The positive recovery trajectory of South Korea’s foreigner-only casino industry has continued into 2023 with Grand Korea Leisure (GKL) reporting a 230% year-on-year increase and 5.0% sequential increase in casino revenue to KRW32.1 billion in January.
The January result follows a similar month-on-month increase by Paradise Co in January, which reported casino revenue of KRW48.7 billion (US$39.7 million) for the month.
GKL’s rise included a 2.5% sequential increase in table games revenue to KRW29.1 billion and a 38.4% increase in machine revenue to KRW3.0 billion.
Table drop of KRW 272.4 billion was 250% higher than January 2021 and 9.3% higher than December.
As reported by IAG, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency announced the lifting of most mandatory indoor mask-wearing rules for the first time in more than two years due to falling COVID cases.
Masks are still mandatory in hospitals, pharmacies and on public transport but are longer required in most other places including schools, gyms and entertainment venues.
GKL operates three casinos under the Seven Luck brand in Seoul and Busan.