Breaking News: Casinos Shut Down In Macau
In a major development, all casinos in Macau have been ordered to shut down amid the ongoing battle to contain the spread of the coronavirus. This comes as the number of confirmed cases in Macau has risen to 10, with fears that the virus could spread rapidly in the densely populated region.
The Governmentâs Decision
The decision to shut down the casinos was taken by Macauâs Chief Executive Ho Iat-seng, who also announced that the Chinese territory would be closing all public facilities for 15 days. This includes cinemas, theaters, and various other entertainment venues. The measures are aimed at stopping the spread of the virus, which has already claimed the lives of over 1,500 people worldwide.
The Impact on the Gaming Industry
The decision to shut down the casinos is a major blow to Macauâs gaming industry, which is the worldâs biggest gambling hub. The regionâs gaming revenues have plummeted in recent months due to the ongoing protests in Hong Kong and the outbreak of coronavirus in China. The latest move is expected to result in a significant loss of revenue for the sector.
- According to reports, the casinos generate over 80% of Macauâs revenue, with over 35 million people visiting the region last year to gamble.
- The shutdown is also expected to have a ripple effect on the global gaming industry, with companies such as MGM Resorts International, Wynn Resorts, and Las Vegas Sands all having significant operations in Macau.
The Future of the Gaming Industry
It remains to be seen how this decision will impact the gaming industry in the long term, but it is clear that the short-term effects will be significant. In the meantime, the Chinese government has announced that it will provide financial support to the region to help ease the impact of the shutdown.