After reports last week claimed that the public was being kept out of the negotiations between city councilors and Sky City, a new report shows some progress. The public has been given a little more insight into the discussions between Sky City and politicians, as it has been revealed that the operators has asked for relaxed gambling advertising laws, as well.
The deal originally stated that, in return for the construction of the new conference centre in Auckland, gambling laws would be relaxed. This means that the local Sky City will be able to install more poker machines and table games, despite the city’s cap on gambling.
Now, Sky City is asking for a bit more. Recent reports that that Sky City has asked for the local government to relax laws concerning gambling advertising for the casino operator as well – but politicians will not agree.
According to Economic Minister Steven Joyce, there is “no chance” that councilors will agree to relaxing current gambling advertising laws. Sky City is already getting a very generous deal in return for building the new conference centre, and we believe that the operator should not push its luck by asking for more perks.
