Casinos all over the world have shut down – what’s next for the casino industry?

As we are facing an ongoing COVID-19 pandemic crisis throughout the world, we all share the responsibility for social distancing at every level of society.

Governments are worldwide making both great effort and severe decisions, declaring health emergency states including cancelling social gatherings, introducing strict measures like home-office working and school closures, aiming to stop the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus.

The impact of COVID-19 on the casino business

Casinos are- each in their own way – worldwide dealing with this crisis, which means that most of them are remaining open till the government brings exact measures of closing. In this situation, gaming and Casino Slots machines can be enjoyed online, although a number of articles are reporting that passionate gamers are in fact still visiting casinos and are not willing to give up on their enjoyable hobby and their adopted habits, even despite the warnings that the situation is severe. Public care health professionals are constantly appealing that we all are obliged to act responsible and avoid any unnecessary social contacts.

Casino Resorts shutting down

Many casino resorts, among them the MGM Resorts International as well, have recently officially stated that they are shutting down their gaming areas, and all reservations are temporarily cancelled.

Jim Joseph Murren, the CEO of MGM Resorts International said that “it is now apparent that this is a public health crisis that requires major collective action if we are to slow its progression”, however emphasizing that their resorts will be reopened as soon as it is safe to do so. Meanwhile, they will provide active support to their workers, customers and the social community.

Wynn Las Vegas also officially confirmed that they are going to close their resorts for at least 14 days. However, they announced, that their guests who booked directly and within the period after March 17th, will get full refunds, and guests who are at the moment staying at their resorts, shall make rearrangements, accordingly.

Situation in Macau, the „Gambling Mecca“ , and in Manila

In order to slow down the corona virus outbreak, China might, after having a two-week ban in the Macau region, give again „green light“ for travelling activities.

Nomura analysts are optimistic: according to them China hopefully will soon – maybe even starting by May – be hosting their so much needed casino tourists.

However, meanwhile, after the casino was closed, another infected person has been detected in Macau, the 11th so far. She is a South Korean non-resident worker who has recently visited Portugal.

In Manila, after the community quarantine has been proclaimed, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), have banned all gaming operations, by the 15th of March. First, it seemed that casinos will stay open; the restrictions applied to land-based casinos, eGames, traditional and electronic bingo game, sports betting, poker and slot machine clubs. However, new restrictions related to the further development of the COVID-19 pandemic crisis have been brought, according to which all establishments are closed.

Online gaming and online casinos – a fun alternative meanwhile

Fact is, casinos all over the world are shutting down. Passionate gamers among us can play online and still enjoy a good game, there are plenty of them to choose from. Based on given circumstances it will take some time before the situation stabilizes in all areas of living. Meanwhile, while being in self-isolation, which is indeed an effective precautionary measure to protect those around us and ourselves, let´s act responsible and hope for the best.