SkyCity says it has been "victimised" in the debate over the Convention Centre deal, but a law change to allow increased gambling has the potential to go ahead.

Auckland's $400 million International Convention Centre has come a step closer amid heated accusations that MPs failed to vote with their conscience in backing a law change which will allow increased gambling facilities at SkyCity.

The Government and SkyCity have signed off on their controversial deal under which the casino company will build a $402 million international convention centre.

The Auckland Council has voted not to support the $400 million national convention centre for pokies deal on the eve of the Government and SkyCity signing off the deal.

SkyCity wants underground access from its Auckland casino to the City Rail Link, raising questions about whether it helped to garner Government backing for the project.

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 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 Zealand chef Peter Gordon's dine restaurant in Auckland shuts this week so the area can be gutted and the SkyCity Grand Hotel's new hotel lobby bar can be relocated there.

While SkyCity this month got the nod for its controversial $402 million Auckland convention centre, a Queenstown expansion proceeds almost entirely outside the spotlight.

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.

Labour is unlikely to countenance any attempt by its minor partner to scuttle yesterday's deal between SkyCity and National, writes John Armstrong.

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.