Europe's arcades face another lockdown.
With increasing Covid-19 cases, France, Germany, and Italy are imposing yet another lockdown—affecting thousands of casinos, gambling halls, and betting shops. The move has left industry associations furious, questioning the justification behind the measures.
Closures in France
These European countries are shutting down again due to high coronavirus case numbers. In France, lockdowns begin today (October 30) and continue until December 1. If the number of infections doesn't decrease, there's a risk of an extension. Over 200 licensed casinos and the entire network of Pari-Mutuel Urbain (PMU) retail betting shops are affected. Citizens are advised to limit contact and travel across the country and work from home if possible. Essential businesses, schools, universities, and nurseries are permitted to stay open.
France previously reported 36,437 positive Covid-19 cases and 244 related deaths on October 28, during the first lockdown which spanned from March 16 to May 11. FDJ, with around 40,000 points of sale, is also deeply affected. They went public in November 2019 and recorded a recovery in Q3 due to the easing of restrictions and the resumption of top-class sport. This growth is expected to continue unless there are more restrictions. Online gaming, which saw a growth of 43.8 percent, could offer some relief.
German Gaming Arcades Closed
Germany will also have to close their gambling halls that reopened in May with strict safety measures. The government didn't explicitly name gambling establishments, but only mentioned "leisure facilities," including theaters, cinemas, and sports halls. Cafés, bars, clubs, discos, and pubs are also included. The lockdown begins on November 2 and lasts until at least the end of the month. People are urged to reduce their contact to the minimum.
Germany reported 18,681 new infections this morning (October 30) and 77 deaths, with the first lockdown running from mid-March to May 6.
The German Amusement Machine Industry has voiced criticism over the closure of amusement arcades, saying it's a harsh blow for their industry and harmful to protecting young people and players. They fear customers will increasingly turn to illegal providers as they did during the first lockdown. DAW board spokesman Georg Stecker notes that current safety precautions, like minimum distances between machines, are already in place. Plus, they've implemented comprehensive infection prevention measures.
Italy in Lockdown Again
Italy's Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte signed an emergency decree plunging the country into a second lockdown. Contact restrictions and domestic travel restrictions accompany this. Bars and restaurants will have to close at 6 p.m. on weekdays and Saturdays, and all day on Sundays. Non-essential stores will remain closed until at least November 24.
Italy's land-based gambling sector is being paralyzed by coronavirus, as the emergency decree requires the complete closure of casinos, betting shops, bingo, and amusement arcades. The first lockdown in Italy ran from March 10 to May 4. Most recently, Italy registered 24,991 Covid-19 cases and 205 related deaths on October 28.
Italy's gaming operators faced challenges reopening their facilities due to stringent protective measures. The recovery in gambling wasn't significant, and restrictions like the compulsory wearing of face masks for employees and customers, disinfection, social distancing, and temperature checks at the entrance hampered their efforts.
The British Gambling Association (BGC) criticized the UK's new three-tier system causing casino and gaming hall closures, but a few UK casinos have shut down, particularly in the north of England and Scotland.
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Source: www.onlinecasinosdeutschland.com
