With a challenging operating environment to contend with, SkyCity Entertainment Group revenue was flat year on year as reductions in gaming revenue were offset by higher levels of premium table play and non-gaming revenue providing revenue of $959.6m, up 0.3 per cent.
This change in revenue mix had a resulting impact on margins, driving an eight per cent reduction in underlying Group EBITDA to $277.8m.
Chief Executive Officer Jason Walbridge said: “The earnings we have announced today are a solid result despite the economic circumstances. I am confident SkyCity is set up to build on our amazing business, with a number of important and exciting milestones coming down the pipeline in the next 12 months.
“SkyCity is coming off a very challenging financial year, with the combination of the soft economy, cost-of-living pressures in both New Zealand and Adelaide, and responding to various regulatory matters.”
“While we are continuing to see good visitation numbers across our properties as a whole, the spend per customer has decreased, reflecting the harder economic times everyone is facing,” said Mr Walbridge.
“We are continuing to focus on new and innovative experiences so that customers see SkyCity as an attractive entertainment destination that delivers great outcomes.”
Over the year, settlements have been reached with AUSTRAC in Australia and the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) in New Zealand regarding historic non-compliance with relevant anti-money laundering and counter financing of terrorism laws (with the DIA settlement subject to final approval by the Court). SkyCity also agreed to temporarily close its Auckland gaming areas for a five-day period in September 2024 as part of an agreement reached with the DIA for historic non-compliance with obligations under its Auckland Host Responsibility Programme.
In Adelaide, Consumer and Business Services recommenced its independent review into SkyCity Adelaide in June 2024 following settlement of the AUSTRAC civil proceedings, with Brian Martin KC due to report his findings to the regulator by 31 December 2024.
“Progressing the various regulatory matters this year has been a positive step forward for us. That said, there is still more work for us to do as we have not met our own expectations to date. Our uplift programmes are our priority, and we now have a significant Transformation Programme underway with a focus on building capability to ensure compliance with our regulatory requirements. Caring for our customers will continue to be at the heart of what we do.
“A key milestone in customer care and experience will begin next year with the introduction of 100% carded play across our New Zealand casinos by July 2025, and at the SkyCity Adelaide casino by early 2026. Once implemented, carded play will be the only way to game at SkyCity. This will help us and our customers monitor their play and identify when breaks are needed.”
SkyCity continues to build on two other key transformational projects – the New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC) and online casino gambling regulation in New Zealand.
Mr Walbridge said “It was a pleasure to open Horizon by SkyCity last month. It really showed what a treat we are in for with the New Zealand International Convention Centre. The NZICC will not only be a building that brings the world to us but also a stunning piece of architecture that will showcase the best of Aotearoa to the world.
“And as the New Zealand Government continues to work on online casino gambling regulation, we are enhancing our internal capabilities in preparation for a regulated market.
“We need to be mindful about the regulation of online casino gambling. Allowing too many providers could lead to an overwhelming level of gambling advertising in New Zealand. We already see that now. We want to see providers who have skin in the game in New Zealand and are committed to the public health-based approach we take to gambling.
“There is a lot going on over the next 12 months. It is going to be all about continuing to build our business, both metaphorically and literally.”
