Tigre de Cristal reopens with safety precautions

As borders remain closed in Russia, the Suncity-owned casino plans to focus on the local market when it reopens tomorrow.

Russia.- Summit Ascent Holdings announced this Wednesday that it plans to reopen its Tigre de Cristal Casino tomorrow (Thursday July 16).

Operations at the venue have been suspended since March 28 due to the outbreak of Covid-19. As travel restrictions continue in Russia, the operator said it plans to focus on the local market as it reopens.

Summit Ascent, in which Suncity Group has a majority stake, said: “The company is pleased to announce that the Governor of Primorsky Krai has agreed that Tigre de Cristal, owned by the Group’s subsidiary in Vladivostok, Russian Federation, is allowed to be reopened for business from 16 July 2020 onwards. The gaming areas, the hotel and other amenities will be permitted to resume operations according to respective measures recommended by the Russian Government.

“The group fully supports the Russian Government’s measures to combat Covid-19, as the health and safety of our guests and our team members are of paramount importance.”

The casino will take precautionary measures including body temperature checks for staff, players and guests when they enter the property, mandatory face masks to be worn inside and increased sanitation in public areas.

Social distancing measures include shutting down every second slot machine on the floor and requiring guests and employees to stay at least 1.5 metres away from each other. Seating capacity in food and beverage outlets has been adapted to maintain distance.

When evaluating the impact of the lockdown measures on business, the firm said that Tigre de Cristal had adequate cash on hand. It said: “The Group has sufficient working capital to support the operations for years to come.”

The casino took cost control measures during lockdown such as requesting workers to use annual leave or take unpaid leave, cutting travel expenses and renegotiating contracts. The firm says that as a result it has been able to avoid laying off any employees.  

Summit Ascent confirmed work to build a new Suncity VIP room, hotel rooms and new restaurants at the casino will now also restart.