Macao moots casino closures; Stevens vs. William Hill

Here it comes. Again. The government of Macao is taking a zero-tolerance policy toward Covid-19. Although there hasn’t been a case in four months (good for them), the enclave is floating the idea of shutting down any casino where a positive test occurs. According to GGR Asia, “From July 15, ‘all people who intend to enter’ the city’s casinos are required not only to have their body temperature measured and to display a health-declaration statement, but also to present a certificate of a ‘valid nucleic acid test’ proving freedom from Covid-19.” That’s a high bar to clear. While a comeback of Macanese gaming revenues is inevitable, IGamiX Management & Consulting Managing Partner Ben Lee cautioned not to expect miracles. “The mainland authorities will likely be careful in managing the number of [tourist] permits issued, in order to not swamp the city,” he reasoned.