SkyCity Adelaide has entered a settlement agreement with South Australia’s gambling regulator, resulting in a $21 million (US$14.8 million) fine. The penalty addresses systemic non-compliance with anti-money laundering laws and corporate governance standards identified in a recent judicial review.
Regulatory Review and Findings
The financial penalty stems from a 500-page report published in August 2025 by retired Supreme Court judge Brian Martin AO KC. The review highlighted significant management failures regarding anti-money laundering obligations, counter-terrorist financing, and gambling harm minimisation. Although the judge noted the operator was unsuitable to hold a casino licence in October 2021, improvements implemented by April 2024 allowed the company to retain its status.Under the non-binding heads of agreement, SkyCity Adelaide must implement strict oversight measures. The operator is required to appoint a majority of independent non-executive directors to its board by January 1, 2028, and commission an independent expert review. Additionally, the CEO will be restricted to taking instructions solely from the board, and the company must report any potential legal breaches to the commissioner within five business days.
Liquor and Gambling Commissioner Brett Humphrey previously stated that corporate changes within SkyCity Adelaide and SCEG did not equate to a clean bill of health. The current agreement resolves the matter while ensuring ongoing legislative compliance.