John Key's SkyCity convention centre deal made a "mockery" of the law aimed at protecting people from the ill effects of gambling, according to an article in an international academic journal.
The authors say the Prime Minister's personal approach to SkyCity over the national convention centre was the "ultimate indicator" of the failure of the Gambling Act's attempt to look after public health.
Mr Key announced last year SkyCity had been chosen as the preferred bidder for the convention centre after offering to use $350 million of its own money in return for relaxed gambling laws. The casino wanted more poker machines, an early renewal of its exclusive licence and the chance to develop other games.
The Auditor-General is investigating the deal after a Green Party complaint that the selection process did not include the cost of social harm.
In the article, for the Addiction Journal, Dr Peter Adams and Dr Fiona Rossen of the University of Auckland said the deal underlinedthe failure of a law which was intendedto be a world leader.