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

Is Keno a Bad Bet?

Is Keno a Bad Bet Online?

Recently updated on August 25th, 2022Playing keno is a bad bet if you’re planning on winning large sums of money these days, but not for the reasons you think. Most online gambling sites offer the game to players because it’s good for their bottom line, just not yours. While it’s fun to play a few […]

Twitch is Counter-Suing a Streamer Who Promoted Gambling

Twitch Streaming Service Countersues Gamer – NZ Gaming News

Recently updated on May 16th, 2018Twitch Interactive is a live-streaming service used mainly by ‘celebrity’ gamers. These gamers make money from live-streams and promotional deals. Some even advertise specific services for the games they play. However, one ‘celebrity’ was banned from Twitch in 2016 after using the platform to promote a skin betting site he […]

DIA Discussion Document Draws Criticism in New Zealand

Recently updated on August 26th, 2019New Zealand’s Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) has published a discussion document looking at the state of online gambling on the island. However, the DIA discussion document is receiving some backlash from both sides of the aisle. Both supporters of web-based casinos and anti-gambling advocates find the discussion document misunderstanding […]

Malta’s Self-Exclusion Gamblers List Grows to Over 1,000 Locals

self-exclusion gambling addict on casino table

Recently updated on July 1st, 2019A report by the Malta Responsible Gaming Foundation shows that more than 1,000 local gamblers have requested to be on the self-exclusion list. According to the spokesperson for the Foundation, the trend has been growing steadily over the past few years. However, alarming this may be, it indicates that an […]

Is Online Baccarat Beatable?

Is Online Baccarat Beatable?

Recently updated on September 4th, 2022Yes, online baccarat is beatable, but only in the short term, thanks to the house edge. Like many other casino games, the casino has a built-in advantage in baccarat to ensure profits. This advantage is a mathematical edge that ensures the casino doesn’t lose money on every winning wager. While […]