SkyCity Entertainment Group revealed that its casino in Auckland was to cease operation in response to the new temporary lockdown restrictions that are being implemented by the Government of New Zealand. Furthermore, the gambling operator said it extended the anti-coronavirus measures to its venues in Queenstown and Hamilton.
Earlier this week, the local authorities reported four new cases of the Covid-19 infection, which put an end to the 102-day streak without a registered coronavirus case in the country. New Zealand’s Government responded by increasing the coronavirus alert level in Auckland to level three and to level two in the rest of the country. The authorities introduced a three-day lockdown in Auckland from August 12th to August 14th.
Under the newly-unveiled lockdown restrictions, the residents of Auckland are required to stay at home and no large gatherings of people are allowed. In addition, so-called non-essential businesses, including casinos, were forced to cease operation.
SkyCity Entertainment Group revealed that it is closing its casino and entertainment facilities in Auckland as of August 12th. As mentioned above, stricter social distancing and hygiene rules were unveiled in the gambling operator’s properties in Queensland and Hamilton.
SkyCity’s Boss Says Gambling Company Remains Strong Despite Challenges
At the time when the gambling company made the announcement regarding the Auckland casino closure, it also shared that the brand’s hotels in the city would remain open to accommodate the guests who had already checked in but would await further advice from New Zealand’s Government. The required physical distancing and hygiene requirements would also be implemented at SkyCity’s Auckland hotels.
The Chief Executive Officer of the operator, Graeme Stephens, explained that SkyCity is well-prepared for the lockdown changes and further noted that the casino operator is in a strong financial position to endure the financial impact that the closure and stricter measures could have on its performance. Mr Stephens also explained that the company’s casino in Adelaide has not been affected by the lockdown measures and remains open with strict physical distancing and hygiene rules in place.
Still, the closure of the Auckland casino is serious, because this venue generates larger revenue for SkyCity Entertainment than any of its other properties.
The announcement of the SkyCity’s Auckland casino closure has come at a time when the gambling operator is preparing to unveil changes to its high-roller gaming areas at the same property. The operator has been renovating the VIP area for more than a year.
SkyCity also confirmed that construction work at the company’s NZ International Convention Centre is still continuing. The CEO of the company’s head contractor for the site, Fletcher Construction, also said that all Auckland sites for the company remained operational but new social distancing measures had been imposed.
- Author
Olivia Cole
