The application of SkyCity to boost the number of poker machines available at its casino in Hamilton is to be brought to a public hearing in spite of concerns associated with the mayor’s conduct.
The decision that SkyCity will see its pokie addition application considered at a public hearing was confirmed by Graeme Reeves, the Chief Gambling Commissioner, who has been allowed to be present at the hearing along with five other agencies. The hearing is set to take place later in 2019.
Earlier in July, SkyCity addressed the Gambling Commission with the allegations that Hamilton mayor Andrew King had threatened to cancel council funding for three local organisations in case they supported the application of the casino and gambling operator for the addition of poker machines. As revealed by Mayor King himself to the Herald, he had addressed the Northern Districts Cricket Association, the Chiefs Rugby Club and the Hamilton Waikato Tourism and had warned the three organisations that going against the position of the Hamilton City Council might be an issue when it comes to making funding decisions in the future. He, however, denied that an ultimatum had been made.
At last, the Chief Gambling Commissioner had provided a response to the confidential communication, saying that it would be addressed separately in case it was necessary.
Mayor’s Conduct Has Raised Concern In Regard to SkyCity’s Application
As confirmed by a spokesman of SkyCity, the casino and gambling operator had been reached by the Gambling Commission after concerns regarding the mayor’s conduct had been raised. The company further revealed that the Commission had nevertheless explained that it wanted to proceed with the public hearing.
Reportedly, an amount of up to NZ$150,000 is being spent by the City Council of Hamilton to hire lawyers to oppose the application filed by SkyCity to the Gambling Commission. The gambling company has asked for permission to replace three blackjack tables with 60 additional poker terminals. Public submissions on the issue were brought to an end in May.
Apart from the applicant, representatives of several other entities and organisations, including the Ministry of Health, Hamilton City Council, Waikato DHB, the Problem Gambling Foundation, Anglican Action and Salvation Army Oasis, have also been permitted to take part in the hearing and present their positions on the issue. Nine other organisations and individuals, however, were not permitted to appear at the hearing because the gambling regulatory body did not believe their appearance would be of any further assistance.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Hamilton City Council, Richard Briggs, has revealed that last week the Council received a letter from the Gambling Commission under which it was authorised to appear at the public hearing. No correspondence regarding the mayor was received from the gambling regulator.
Members of the public have also been invited to be present on the hearing.
- Author
Daniel Williams
