Asian gaming markets resume restrictions amid covid comeback

Having returned to something-like-normal before the western world, many Asian gaming markets are now reintroducing travel restrictions as covid cases begin to rise again.

Travel bubble proposals between hubs such as Hong Kong and Singapore were wound back in May as Singapore’s Transport Minister Ong Ye Kung lamented the rise in cases would require a rethink.

“The assessment is: Given the rising cases in Singapore, it is very likely Singapore will not be able to meet the resumption criteria,” said the minister. “What we’ll do now is closely monitor the numbers next few days and critically review the start date.” However, both regions remain committed to the travel bubble at some stage.

Chinese tourists are reportedly becoming more reluctant to travel further afield also, opting instead for domestic locations. In the Philippines, Manilla had reopened much of its business yet has also been forced to reverse these plans until the summer. In the meantime all gambling premises remain closed.

While Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam have all witnessed a spike in cases due to the Indian variant: presumably being smuggled in by illegal immigrants crossing over the jungle borders from Myanmar and China.

Unsurprisingly G2E Asia, which had been postponed continually since May 2020, and was until now due to take place in Macau in May this year, has now been set back again until November.

“Through ongoing consultation with our exhibitors and the Macau Government, Reed Exhibitions and the American Gaming Association determined that a November event provides the best opportunity to create a valuable marketplace, educational content and networking opportunities for the global gaming industry,” said Reed Exhibitions China COO Josephine Lee.