The New Zealand Gambling Commission has approved a 15-year renewal of the casino venue licence for SkyCity Queenstown, effective from 7 December 2025, in accordance with the Gambling Act 2003.
Under New Zealand's regulatory framework, casino operations require both a casino venue licence and a casino operator's licence, administered by the Department of Internal Affairs and the Gambling Commission. SkyCity Casino Management Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of SkyCity Entertainment Group, holds operator's licences for all three of the company's New Zealand casinos - Auckland, Queenstown and Hamilton.
SkyCity Entertainment CEO Jason Walbridge said the company was pleased with the outcome, adding that SkyCity looked forward to continuing its role in supporting Queenstown's tourism and entertainment sector. "We are delighted with this outcome and look forward to continuing to play our part in Queenstown's fantastic range of entertainment for both locals and visitors," he said.
In its FY25 financial report, SkyCity reported combined gaming revenue of NZ$74.2m (US$41.9m) from its Queenstown and Hamilton properties, with underlying EBITDA reaching NZ$33.7m (US$19m).
At the company's annual meeting in October, Walbridge noted that while earnings were expected to stabilise by 2026, the group remained focused on strengthening its New Zealand portfolio and preparing for the official opening of the NZICC early next year.
New Zealand gaming is making headlines this week, with 20Bet being issued a directive to cease all advertising in the nation.
SkyCity, meanwhile, officially took possession of the New Zealand International Convention Centre recently.
The renewal comes amid a period of transition for the group, which recently took possession of the New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC) in Auckland
