In an ill-timed announcement, SkyCity reports that it has seen a vast increase in the number of problem gamblers that come through its doors. The news comes at a time when the casino operator is attempting to finalize a deal that will provide it with 500 new poker machines in return for building a $350 million convention centre in Auckland.

From July 2011 to July 2012, there has been an 83% increase in the number of self-excluded gamblers at SkyCity Auckland. In 2011, there were just 108 but the number rose to 200 by the beginning of 2012. The beginning of this year has already seen 130 new members introduced to the self-exclusion list. The self-exclusion program at SkyCity allows problem gamblers to ban themselves from the gambling venue.

Their photo and identification is kept on file and security is meant to eject them should they ever attempt to enter. Although the rise in self-excluded gamblers coincides with the company’s convention centre announcement, SkyCity does not see the addition of names to the list as a danger. “It shows our programme, which is one of the most stringent in the world, is working," says a SkyCity spokesperson.

About the Author

George Anderson
Author George, has over 25+ years’ experience in the Pokies and Casinos industry throughout Australia and New Zealand. Loves to research new Pokies games on the block and follows announcements from top industry providers about their upcoming releases. As soon as a new interesting pokie game appears on his radar, George is there to check it out and give you the scoop before anyone else and tell you about all casino sites where can play the latest game. Before this gig, George worked as Pokie game tester, making him an ideal candidate for this genre of work. He is also an animal lover and a proud owner of three dogs.