MGA and Alderney Gambling Control Commission renew collaboration for safer gaming

SkyCity Adelaide and the Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC) have jointly proposed a penalty of AU$67 million (€41.2 million) to the Federal Court of Australia. This proposal comes in response to allegations of significant and systemic non-compliance with anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CTF) laws, initially brought against SkyCity Adelaide by AUSTRAC in 2022. 

This development follows a legislative last month that seeks to not only raise penalties for criminal offences but also cover past and future conduct, enabling retrospective fines. 

SkyCity Adelaide has admitted to breaching the AML/CTF Act 2006. The breaches include deficiencies in its AML/CTF programs, failing to meet required standards, and not conducting adequate ongoing due diligence for higher-risk customers and transactions. This agreement with includes an acknowledgment of these violations and a proposed penalty, pending court approval. A hearing to review the proposed settlement is scheduled for June 7. 

AUSTRAC CEO Brendan Thomas highlighted the necessity of the action due to concerns that SkyCity’s practices allowed high-risk activities and customer relationships to continue unchecked. Thomas emphasized the importance of casinos and the broader gaming sector adhering to AML/CTF obligations to prevent money laundering and terrorism financing risks. 

SkyCity’s executive chairman, Julian Cook, issued a public apology, acknowledging the company's failure to meet required standards. "We acknowledge that, as a casino operator, we play a key role in combating money laundering and terrorism financing and safeguarding the community against these risks. While we take this responsibility seriously, we accept we have failed to live up to the standard required of us and for this, on behalf of the SkyCity and SkyCity Adelaide Boards and management teams, I apologize.” 

SkyCity has committed to enhancing its AML/CTF practices. The company plans to appoint an independent expert to review its AML/CTF program, develop a comprehensive enhancement program, and implement governance changes to focus on compliance. The company has also invested in AML/CTF resourcing and capability, strengthened relationships with law enforcement, and adopted revised AML/CTF programs. 

SkyCity Entertainment Group recently appointed former Aristocrat executive Jason Walbridge as its new Chief Executive Officer. The company reiterated its commitment to ongoing enhancement activities in both New Zealand and Australia, aiming to fully comply with regulatory expectations and safeguard against financial crimes. 

Sands Macao, the first post-liberalization casino in Macau, celebrated its 20th anniversary with a grand ceremony last week. Since its opening on May 18, 2004, Sands Macao has been a cornerstone of the region's casino industry, setting the stage for Sands China's extensive growth and development. 

According to the group’s press release, 's portfolio, which includes five properties—Sands Macao on the Macau peninsula, and The Venetian, The Plaza, The Londoner, and The Parisian Macao integrated resorts in Cotai—has collectively welcomed over 950 million visitors since the opening of Sands Macao. 

Wilfred Wong, executive vice chairman of Sands China Ltd., reflected on the significant impact of Sands Macao’s opening. "The grand inauguration of Sands Macao in 2004 served as the pivotal moment in Macao’s illustrious era of tourism. Drawing inspiration from the triumphant integrated resort model of Las Vegas, we subsequently embarked on a transformative journey that reshaped the Cotai skyline," he stated. 

Sands China's properties feature over 12,000 hotel rooms and suites, 150 dining options, extensive meetings and conventions destinations, more than 720 duty-free shops, convention and exhibition venues, two arenas, and four theatres. This diverse range of amenities has solidified Sands China’s role as a major player in the hospitality and entertainment sectors.  

The 20th-anniversary celebration included performances by local singer German Ku and London’s West End artist Kayleigh Stephenson. Attendees enjoyed song and dance sequences, a pyrotechnic display, and a gala dinner featuring Moulin Rouge-inspired performances and British vocal harmony group The Overtones. 

's 20-year journey underscored its significant contributions to Macau’s tourism and entertainment landscape, with its properties continuing to attract millions of visitors and setting new standards in luxury and hospitality. 

The dates of the 4th - 8th of May marked the SiGMA Foundation’s memorable journey of the Camino de Santiago. Starting from Sarria, we covered around 25 km a day until we arrived at the Cathedral in Santiago de Compostela in high spirits.

Leading up to this journey, our 24 participants had been training together each weekend, all in unison of this special cause, to fundraise through various means for the women empowerment project, set to be inaugurated this coming October in Bonga, Ethiopia. 

Construction of the women empowerment project as of May, 2024

This project seeks to provide tailored educational programmes and skills development opportunities to women in Bonga, Ethiopia, providing a breeding ground for the development of this community's future.

Amidst the breathtaking landscapes and camaraderie, our diverse group who were once strangers, have now forged lasting friendships, sharing laughter, overcoming challenges and embracing this powerful feat together. 

Camino 6 group on the Camino Frances trail.

 “Buildup of this was great, the training in Malta, coming together as a group and walking all this way which was really fun and challenging, but most important of all is the fact that we are also here to help those less fortunate than us, and the SiGMA Foundation has allowed us to do this”, one expedition participant shared.

Camino 6 group on the Camino Frances trail.

Our journey was faced with all seasons of weather, from heavy rain to glorious sunshine, each element further contributing to the wonder of this world-renowned Camino Frances trail. Upon reaching the Cathedral, we cherished moments of celebration as well as reflection on the journey that has brought us here, recognising the collective achievements that we’ve made for those in need in Ethiopia. 

About the SiGMA Foundation

With the world in dire need of philanthropy, the SiGMA Foundation is leading the charge. As the philanthropic arm of the SiGMA Group, the Foundation is dedicated to supporting those who are most in need.

The SiGMA Foundation was founded in 2019 by Keith Marshall, Austin Cachia and Eman Pulis, Founder of SiGMA Group, with a mission to make philanthropy more participatory and engaging. Keith, who is known for his boundless energy, has dedicated his life to making a difference in the lives of thousands of people through various expeditions across the globe. With a fun and engaging approach to fundraising, the Foundation prioritises supporting underprivileged communities through active giving and aims to create meaningful impact in the world.

If you would like to get involved in any of the Foundation’s upcoming projects visit the for more information.

Interview with SiGMA Group Founder, Eman Pulis on the SiGMA Foundation

 Following the conclusion of its last race, the 's land has been reclaimed by the Macau government. The Secretary for Transport and Public Works issued an order published in the Government Gazette, nullifying the concession held by Macau Horse Race Co for the 362,000 square-meter plot, with no compensation to the former concessionaire. 

The Macau Jockey Club ceased operations on April 1st, marking the end of over four decades of horse racing. Despite a turnout of approximately 3,000 spectators for its final races, the club's longstanding financial difficulties prompted the government's decision to terminate the concession contract, announced in January. 

The government attributed the closure to a significant decline in attendance and betting revenue. The development signals a major shift in the economic landscape that once supported horse racing in Macau. 

A recent government dispatch declared the immediate reversion of the land plot to Macau's state public domain, with no compensation provided to the former concessionaire due to the concession's expiry. 

Despite financial struggles, the Macau Jockey Club had its concession extended until August 2042, committing to substantial investments in upgrading racetrack facilities amounting to MOP3.4 billion patacas (€389.5 million). 

Initial plans by the Macau Jockey Club included a tourism project slated for 2026, encompassing hotels, leisure areas, sports facilities, dining establishments, retail outlets, a museum, and a riding school. 

However, citing financial difficulties and losses surpassing MOP2.5 billion (€236.4 million), the concessionaire requested termination of the contract, leading to the government's decision earlier this year. 

Chief Executive Ho Iat Seng reiterated that the reclaimed land will not be allocated for gaming purposes in the future, signalling a shift in land use and development priorities for Macau.