JRA to reopen off-track betting shops

Reopening will take place this weekend after seven months of closure.

Japan.- The Japanese Racing Association (JRA) has announced the reopening of more of its off-track betting facilities as of Saturday September 12.  

The Park Wins, Wins and J-Place betting facilities will resume partial operations, with restrictions on hours, betting ticket sales and payouts, the JRA said.

They have been closed since February, although some betting facilities were reopened in July.  

For the time being no races will be televised or data on odds provided.  

The betting offices will function under strict Covid-19 protocols. Face masks will be required for workers and customers and temperature checks will be conducted on entry.  

Employees in contact with the public will also undergo temperature checks, disinfect their hands and be provided with face shields and gloves.  

The JRA said plexiglass barriers and vinyl curtains have been installed to prevent airborne exposure, and marks have been placed to indicate distances to be kept within venues.