Public opinion has turned against the Government's SkyCity international convention centre deal just days before it is due to be signed off.

Matt McCarten was in an elevator with a senior gambling executive five years ago. It was a few days before John Key ousted Helen Clark's government.

The Labour argument has looked as unswerving as the windsock at Wellington airport, writes Toby Manhire.

The Government has two choices, writes Jim Evans. But each of them would need to emasculate the carefully worked out structure of the Gambling Act 2003.

Labour has confirmed four of its MPs were hosted in SkyCity's corporate box at Eden Park for the All Blacks versus France test last weekend.

SkyCity is targeting smokers with an expanded casino area designed for customers who want to have a cigarette while gambling.

The Government's pokies for convention centre deal cannot bind future governments to compensate SkyCity if the deal is revoked, leading constitutional lawyer Stephen Franks says.

New Zealanders are forecast to spend more on Lotto, casinos, racing and sports betting in the next three years.

The majority Australian-owned company will have a monopoly on casino operation in Auckland, writes Toby Manhire. It will be essentially impervious to regulation.

The one thing alternative finance minister won't be criticising in tomorrow's Budget is the Government's confirmation that it is on track to return to surplus in 2014-15.

Editorial: The benefits in terms of new business, growth and jobs are readily apparent. The other side of the story is, however, less alluring.

Moller Architects' Gordon Moller and son Craig have been working with SkyCity Entertainment Group for some years.

The value of SkyCity Entertainment Group could get a $200 million boost after a $402 million deal announced yesterday.

Labour and the Greens have slammed a deal announced for a new convention centre in Auckland today, saying the Government has handed SkyCity a licence to print money.

SkyCity shares have jumped after details of a controversial convention centre deal with the Government were announced today.

Details of the controversial SkyCity convention centre deal with the Government have been announced, with the listed casino operator paying $402m for the new centre.

Conceived over dinner almost four years ago, the Government's $350 million pokies-for-a-national convention centre deal with SkyCity is to be signed over breakfast today.

Susan Chow found herself in a hole so deep a drug overdose seemed the only escape.

One of the players in a P-ring that used Auckland's SkyCity casino as an office has lost $200,000 after running from his lawyer's office and breaching bail.