European casinos continue to reopen

Switzerland and Latvia join list of European countries reopening casinos.

Switzerland.- Switzerland and Latvia have joined the ranks of European countries allowing casinos to reopen following Covid-19 lockdowns.

Switzerland’s Federal Council gave the green light for casinos in some areas to begin reopening at the weekend.

Those in “green” areas with a low-risk of transmission are permitted to reopen while those in zones rated as “orange” must remain closed. 

Capacity for public gatherings is currently limited to 300 people but will be increased to 1,000 from June 24 if the virus remains under control. 

Latvia meanwhile has passed a bill to end the nation’s state of emergency, clearing the way for both online and land-based gambling to resume from tomorrow (Tuesday June 9).

A proposed amendment to the bill that would have continued the suspension of retail gambling was rejected. 

The Latvian Gaming Business Association said retail gambling locations had safety measures in place to reopen, with customer numbers limited to one person per four square metres, disinfection of gaming machines and surfaces and ventilation of premises every four hours, and a two-metre distance between seats at gaming machines.

France, Bulgaria, Austria and Germany have already reopened casinos. Dutch and Belgian casinos will be allowed to reopen from July 1, and UK casinos from July 4.