Panamanian casinos, waiting for the green light to reopen

Panamas casinos are waiting for a green light to reopen their premises, after an investment of more than a million dollars has been made to adequate the installations to the health requirements

This past week, Manuel Sánchez Ortega, executive secretary of the Gaming Control Board (GBC), assured "Administrators and operators of casinos are ready to open their premises, for which they have invested more than a million dollars in adaptations that will allow them to guarantee the protection of clients and workers in the industry,". He further explained that it´s imperative that the gaming industry   reactivates, generating close to 10.000 direct jobs, with additional jobs added to it, that would help immensely the current situation after a lot of jobs have been lost from the pandemic. He highlighted too, the importance after a future reopening on responsible gaming. "We have projected in the future the creation of gambling clinics with psychological attention, an initiative that was requested by the casino operators”.

The money spent on the adjustment and measures has been destined to screens and acrylic separators, distancing between the machines, equipment to measure the temperature upon entering, masks, alcoholic gel, gloves, and the constant action of staff to clean and disinfect the surfaces.

A quantity of US$ 89.1 million corresponds to the annual payment of the direct salaries of the workers, and the sector generates more than US$ 500 million for Panama a year, contributing to the State an amount superior to US$ 150 million, and with an investment of US$45 million annually in commercial space rentals and hotels. After the pandemic, these numbers have been affected and reduced immensely.

About SiGMA Europe - Malta

SiGMA Group has announced the postponement of its Europe summit, which was planned to be held in Malta on 17-19 November 2020. The show will now open its doors early next year in February, running from the 16-18th, making it the first event to headline the 2021 gaming calendar.