space. Froude pointed out that the proposal’s concept images did not depict a truly open space, questioning the legality of SkyCity’s deck expansion project.
SkyCity’s plan has reawakened public criticism of the company, which has faced past controversies, including an AU$67 million ($41.2 million) fine in Australia for anti-money-laundering and counter-terrorism failings. With public rust in the operator already shaken, this newest controversy threatens to further tarnish its reputation, adding to broader industry challenges.
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Deyan is an experienced writer, analyst, and seeker of forbidden lore. He has approximate knowledge about many things, which he is always willing to apply when researching and preparing his articles. With a degree in Copy-editing and Proofreading, Deyan is able to ensure that his work writing for Gambling News is always up to scratch.
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