SkyCity Entertainment Group has been granted permission to continue operating its land-based casino in Adelaide after South Australia’s gambling regulator approved its licence. This follows a report from the gambling regulator in South Australia, stating that SkyCity had improved its counter-terrorism financing (CTF) and anti-money laundering (AML) processes.
The decision follows a process that began in September 2019, when a nationwide compliance initiative was launched across Australia. Allegations against SkyCity’s operations were made in June 2021, triggering an investigation that was finally concluded earlier in August this year.
The Gambling Amendment (Pre-commitment and Carded Play) Bill of 2024, another legislative shift, came in May 2025 and was passed in Victoria. This law requires gamblers to register and use personal cards at slot machines in the state, a measure introduced to help promote safe gambling play. Against a conflicted industry landscape, the trial rollout at 40 venues in Victoria, which was supposed to start mid-2025, has been postponed indefinitely.
With tighter rules being debated in several Australian states, some gamblers are turning to online options. For instance, many are now flocking online to find the best pokies and table games. Sites like CasinoBeats reviews Aussie operators to help players find the most trusted sites that also typically offer bigger bonuses and faster withdrawals.
But as digital alternatives continue to gain traction, the spotlight on traditional venues continues to become more complex. The SkyCity ruling is but one example of how regulators across Australia are tightening their approach to misconduct in the casino sector, aiming for higher safety standards for players. Industry representatives and other stakeholders have been vocal in their opposition, warning that some proposed changes could damage operations.
Relatedly, the New South Wales government recently chose to delay reducing the maximum cash deposit for certain gaming activities from AU$5,000 to AU$1,000. Originally due to take effect on 19 August 2025, this change is now pushed back to 19 August 2027. The postponement has divided opinion among regulators, casino executives, anti-gambling campaigners, and the wider public.
Economic concerns have also been raised. In New South Wales, the casino sector is a major employer and a key contributor to public funds. Casino operators argue that tighter restrictions could cost jobs and reduce the revenue that gambling generates for state budgets. Operators say that a poorly managed reform process could weaken economic stability. Even with these wider debates, the regulator’s report concluded that while SkyCity still has work to do on compliance, its licence in Adelaide remains secure.
According to an IMARC report, the Australian online gambling market was valued at US$5.2 billion in 2024. The company estimates a projected Compound Aggregated Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5.88% from 2025 to 2033. This would mean the market share would reach US$8.9 billion in 2033, and pokies are one of the main contributors to this revenue. In 2023, pokies generated AU $ 12.5 billion, with lotteries generating AU $ 8.988 billion and sports betting contributing AU $ 5.266 billion to the overall gambling market share.
Martin further stated that if he had been asked about SkyCity’s suitability to hold a licence in late 2021, the answer would have been no. Since then, he said, changes in leadership and corporate governance had altered the picture. He confirmed that in his view, the company now meets the standard required to run a licensed casino.
