The SkyCity Entertainment Group, a leading casino operator in Australia and New Zealand, has been ordered to pay additional casino duty after losing an appeal against the Adelaide Casino in South Australia.
The Adelaide Casino had challenged the amount of casino duty it was required to pay to the South Australian government, arguing that it was being unfairly taxed compared to other casinos in the state. However, the South Australian Supreme Court rejected the appeal, ruling in favor of the government.
As a result of the court’s decision, SkyCity will now have to pay an additional $7.5 million in casino duty to the South Australian government. This comes as a blow to the company, which has been facing financial difficulties in recent years due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on its operations.
The ruling has sparked controversy within the gambling industry, with some critics accusing the South Australian government of unfairly targeting SkyCity. However, a spokesperson for the government defended the decision, stating that it was necessary to ensure that all casinos in the state were paying their fair share of tax.
SkyCity has indicated that it will comply with the court’s ruling and pay the additional casino duty. The company has also announced that it will be reviewing its operations in South Australia to determine the best way forward in light of the ruling.
The news of SkyCity’s additional casino duty comes at a challenging time for the company, as it continues to navigate the fallout from the pandemic. Despite these challenges, SkyCity remains committed to providing a safe and enjoyable gambling experience for its customers, both in Australia and New Zealand.
Overall, the ruling against SkyCity serves as a reminder of the importance of regulatory compliance in the gambling industry. As casinos continue to face increased scrutiny from governments and regulatory bodies, it is essential for operators to ensure that they are meeting their obligations and upholding the highest standards of ethical conduct.