SkyCity Entertainment Group has completed the implementation of its mandatory Carded Play system across all of its casino properties in New Zealand. From now on, every customer who wants to participate in machine or table gaming must use the new “SHOW by SkyCity” card, which includes identity verification and enhanced player safety features.

Card Required For All Gambling Activity

The company confirmed the initiative’s completion in a press release issued on 23 July 2025. The Auckland rollout was the final stage of the nationwide plan, following earlier launches in Queenstown and Hamilton earlier this month.

Under the updated system, all gaming activity — including slots and table games — now requires the use of a SHOW card. While players may still use traditional payment methods like cash, QUICK Pay, and Tito (ticket in, ticket out) tickets for wagers, they must register for a card to participate. Registration requires legal photo identification and can be done either in person at any SkyCity casino or through an online application.

“Carded Play gives us the tools to better support our customers. We can make earlier interventions where needed, and ensure gaming remains a safe and enjoyable experience,” said Callum Mallett, SkyCity’s Chief Operating Officer.

The carded system enables real-time monitoring of player activity and introduces measures designed to mitigate gaming-related harm. Features include mandatory and prompted breaks, as well as enforced limits on play duration per session, per day, and per week. Players can access tools to review their own gameplay history, helping them better understand and manage their habits.

“Our players all play differently, across different products,” Mallett explained. “Our previous approach supported safe play within an anonymous system, but Carded Play takes that commitment further. It allows us to identify patterns of concern earlier and encourage breaks before harm occurs, giving us better tools to support our customers in real time.”

The SHOW by SkyCity card also gives access to the company’s updated loyalty programme, creating a more integrated experience for players who choose to register.

Industry Move Toward Responsible Gambling Standards

The mandatory Carded Play rollout was initially announced in February 2025, with a goal of reaching full coverage by July. SkyCity now confirms that the system is operational across its entire New Zealand casino network and plans to expand to SkyCity Adelaide in 2026.

With gambling regulators and advocacy groups paying increased attention to harm reduction, the rollout positions SkyCity as a leader in the space. “We’re proud to lead the industry in building a safer, more sustainable future for gaming in Aotearoa New Zealand,” said Mallett.

The new identity-linked card model enables earlier detection of problematic gambling behavior while still allowing flexibility in how players fund their activity. The combination of anonymous payment options and traceable gaming behavior is intended to balance customer convenience with social responsibility.

SkyCity says the system was developed to reflect evolving expectations around gambling harm minimisation and aligns more closely with international best practices. The company emphasizes that while gambling is a form of entertainment, it must be supported by protections that ensure customer wellbeing.