Betting shops reopen in Singapore and Japan

Safety protocols remain in place and some venues will not be able to screen televised races or display information.

Asia.- As Covid-19 related restrictions are eased, off-track betting shops are reopening to the public in Singapore and Japan.

Singapore Pools, which resumed lottery draws a month ago, has announced it will reopen venues with live betting and screening of sports. The Livewire had been suspended on March 26.

Limitations continue, including capacity limits for 50 people per floor, enhanced cleaning routines, and the recommendation for high risk groups and players older than 60 to stay at home.

The Japanese Racing Authority (JRA) has also reopened its off-track betting facilities. After closing on February 29, shops have begun to reopen, with the last two premises due to reopen on July 26.

Customers can cash out winning tickets and place bets in the shops, but televised races will not be screened and there will be no information on display. Safety protocols and reduced hours of business remain in place.

Meanwhile in Hong Kong betting shops are having to halt some services to reduce traffic as Covid-19 cases surge.