Skip to main content

Christchurch Casino License Review Hearing Underway

Recently updated on December 5th, 2018

Christchurch Casino is the first Kiwi casino up for a license review. While the current Christchurch Casino license is valid until November of 2019, the New Zealand Gambling Commission is now taking submissions from interested parties. These parties include casino representatives, the City Council and the Problem Gambling Foundation.

Roughly 70 submissions were filed with the Commission. Starting on Tuesday, interested parties could also give oral submissions in a hearing. Skyline Enterprises operates the casino, and already applied for the next license in March. Reportedly, the operator paid approximately NZ$200 000 in application fees to start the process.

Christchurch Casino License Renewal Requests Submitted – NZ News

Charity Contributions for Christchurch Casino

One of the expected stipulations of Christchurch Casino’s license renewal is a charity contribution. According to reports, the casino will need to pay 2.5% of net profits to charity or NZ$500 000. In 2017, profits amounted to NZ$16.1 million. Using the condition, this means they would need to contribute NZ$402 500 to charities. Currently, SkyCity Auckland has to follow these guidelines.

However, the casino believes this requirement should be NZ$250 000 because it has less facilities. SkyCity Auckland has 150 gaming tables and more than 1800 slots. In comparison, Christchurch Casino has only 36 gaming tables and 50 pokies. As the review progresses, this could be taken into account for the final requirement.

Another suggested contribution for charitable causes is a discretionary fund. This fund should amount to NZ$100 000. Any leftover monies at the end of the year will be added to charitable funds.

Christchurch Casino License Review

Christchurch Casino opened in 1994, and received a license for 25 years. As the first land-based casino in New Zealand, it is also the first to renew its license. This review will set the standard for other casinos due to renew their licenses in 2020 and beyond. So, for updates on this story, keep visiting New Zealand Casinos.



Related Posts

UKGC Calls for Consultations about the Ban on Credit Gambling

UKGC to Ban Credit Gambling

Recently updated on July 27th, 2019A ban on credit gambling in the United Kingdom will be investigated next month by the UK Gambling Commission. After calls for evidence in February, the regulator will now begin consulting with the gambling and financial sectors about the harms of gambling with borrowed money or credit. Credit gambling is […]

Parimatch goes Lives with Pragmatic Plays casino offering

Recently updated on July 20th, 2019Pragmatic Play is one of the fastest-growing casino game providers in the iGaming industry. The gaming providers offer a wide range of casino products, including live casinos. Pragmatic Play has signed a deal with Parimatch, the international online betting company to integrate their live casino offering.  Parimatch is known for […]

Sinking Lid Pokie Policy Will Not Be Implemented in the Waipā District

waipa-district-rejects-sinking-lid-policy

Recently updated on August 20th, 2019It seems that the Waipā District Council does not believe that the sinking lid rule should be added to the active gambling policy in the municipality. This comes after a committee meeting was held to determine whether or not amendments should be made to the current governing policy. Only two […]

New Jersey Regulator Fines PlaySugarHouse Casino for Underage Gambling

PlaySugarHouse Online Casino

Recently updated on January 25th, 2019PlaySugarHouse casino is in hot water for an underage gambling charge laid in New Jersey. They have agreed to pay a fine of $30,000. The New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement gave a harsh fine to the gaming operator of the PlaySugarHouse casino for allowing underage players to gamble for […]

NZ Video Gaming a Budding Industry

Recently updated on September 5th, 2019 In five years, the New Zealand video game industry could be worth a billion dollars. The interactive gaming industry is said to be the future of New Zealand’s economy. A report identifying how video gaming could create jobs and export earning if the government was involved was recently released. […]