Gambling consultant Jason Walbridge appointed as new SEO at SkyCity
SkyCity Entertainment Group has a new CEO. The company has announced Jason Walbridge will take the helm in July. This follows the departure of Michael Aherne in March. Interim chief executive Callum Mallett will continue to lead the business until Walbridge takes over.
Decades of experience in land-based and online gaming industries
Mr Walbridge’s LinkedIn profile outlines his comprehensive decades of experience in the land-based and online gaming industries. Currently based in Las Vegas, he serves as chairman of National Entertainment Network, the largest amusement route operator in the United States.
Prior to this, he was Chief Operating Officer (COO) of SG Digital where he oversaw the US$630 million acquisition of NYX Gaming. He also helped develop strategic objectives to grow the online gambling arm of the company at Scientific Games. This includes New Zealand online casinos, sports betting, and lottery games all over the world. Mr Walbridge also served five years in the New Zealand Defence Force as a Commissioned Officer.
His appointment to this latest role comes after an extensive international search.
In a SkyCity press release, Mr Walbridge said, ‘It will be a privilege to lead SkyCity, and I’m excited to be joining the business at this time as SkyCity looks to pursue the many opportunities ahead of it.” New Zealand regulatory approval is the final step before the role is official.
Navigating challenges: Legal issues and a changing market landscape
Walbridge joins SkyCity at an interesting time, with the group facing increasing pressure over the last six months. SkyCity Entertainment Group and SkyCity Casino are currently engaged in legal action with the Department of Internal Affairs over alleged anti-money laundering breaches and face potential hefty fines.
There are also potential headwinds for the SkyCity group with the introduction of a ‘gambling tax’ from New Zealand’s coalition government. As well as four land-based casinos in New Zealand and one in Adelaide, Australia, SkyCity also operates an online casino, established in 2019.
As we reported recently, offshore online casino websites currently face lower taxes compared to NZ land-based casinos and gaming machines. Because of these lower taxes, online casinos can offer more attractive deals to New Zealand gamblers.
A new future for SkyCity?
While their physical casinos still have some confusion to sort out, there are hopes that the proposed tax changes will help SkyCity increase its share of the online gaming space. According to RNZ, the business regards the new offshore gambling tax as a welcome first step towards a level playing field, in what it sees as a largely unregulated market.
The allure of online casinos is growing globally, and New Zealand is no exception. It’s an arena SkyCity is proud to have a foothold in, with its online casino becoming a national favourite among digital gamers. As the online casino space booms, more punters than ever are embracing convenience, security and variety. Regulated and licensed platforms provide a more convenient way to gamble, with access from anywhere and at any time. Reputable online casinos offer improved player protections, safeguards and security measures. For Kiwis who enjoy a flutter on the pokies or a hand of blackjack, trusted operators like SkyCity can serve up a wider variety of casino games and a potentially more secure environment than ever before.
Steering through uncertainties: What this means for Kiwi punters
The SkyCity board is hoping Mr Walbridge’s extensive global experience will position him well to lead SkyCity Entertainment through its next phases. It’s an important time to maintain SkyCity’s established and trusted brand as New Zealand’s premier online casino destination. This means understanding and catering to the desires of their existing customer base while delivering innovation.
By significantly expanding its online offerings, SkyCity can tap into the growing online casino market and cater to a generation demanding a fully immersive casino experience.
The group’s recent legal issues might demand Mr Walbridge’s immediate attention. Resolving these challenges is crucial for the company’s future. With strong leadership and a focus on legal compliance, there is hope that SkyCity can navigate past these hurdles. Ideally, the new leadership will ensure smooth operations, allowing them to return to their core strength: crafting exceptional experiences for their customers and solidifying SkyCity’s position as a leader in the New Zealand online gaming market. For Kiwi gamers, the future looks bright as SkyCity confidently navigates the path ahead.
Latest New Zealand Casino News
