16/08/2007

SKYCITY Sets the Record Straight

TV One news has made allegations this week regarding the integrity of SKYCITY’s operations and its staff with particular reference to alleged loan sharking at SKYCITY Auckland.

SKYCITY has continually provided comment and facts to TVNZ which they have chosen to ignore.

SKYCITY takes any allegations seriously and takes action immediately.

In accordance with these investigations, and advice of the DIA, a person was suspended from the SKYCITY property on Tuesday. This person was not a member of SKYCITY staff as stated by TVNZ. SKYCITY is unable to provide further information on this person due to privacy.

SKYCITY has no evidence of any improper dealings by our staff or in our VIP spaces which are continually monitored by security and surveillance.

SKYCITY is continuing its investigations and has zero tolerance for impropriety of any nature by staff. If TVNZ or any party has facts on which SKYCITY can act, then we encourage them to tell us directly.

SKYCITY wishes to inform all media of the information previously shared by SKYCITY Auckland’s General Manager, David Christian, with TVNZ:

“SKYCITY has extensive polices and leading-edge technology in place to identify and manage undesirable behaviour. For example:

• Extensive surveillance systems are in place and are monitored at all times by highly trained personnel.
• We have close working relationships with the New Zealand Police and the Department of Internal Affairs, who have access to the site 24 hours a day.
• Information is regularly shared with relevant parties - DIA, NZ Police.
• Suspicious activity is investigated by SKYCITY’s security and surveillance department and if appropriate reported to the relevant agency.
• Suspicions of loan sharking are always investigated. This can lead to exclusion or trespass.
• Training programmes are in place to support our staff in dealing with undesirable behaviour. Security personnel receive additional specialised training.
• SKYCITY has a professionally skilled team of harm minimisation and host responsibility staff.
• Gambling helplines are promoted throughout our casinos.
• SKYCITY relies on information from our own investigators, staff, customers, the NZ Police, problem gambling service providers and the government inspectors operating on site. If TVNZ or its viewers have any information relating to undesirable behaviour, then we encourage them to speak to us or the DIA directly and we will take any appropriate action immediately."

SKYCITY reiterates that the casino industry in New Zealand is strictly regulated and supervised by DIA and the Gambling Commission.

SKYCITY respects its license to operate and values its reputation for being a responsible gambling provider - a strong commitment to the safety and security of our staff, visitors and customers underpins all of SKYCITY’s operations at all times.

---ends