SkyCity Entertainment Group
- Founded
- 1996-01-01 in Auckland, New Zealand
- Headquarters
- 99 Albert Street, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
SkyCity Entertainment Group Limited is a publicly listed gambling and entertainment company headquartered in Auckland, New Zealand, and one of the two major publicly traded casino operators in Australasia. Founded in 1996, the company owns and operates integrated entertainment complexes in Auckland, Hamilton, Queenstown (New Zealand) and Adelaide (South Australia). Each complex features casino gaming, premium restaurants and bars, and hotel accommodation. SkyCity also owns Auckland’s iconic Sky Tower, a 328‑metre observation tower and tourist attraction, and operates the New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC). In 2019, the group launched SkyCity Online Casino, a Malta‑based digital platform offering online gaming to New Zealand players. Over its 30‑year history, SkyCity has expanded through acquisitions and strategic developments. The company employs approximately 4,500 people and attracts around 7 million visitors to its venues each year. In financial year 2025, SkyCity reported revenue of NZ$824.5 million and a net profit of NZ$29.2 million, returning to profitability after a loss in FY2024. The group is committed to corporate social responsibility, donating about NZ$1 million annually to community groups and maintaining gender diversity with 45% of leadership roles held by women.
Detailed Review
History and Founding
SkyCity Entertainment Group was established in 1996 as the owner of the SkyCity Auckland complex, which opened on 2 February 1996. Initially operated by Harrah’s Entertainment, SkyCity took over operations in 1998. The company’s shares are dual‑listed on the New Zealand Exchange (NZX: SKC) and the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX: SKC). The group’s portfolio encompasses five casino properties, four hotels (1,058 rooms), 19 restaurants, 12 bars, a theatre, 11 attractions, and the NZICC with 32,500 square metres of convention space.
Portfolio of Properties
Key properties include: SkyCity Auckland – the flagship complex housing the casino, hotels, restaurants, bars, and the Sky Tower; SkyCity Hamilton – a regional casino in New Zealand’s Waikato region; SkyCity Queenstown – a boutique casino and resort in the alpine town of Queenstown; SkyCity Adelaide – a casino and entertainment complex in South Australia, acquired in 2000; and SkyCity Online Casino – a Malta‑licensed digital platform launched in August 2019, operated in partnership with Gaming Innovation Group (GiG). Historically, SkyCity also owned a 41% stake in Christchurch Casino (2004–2012) and operated the Darwin Casino (2004–2018).
Financial Overview
In FY2025 (year ended 30 June 2025), SkyCity reported revenue of NZ$824.5 million (down 4.7% from FY2024), net income of NZ$29.2 million (versus a NZ$143.3 million loss in FY2024), and underlying EBITDA of NZ$233.7 million. The company continues to serve high‑stakes gamblers, particularly from East Asia.
Recent Developments
In 2020, the COVID‑19 pandemic led to 900 redundancies. The company raised NZ$230 million in equity as part of its pandemic recovery plan. In June 2025, SkyCity filed a NZ$330 million lawsuit against Fletcher Building and Fletcher Construction related to the NZICC project. SkyCity has been investing in technology, including a multi‑year system deal with Light & Wonder to enhance responsible gaming initiatives, and a partnership with Quick Custom Intelligence to optimise gaming floor operations.
Key Products
SkyCity Auckland
Integrated casino, hotel, dining, entertainment complex including the Sky Tower.
SkyCity Hamilton
Regional casino in Hamilton, New Zealand.
SkyCity Queenstown
Casino and resort in Queenstown, New Zealand.
SkyCity Adelaide
Casino and entertainment venue in Adelaide, South Australia.
SkyCity Online Casino
Malta‑based online gaming platform for New Zealand players, launched 2019.
Sky Tower
328‑metre observation tower in Auckland, a major tourist attraction.
New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC)
32,500 sqm convention and exhibition centre in Auckland.
SkyCity Hotels
Four hotels (including SkyCity Grand, SkyCity Hotel, and others) with 1,058 rooms.
Restaurants & Bars
19 restaurants and 12 bars across properties (e.g., The Sugar Club, Bellota).
Offices & Headcount
4500 employees (approx.)
Key Persons
Julian CookExecutive Chairman
Jason WalbridgeChief Executive Officer
- Blair Woodbury
Chief Financial Officer
Recent News
SkyCity's Auckland Property Deal Reaches Unconditional Status
SkyCity Entertainment Group's NZ$74.5m sale of its Auckland commercial property portfolio to Mainland Capital and Russell Property Group has become unconditional, with settlement set for September 2026, as the company advances its debt-reduction and governance reforms.
2026-07-17