Liquor and Gambling Commissioner, Dini Soulio, has directed SkyCity Adelaide, operators of the Adelaide Casino, to appoint a suitably qualified independent expert as the Independent Monitor to review the operator’s anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing and host responsibility enhancement programs.
The independent expert will also monitor SkyCity Adelaide’s implementation of those enhancement programs and SkyCity Adelaide’s compliance with its anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing and gambling harm minimisation obligations.
Mr Soulio issued the direction following careful consideration of issues identified in the proceedings brought against SkyCity Adelaide by AUSTRAC in the Federal Court and preliminary materials from the Hon Brian Martin AO KC’s investigation.
“After evaluating all the material and considering SkyCity Adelaide’s responses to my concerns, I feel it is appropriate for SkyCity Adelaide to demonstrate it is meeting these important regulatory obligations,” Mr Soulio said.
The Independent Monitor will be able to seek amendments to the enhancement programs if it is not satisfied with their contents, before it is considered and approved by the Liquor and Gambling Commissioner.
The Independent Monitor will report back to the Commissioner on implementation of the enhancement programs and SkyCity Adelaide’s compliance with its regulatory obligations.
“This is not a matter that I have taken lightly,” Mr Soulio said.
“I believe it’s important that the people of South Australia can have confidence that SkyCity Adelaide, as the licensee of the Adelaide Casino, is operating effectively to minimise gambling harm and ensure compliance with all anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing regulatory obligations.”
The Independent Monitor will not displace the role of the SkyCity Adelaide Board, but will monitor SkyCity's enhancement program implementation and operations to ensure that these objectives are met,” Mr Soulio said.
The Liquor and Gambling Commissioner will now work with SkyCity Adelaide in relation to the selection and appointment of the Independent Monitor.
Mr Martin’s independent investigation into the suitability of SkyCity Adelaide to continue to hold the Adelaide Casino licence and of SkyCity Entertainment Group to continue to be a close associate of SkyCity Adelaide remains on hold, pending the outcome of the AUSTRAC proceedings in the Federal Court.
“As the AUSTRAC proceedings are ongoing and are currently before the court, it would be inappropriate to comment further at this point,” Mr Soulio said.
The Liquor and Gambling Commissioner’s direction is available on the Consumer and Business Services website.
