A total of 29 of Macau’s 39 operational casinos re-opened as the clock struck midnight on Thursday, bringing to an end the city-wide 15-day closure of all gaming operations.
As confirmed by the Macau government at a press conference on Wednesday afternoon, it’s not quite business as usual just yet with only 30% of the SAR’s gaming tables in use during the initial re-opening stage.
Ten casinos remain closed after applying for a 30-day extension to the original closure order, while Macau Palace and Greek Mythology remain out of operation, having been shuttered for some time. Among those to delay re-opening are 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.
With temporary new restrictions in place requiring more space between open gaming tables as well as the players sitting at them, only about 1,800 tables resumed operations early Thursday, roughly 30% of Macau’s gaming table allocation. The Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau (DICJ) said it will adjust its requirements based on developments in the battle against the Coronavirus.
However, Macau’s major junket operators have wasted no time in getting back to business. Suncity Group told IAG it was immediately re-opening 13 of its 15 VIP clubs in Macau, while its club at Altira Macau will re-open on Monday 24 February and at Rio on Tuesday 25 February.
Meg-Star will resume operations at six of eight VIP clubs with Altira the only exception.
Guangdong Group’s 11 VIP clubs and David Group’s VIP club located in Wynn Macau all re-opened at midnight.
Operators are allowed to apply for relaunch at any time within the next 30 days but all must re-open by 20 March 2020.
DICJ Director Paulo Martins Chan stated that although Macau’s gaming revenue is expected to be low during the initial stages of resumption, the government is optimistic about the future.
The number of people entering into Macau increased for the second consecutive day on Wednesday, with 5,800 tourists making their way across the border alongside 31,000 non-resident workers – the latter representing a 49.8% increase over Tuesday.
