New license for New Zealand's SkyCity casino. (Image: queenstownnz.co.nz)
SkyCity Queenstown has been granted a 15-year renewal of its casino venue licence by the New Zealand Gambling Commission, extending its operations from 7 December 2025 through 2040.
The decision ensures SkyCity’s continued presence in Queenstown, where the casino is a fixture of the local entertainment and tourism landscape.
“We’re delighted with this outcome,” said SkyCity chief executive officer Jason Walbridge.
“We look forward to continuing to play our part in Queenstown’s fantastic range of entertainment for both locals and visitors.”
Oversight and Compliance
The renewal follows a routine review process under New Zealand’s Gambling Act 2003, which requires operators to demonstrate compliance with responsible gambling, financial, and operational standards. SkyCity Queenstown, which first opened in 2000, is one of only six casinos in New Zealand.
The company operates two venues in the region, SkyCity Queenstown and the smaller Wharf Casino. The licence renewal applies specifically to the main Beach Street location.
Wider Regulatory Context
SkyCity Entertainment Group has faced regulatory scrutiny in other jurisdictions. In August 2025, an independent review led by former Federal Court judge Ray Finkelstein KC found SkyCity Adelaide suitable to retain its South Australia casino licence after addressing anti-money laundering and governance concerns.
The review followed earlier investigations by the Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC) and South Australian Liquor and Gambling Commissioner. Those findings prompted reforms across SkyCity’s Australian operations, including enhanced risk management and compliance training.
Local Significance
Queenstown, a major tourist hub, benefits economically from SkyCity’s continued operation. The casino contributes through employment, tourism, and community partnerships. Its licence renewal underscores the regulator’s confidence in the company’s adherence to standards and its value to the region’s tourism industry.
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News WriterMost of my career was spent in teaching including at one of the UK’s top private schools. I left London in 2000 and set up home in Wales raising four beautiful children. I enrolled at University where I studied Photography and film and gained a Degree and subsequently a Masters Degree. In 2014 I helped launch a new local newspaper and managed to get front and back page as well as 6 filler pages on a weekly basis. I saw that journalism was changing and was a pioneer of hyperlocal news in Wales. In 2017 I started one of the first 24/7 free independent news sites for Wales. Having taken that to a successful business model I was keen for a new challenge. Joining the company is exciting for me especially as it is a new role in Europe. I am keen to establish myself and help others to do the same.
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