Macau: only 29 casinos re-open after forced closure

Twelve casinos have applied to extend the closure period as part of efforts to halt the spread of Coronavirus.

Macau.- Just 29 of Macau’s 41 gambling have reopened their doors following the forced 15-day period of casino closure as part of efforts to halt the spread of the deadly Coronavirus.

A total of twelve Macau casinos decided to apply for a closure extension, according to Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau (DICJ) Director, Paulo Martins Chan.

The casinos that remain close are the Macau Palace and Greek Mythology, Sands Cotai Central, Galaxy’s Casino Waldo, Rio and President, Melco’s Altira and Grand Dragon Casino and SJM’s Casino Taipa, Casino Oceanus, Casino Macau Jockey Club and Casino Eastern.

Earlier this week, the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau (DICJ) met with operators to discuss the measures they must take on reopening to prevent the spread Coronavirus.

Besides wearing face masks and undertaking temperature checks on staff and visitors, the DICJ is also requesting that gaming tables be placed a safe distance apart.

Guests must also leave a space between one another when sat at a gaming table and similar rules will be applied to slot machines, with visitors leaving an empty machine between one another.

Mr Chan also confirmed them the casinos reopening today would offer about 1,800 gaming tables. That represents “below 30 percent” of the existing gaming tables in the market