Casino to be probed

A casino is facing the loss of its licence after revelations a problem gambler put $5 million across their tables in just two years.

The Department of Internal Affairs yesterday confirmed it was investigating Dunedin Casino after Christine Marie Keenan was jailed on Thursday for three years for stealing $500,000 to fuel her gambling habit.

At the sentencing, counsel John Westgate said the stolen money, the profit from the sale of her house, a marriage settlement, and inheritances from her parents, all helped fuel a gambling habit that saw her turn over $5 million at the casino in two years.

Dunedin Casino declined to comment about the investigation.

Department of Internal Affairs national manager of casino compliance Debbie Ferris told the Otago Daily Times the department could ask the Gambling Commission to revoke a licence if it was not satisfied the risks of problem gambling had been minimised.

Problem Gambling Foundation chief executive John Stansfield said the foundation welcomed the investigation.

"I found it very hard to believe that nobody noticed that somebody spent $5 million over a two-year period. No one noticed? Of course they noticed."