Category Archives: Law & Society

Gambling can cause great debate in the community and legally, we keep you up to date with all the comings and goings in this section.

SkyCity Auckland Player Faces Fines for Cheating

In casinos, millions of dollars are passed from player to player on a daily basis. So, it is no wonder that some casino staff and players feel the urge to take more than their fair share. Fortunately, New Zealand casino operators like Sky City are equipped with the sophisticated technology required to catch cheaters and…

Authorities Suspect Money Laundering Took Place at SkyCity Auckland

Authorities normally keep a watchful eye on local casinos, as they suspect that criminals congregate at these gambling venues. Their reason for this is that criminals often choose to launder money at casinos, since there is already so much money passing hands between players, dealers and the casino itself. This week, it was discovered that…

NZ Politician Goes to Court to Fight Gambling Accusations

It has been over a month since MP Brendan Horan was accused to stealing money from his late mother’s estate to fund his gambling habit, and he is still fighting to clear his name. Although he has been forced out of NZ First, he has refused to resign from Parliament – and he hopes that…

Delay for SkyCity Convention Centre Report

Ever since Prime Minister John Key announced that he would allow SkyCity to install 500 new poker machines in return for building Auckland’s new convention centre, his planned has been criticized. Residents and politicians have taken up arms against the initiative, with The Greens requesting that an audit be performed before any decisions can be…

SkyCity Sells Share in Christchurch Casino, Invests In Queenstown

Ever since the 2010 earthquake devastated Christchurch, the city has been struggling to return to its former glory. Entertainment venues across the city have shut down, and Christchurch’s casino has failed to generate a solid profit in years. So, it is no wonder that part-owner SkyCity is frustrated with its investment. As such, the casino…

Draft of SkyCity Convention Centre Inquiry Released

Ever since Prime Minister John Key announced his plans to allow SkyCity to build Auckland’s new convention centre in return for 500 new poker machines, the public has expressed concern. Many residents are worried that the local government is in the pocket of the casino operator while others believe that the deal would result in…

NZ Politician Accused of Gambling-Related Theft

MP Brendan Horan, formerly of the NZ First Party, has been accused of stealing money from his late mother in order to fund his problem gambling habit. The accusations have cost him his place in the political party and his reputation in New Zealand’s political world. The crime was reported last week by Mana Ormsby,…

Was SkyCity Involved in New Immigration Deal?

SkyCity has come under fire yet again, fighting off criticism from local residents over its potential role in a new immigration deal. This week, Immigration New Zealand announced its new deal with China Southern Airlines, which would allow flyers expedited visa processing when visiting the New Zealand. Last year, SkyCity mentioned its own involvement in…

Super Brothel To Be Built Near SkyCity

The Chow Group is rubbing plenty of New Zealand residents the wrong way with its proposal for a new ‘super brothel, planned to be built across by SkyCity Auckland. The 15-storey building has received the go-ahead from the local planning committee, although locals are not pleased with the news – and they will be making…

SkyCity’s Gambling Parents Discharged, One Convicted

Earlier this year, a huge scandal struck SkyCity Auckland, when security stumbled upon a van full of children, abandoned by their parents who had decided to spend the day gambling. The parents were arrested immediately, making headlines across the country – now, they have faced a local judge and decisions have been handed down for…