Observers believe some changes in procedures and consumer habits are here to stay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Asia.- Casinos and gaming operators across Asia have seen unprecedented losses in the past quarter owing to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It seems clear that a full recovery can come only after travel restrictions, capacity limits and social distancing measures are lifted – perhaps even only after a vaccination is available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But as eager as casinos are to begin the road to recovery, many observers believe some of the measures introduced as efforts to prevent contagion could remain in place even after the pandemic has blown over. They really will become the new normal, as it were. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Warwick Bartlett CEO at Global Betting and Gaming Consultants (GBGC), told Focus Gaming News Asia Pacific<\/strong> he was highly impressed by some casinos’ protocols on reopening. <\/p>\n\n\n\n He mentioned Wynn Resorts’ implementation of temperature checks for all visitors, sanitized elevators with restricted use, extensive hand sanitizing stations, new card decks and social distancing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAll of which comes at a substantial cost to the operators, but it is necessary,\u201d Bartlett said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Barlett said many changes introduced because of the crisis have actually proved popular with players, and good for business. <\/p>\n\n\n\n He said: \u201cSocial distancing at the tables with screens separating players according to some reports has proven to be popular with gamblers. They feel more secure that the casino is doing something to protect them and also many players like the idea of the separation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n “Although we are social beings we do like our space as well. This feature may remain if customers prefer it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are suggestions partitions at tables and the separation of machines may become new standards as consumer habits shift. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Ben Lee, a managing partner at management and marketing consultancy IGamiX was one of the first to raise awareness about the need to close every second machine and table. <\/p>\n\n\n\n He told Focus Gaming News Asia Pacific<\/strong>: \u201cWe are likely to see these measures continue until we have an effective vaccine. The last any casino here in Asia would want is to become a cluster, which would likely result in it being shut down.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n Jennifer Song, an equity analyst at Morningstar agreed that some distancing measures are likely to be maintained.<\/p>\n\n\n\n She said: \u201cAlthough Covid-19 appears to be contained in Macau and mainland China, we think the safety and health issues still remain a top priority for casino operators.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n She told Focus Gaming News Asia Pacific <\/strong>recent management briefings showed casino operators were keeping health and safety at the top of the agenda.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWe think social distancing measures will still be in place for a longer period,” she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n She doesn’t believe this will allow casinos to request an expansion of gaming areas in order to accommodate the same number of machines and tables as before.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cMacao SAR government has a cap on table growth, so it is unlikely the government will increase the table allotment in the near term, she said. “We don\u2019t think casino operators will request more or that the government will allow more.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ben Lee is not expecting casinos to ask for any increments either. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWith gaming likely to remain quiet for quite some time until people get comfortable with crowds again, the machine market is likely to remain depressed as operators stretch the lifespan of their inventory,” he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Will enhanced sanitation routines continue after the pandemic is over? \u201cAbsolutely!\u201d Lee says. The IGamingX executive believes hand sanitizers and regular hourly cleaning will become \u201cde rigueur\u201d even after it is no longer enforced by regulalors. <\/p>\n\n\n\n He also foresees that cleaning staff will continue wearing face masks and that automated temperature checking stations in employee entrances may continue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Jennifer Song agreed. She said: \u201cWe would expect a higher hygiene standard in place even after the pandemic, so sanitation routines will likely remain as well.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n Changes to the gaming floor and even to architecture made due to Covid-19 are also likely to affect decisions on investments and future projects to develop integrated resorts. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The American operator Mohegan Gaming and Entertainment recently said that the pandemic-provoked delay to construction work on its South Korean casino and hotel project had created an opportunity to adapt its design<\/a><\/em><\/strong> to potential changes in safety norms and standards that could emerge after the pandemic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Genting Berhad, meanwhile, is re-evaluating plans for its US$3.3 billion expansion in Singapore. Revealing half-year results in August, the company said construction work had recommenced but that it \u201cenvisioned that new design changes will be necessary<\/a><\/em><\/strong> to adapt to the post Covid-19 environment.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n