fbpx

For immediate release

10th December 2024

STATEMENT IN RESPONSE TO DEPARTMENT OF INTERNAL AFFAIRS FILING OF CIVIL ACTION AGAINST CHRISTCHURCH CASINO

1. Christchurch Casinos Limited (Christchurch Casino) is aware of the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) filing of civil proceedings in the High Court against Christchurch Casino for non-compliance with certain provisions of the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism Act 2009 (the Act), this filing taking place following a review of Christchurch Casinos’ compliance with the Act.

2. Draft proceedings have been provided to Christchurch Casino setting out several causes of action. Those causes of action allege compliance issues in relation to the Act, some of which are historical dating back to 2018.

3. These proceedings and alleged compliance issues do not relate to Christchurch Casinos online casino (christchurchcasino.com).

4. Christchurch Casino has in place enhancement programmes in relation to AML/CFT compliance. This has evolved, and continues to involve, significant investment in people and technology, and various reviews of Christchurch Casinos’ processes and systems to identify areas which require improvement and updating.

5. As stated by the DIA, Christchurch Casino is not alleged to be directly involved in money laundering or the financing of terrorism. No money laundering or financing of terrorism has taken place.

6. Christchurch Casino takes its AML/CFT compliance obligations seriously and intends to engage constructively with the DIA in relation to the proposed legal proceedings, with a view to resolving these matters as quickly as possible.

7. Christchurch Casino believes it is currently compliant with the Act.

8. As the matter is to be before the High Court, Christchurch Casino is not able to comment further at this time.

Brett Anderson
CEO Christchurch Casino

ceo@chchcasino.co.nz