SkyCity Inquiry Enters Public Submissions Period

An independent inquiry in South Australia requested public submissions from interested parties and stakeholders ahead of the launch of the probe into SkyCity Adelaide casino.

Gathering Public Evidence

The inquiry was announced earlier in the month when South Australian Liquor and Gambling Commissioner Dini Soulio hinted that inquiries into Crown Resorts and The Star Entertainment Group in New South Wales, Victoria and Western Australia uncovered broad systemic failures of the casino industry and required South Australia to investigate the dealings of its only casino, SkyCity Adelaide.

Soulio announced that the state has appointed retired Supreme Court judge Brian Martin QC to lead the independent inquiry into the dealing of SkyCity Entertainment in its land-based gambling establishment in Adelaide, highlighting Martin’s credentials and expertise in the field.

Martin, who has been instrumental in conducting reviews of key criminal justice policies in the state such as the handling of major indictable offenses and the sentencing discount scheme, will have to determine whether SkyCity Entertainment is suitable to hold a casino license for its SkyCity Adelaide casino.

The inquiry announced that all interested parties and stakeholders will have until August 10 to provide their submissions.

Decision May Impact Region and State

The royal commission-like inquiry led by Martin will have until February 1, 2023, to report back to the Liquor and Gambling Commissioner its findings and determine the fate of one of the largest employers in South Australia.

Dating back to 1985, SkyCity Adelaide is one of the preferred tourist destinations, housed in the historic Railway Station building on the banks of River Torrens. In addition to providing its patrons with fun and exciting times through a variety of entertainment options integrated within a contemporary environment, the casino is a major contributor to the state.

SkyCity Adelaide employs over 1,000 people and is directly contributing to South Australia with around $13 million annually. When adding the indirect contribution, the amount climbs up to over $20 million.

If the inquiry finds SkyCity Entertainment unsuitable to hold a casino license for its property in Adelaide, the decision could have severe repercussions for the operator’s other casino properties in Auckland, Queenstown and Hamilton.