Jeju casinos to require proof of vaccination

Authorities have confirmed that casino venues will require proof of vaccination requirements or a valid negative Covid-19 test.

South Korea.- The island of Jeju in South Korea has announced it will require proof of Covid-19 vaccination or a negative Covid-19 test for admission to casinos. According to GGRAsia, the measure bgan on December 18 and will remain in place until at least January 2.

Previously, players were not required to show proof of full vaccination or a valid negative Covid-19 test to enter any casino on Jeju. However, authorities have tightened due to a rise in Covid-19 cases in mainland China.

Casino capacity continues to be limited to 50 per cent, a measure that was implemented from November 1. There are currently no restrictions on opening hours at Jeju Island Casinos.

Although there are eight casinos on Jeju island, only three are open: Jeju Shinhwa World, operated by Hong Kong-listed Landing International, Paradise Casino, operated by Paradise Co Ltd, and Jeju Dream Tower, run by Lotte Tour Development Co Ltd.

In November, experts discussed ideas to help the industry recover at the Jeju International Casino Policy Forum. Bong Mi Hee, a professor at the Integrated Resort Tourism Research Centre at Inha Technical College, said remote gambling, paid for either by cryptocurrency or credit card, ought to be considered as a plan of action for Jeju casino venues. 

In October, a similar proposal was made by Lee Sang-heon, a member of the National Assembly’s Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee, who said  South Korea’s foreigner-only casinos should be allowed to introduce online gambling services.