The global outbreak of COVID-19 has seriously damaged the world’s
 economy. Businesses have suffered and people’s lives have changed for the
 worse. During these difficult times, many oddities have risen to change
 the way we live for many months and possibly years. There hasn’t yet been
 news as to when this disease will die down. Even though this is not one of
 the hardest-hitting issues the general public is faced with right now, the
 lack of live sports, and subsequently live sports betting, has come as a
 shock to those who rely on such things as their main form of
 entertainment.
 

<div>
 <img
 src="https://api.westcasino.com/media/article/ade50f4b-05e9-423e-92c1-2e92c148434f.jpg"
 />
</div>

 In lack of football, horse racing, boxing, and other live sporting staples, UK
 citizens are turning to other forms of betting to pass the time during
 lockdown.

<h2>Gamblers move towards traditional online casino games</h2>

 Classic casino games, poker, and online slots are quickly becoming favoured
 alternatives for many. Operator 888 holdings reported a 38% surge in the price
 of their stock the day after Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced the
 nationwide lockdown. As you can imagine, this is extremely good news for the
 operator since, like most bookmakers, it had experienced a huge decline in
 revenue during the previous week.

[getstarted][welcomepack]

 The increased marketing efforts put in place by sportsbooks online and on TV
 focusing on their non-sports betting opportunities may have partly caused this
 shift.


 Also expected, is that players will become more familiar with newer forms of
 social betting such as live casino games that allow players to interact with
 the live host and other players as they place bets. This area of the casino
 could prove to be pivotal in helping combat loneliness during this extended
 lockdown period.


 Still, it remains to be seen just how long live casino studios can stay open
 and live on air, since Evolution Gaming, a major player, have already been
 forced to temporarily shut down their Tbilisi studio as a way of slowing and
 preventing the spread of COVID-19.

<h2>From the ashes of sportsbooks, unorthodox betting markets arise</h2>

 Many players have found their way to traditional online casino games, yet some
 unorthodox betting markets have opened to fill the gap left by the lack of
 sports.


 eSports was thought to be the product to fill this immense void left in the
 betting market, a presumption that proved true just days after the loss of
 mainstream sporting events.


 Bookmaker Ladbrokes quickly jumped on board as primary sponsors to a recent
 worldwide 128 knockout-style FIFA tournament organized by Leyton Orient
 Football Club in a bid to help morale amongst football fans and help raise
 money for mental health charity MIND. This sponsorship was perceived by many
 as a stroke of genius.


 Popular eSports markets such as CS:GO, League of Legends, and DOTA have not
 yet been confirmed to have experienced a rise in the number of bets placed
 upon them. Undoubtedly, though, bookmakers and those heavily involved in the
 eSports betting scene will see this as a huge opportunity to strike while the
 iron is hot.

Many players have found their way to traditional online casino games, yet some unorthodox betting markets have opened to fill the gap left by the lack of sports.

How the Coronavirus has changed UK betting habits | WestCasino Blog

How the Coronavirus has changed UK betting habits

Video Slots

New Games

Promotions

Tips and Tricks

Unbelievable tales from the world of gambling.

Believe It or Not

Ever since their inception, online casinos have tried to provide a gaming experience that closely replicates that of land-based casinos. Naturally, some aspects of brick and mortar establishments cannot be simulated through an internet connection, but gambling websites generally do a decent job of offering a realistic imitation. 
The essential task of any online casino is to ensure that the games featured on their platforms behave in the exact same way that they would when playing at the tables. Since there are no actual cards being dealt, no real dice being rolled, and no real roulette wheels being spun, the conclusion of these actions have to be artificially reproduced via a software that online casinos use. Here’s where random number generators come into play. 
Randomness is an integral part of casino games. Hence, random number generators are the heart of any online casino software. If you’d like to know exactly what random number generators are, keep reading this article.
<div>
 <img src="https://api.westcasino.com/media/article/c414cf0a-867d-4c35-8fae-5ed79116cb37.jpg" />
 </div>
Before we delve deeper into the subject matter, we have to mention that most modern online casinos now offer live dealer games that do not require random number generators. Real dealers moderate these games in the same way that they would in a land-based casino and stream the action to your computer through an interactive video feed. 
<h2>The Importance of Randomness</h2>
When playing casino games, otherwise know as games of chance, luck determines whether you win or lose. This means that the outcome is invariably random which makes it impossible to predict with accuracy. 
[getstarted][welcomepack]
In some games, such as blackjack, you can choose whether you hit or stand, and your actions directly impact the results. Make the right decisions and your overall chances of winning will be improved. However, the next card dealt will still be a mystery. Counting cards used to be an option, but now that the game is played with multiple decks, shuffling takes the randomness of each card dealt to a whole new level. 
The games wouldn’t be very fun if you could predict their outcome every time, would they? In fact, they wouldn’t work at all. That’s the whole point of games of chance – unpredictability. Where’s the thrill without the risk of losing or the joys of winning?
<h2>What is a Random Number Generator?</h2>
Commonly referred to as RNGs, random number generators are computer programs that, you guessed it, generate random numbers. Each waking moment, they produce vast sequences of numbers, providing a single number or collection of numbers when the software dictates it. 
Note that RNG-produced numbers won’t ever be truly random since computers must follow some sort of instruction or pattern. However, the most sophisticated RNGs create patterns that are utterly indecipherable by the human brain. For all intents and purposes, the generated numbers are completely random. 
<h2>How Online Casinos Use RNGs</h2>
Through the use of graphics, online casino software displays the outcomes of simulated live casino actions on your computer screen. The outcomes must be produced by chance to reflect the randomness inherent in all casino games. 
Whenever the software needs to replicate a random outcome, it communicates with the RNG. The number generated is fed into the software, each possible number being related to a possible outcome. 
Take blackjack, for example. In a brick and mortar establishment, your next card would simply be dealt from the top of the deck. But in an online casino, there is no physical deck to deal cards from. This is when the RNG springs into action. It will provide a random number that determines which card you’ll receive. 
We won’t bore you with the technical details of RNGs since you only need to know the gist of it. It’s worth mentioning, though, that RNGs are also used in land-based casinos. Video slots utilize them to determine which symbols appear on each spin, and video poker machines use them to determine which cards are dealt. 
<h2>Random Number Generators – Are They Fair?</h2>
Casinos do not use random number generators to cheat. This is a common concert of online casino players, but it is largely unfounded. The main reason for utilizing random number generators is to ensure that the games are fair. Over time, the results of games should coincide with their true probabilities if the outcomes are randomly produced. 
In theory, it’s possible for online casinos to program their software in a way that manipulates the numbers produced from an RNG, thus rigging the games. However, the truth is that they’ve no real reason to do that. Thanks to the house edge, the games are already in their favor. They will definitely have to pay out to some winning players, but they’ll still make money in the long run.

Random Number Generators - A Detailed Explanation

Play’N Go’s Joker series strikes again! The updated version of 2016’s Fire Joker hasn’t changed much. The Swedish game developer added an extra feature, a frozen dimension via a new symbol, and a greater winning potential. The core gameplay, however, remains the same. If you’re a fan of Fire Joker, you’ll definitely love Fire Joker Freeze.
<div>
 <img src="https://api.westcasino.com/media/article/8366ca4d-14fe-484b-905b-4438ac878f2d.jpg">
 </div>
The game is played on a 3x3 grid on a red, diamond-patterned background. Visually, it’s truly breath-taking if you’re into traditional slots. The same can be said about the music and sounds. You’re in for a funky tour-de-force. All this is eclipsed by the fast-paced reel-spinning action!
The default RTP is a bit more generous than the previous incarnation of the game – 96.18%. The volatility is medium, let’s say a 6 out of 10. Needless to say, you’ll get plenty of wins. On a single spin, you can gain up to 1000x your bet. Fans are gonna love that for sure. 
Full-screen wins are guaranteed with this game, thanks to the stacking symbols. Winning combinations are formed of 3 matching symbols across 5 fixed paylines. 
Let’s talk about the symbols. In Fire Joker Freeze, you’ll find the quasi-titular Ice Joker symbol. You’ll also encounter Xs, cherries, lemons, grapes, plums, BARs, stars, and 7s. The Ice Joker and the Fire joker are this title’s wild symbols. Land 3 of these on the grid, and you’ll win 100x your bet! 
[getstarted][welcomepack]
There are many thrills to be experienced in Fire Joker Freeze. Symbols stack, spins are respinned, and the prize wheel will keep your adrenaline pumping. The Respins of Ice feature triggers when an Ice Joker symbol lands on a non-winning spin. The Ice Joker becomes locked in place and expands to cover all positions on its reel. Subsequently, all other reels are respun for another chance to win big. 
If you fill the grid with the same pay symbol or the Ice or Fire Joker, you’ll trigger the Wheel of Fire and Ice. Also, if there are 2 stacks of the same symbol plus an Ice Joker on the third reel, that Ice Joker expands into a stack and automatically triggers the Wheel of Ice of Fire. 
The wheel’s built with 4 overlapping circles, which display multipliers or snowflake symbols. Unless an Ice Joker triggers the other layers, only the inner circle spins. If 1, 2, or 3 joker stacks trigger the wheel, the other three layers start spinning. Land on a snowflake, and you’ll move up to the next levels, which contain bigger multipliers. The best that you can hope for is a 20x multiplier! 
<h2>Fire Joker Freeze Conclusion</h2>
Play’N Go is famous for recycling old games under new names. Hey, if it works, it works. Players don’t mind, and neither do we. The quality never seems to disappoint. If you’re a fan of Fire Joker, you’ll be a fan of Fire Joker Freeze. It’s as simple as that. The Joker games rock. That’s a given. In this one, you’ll get more extra features and bigger multipliers. The best part is that you don’t even need to have played Fire Joker to appreciate Fire Joker Freeze. The gameplay is super intuitive.

Demo play Fire Joker Freeze or play for real money. Cash in on Play’N Go’s brand-new masterpiece!

Fire Joker Freeze Slot Review – New Play’N Go Game | WestCasino Blog

Fire Joker Freeze - Play'N Go's Brand-New Masterpiece

Before we dive deep into the rules of one of the most popular card games in existence, let’s begin with a brief history of Blackjack. Where did it all start? Who invented it? Where did it get its name, and why is it so damn popular? Prepare yourself for a journey through the ages all the way back to late 17th century Spain where the first literary evidence of Twenty-One appeared.
<div>
 <img src="https://api.westcasino.com/media/article/62526fef-1d7e-4599-8b04-95a321ba7fb8.jpg">
</div>
<h2>The Origins of Blackjack</h2>
Some historians believe that Blackjack has its roots in an ancient Roman game played with wooden blocks instead of cards. However, the first time it was ever mentioned in a piece of writing was in 1601. The writer of the famous Don Quixote, Miguel de Cervantes, introduced the game in Rinconete y Cortadillo, a short story set in 1569 about two thieves on their way to Seville. Both main characters are expert cheats at the game Veintiuna which is Spanish for Twenty-One. It’s clarified in the book that the object of the game is to reach exactly 21 points.
[welcomepack][getstarted]
Miguel de Cervantes was infamous for his gambling, and even though the game may have originated from France, as certain historians claim, it’s clear that travelers have been playing Twenty-One all over Europe during the early 17th century. The game was a favorite at King Louis XV’s royal court. Even Napoleon, the famed military leader and French emperor was a huge fan of Vingt-et-Un. He'd celebrate victories by indulging in the profitable pastime.
At the dawn of the 18th century, North America would come to know and love Vingt-et-Un thanks to French colonists. It was played in the newly legalized gambling halls of New Orleans and later spread throughout the country like wildfire. When it finally reached Nevada, rumor has it that the local casinos dubbed the game Blackjack following a special promotion that paid 10:1 if you won with a Jack of Spades or Clubs and an Ace.
<h2>The Rules of Blackjack</h2>
History aside, let’s take a look at the rules. Blackjack is a seemingly straightforward game, but under its surface lies a complex maze of split-second decisions and psychological trickery. Before we get into that, however, we need to know the basics.
Let’s get one thing straight. Although the game is called Blackjack or Twenty-One, the goal is to get a higher total than the dealer without going over 21 or ‘bust.’ When you want another card, that’s called taking a hit. In a land-based casino, you’d actually say the words ‘hit me!’ or you’d tap your finger. You may take as many hits as you want as long as you don’t go over 21. When you’re pleased with the cards you have, you’ll want to click or tap the Stand button that’s standard in most online Blackjack games. The dealer must draw more cards when his hand amounts to 16 or less and stand on 17 or better.
When adding up your total, cards up to 9 are taken at face value. For example, a 3 of clubs or any other suit will be worth 3 points. 10s, Jack, Queens, and Kings are worth ten points. An Ace can be 1 or 11. A hand without Aces is called a Hard Hand. Say you get a 5 and a 9. That’s a hard hand. However, if you do have an Ace and a 5, your total will amount to either 6 or 16. The choice is yours. A hand with an Ace is called a Soft Hand. Since there are only four Aces in a deck, and even if the game is played with multiple decks, most hands will be hard hands.
<h2>Double and Split</h2>
Now that that’s out of the way, let’s talk about doubling and splitting. Unlike the dealer, you can double your bet once the cards are dealt but before you hit or stand. You will have to take exactly one more card and then immediately stand. If you get two cards of the same value, like a 6 and 6, and Ace and Ace, or a 10 and King, you can play that hand or choose to Split.
When you split, you make two new hands, each with the bet equal to your initial bet. The hands are composed of one of your duplicate cards and one new card each. Once split, each new hand will be played like usual against the same hand of the dealer with a separate win or loss. You can even split again if possible, up to three times per deal. Both Double and Split can only be done if you have enough money in your balance to increase your bet.
<h2>Insurance</h2>
This is a move you can make after the cards are dealt but before any other actions. If the dealer’s revealed card is an Ace (which gives the dealer a big chance for Blackjack), you can choose to place an additional bet, half of its original size. This bet is separate from the actual bet. If the dealer does not have Blackjack, the insurance is lost, and the game continues. If the dealer does get a Blackjack, however, you will win double (2 to 1) of your insurance. The dealer will still win the deal, but you will make up for the loss. Only use this as a last resort if you think there are many 10s left in the deck.
<h2>Winning Strategies</h2>
Alright, now let’s see what you can do to increase your chances of winning!
 For cards totaling 3 to 11 in your hand, always hit regardless of the dealer’s face-up card. Keep hitting until your total is 17 or higher. Keep in mind that this is not a full-proof plan. You’ll have to think on your feet when using this strategy. Even then, the dealer might get a Blackjack. Still, it’s worth a shot. Lady Luck favors the bold!
 
Always stand on 17 through 21 regardless of the dealer’s up card.
When you have a great hand, such as an Ace and an 8 or 9, always stand. Unless you get Blackjack, it doesn’t get any better than that. If your other card is 7 or lower, always hit since the Ace is either 1 or 11.
If you get a pair of 8s, 9s, or Aces, you should always split. In case you get a pair of 10s, simply stand. 20 is an amazing hand!
Well, that’s about it. Read the rules and strategies carefully and start playing! With this information, you’re bound to become a better Blackjack player. Good luck!

Learn the rules of online Blackjack (21), pick up a few tricks, and discover the strategy that will make you a winner!

How to Play and Win at Online Blackjack – History, Rules & Strategy Guide | WestCasino Blog

How to Play and Win at Online Blackjack – History, Rules & Strategy Guide

As Google continues relaxing its initially strict anti-gambling policies, the tech giant will soon allow real-money gambling apps in its Google Play marketplace in 15 new countries as of March 1st. 
<div>
 <img src="https://api.westcasino.com/media/article/7abe183c-39c0-4185-a2a0-287f38e84e21.jpg">
 </div>
Google’s updates to its app store policies stipulate that citizens of a large number of nations will be able to download and use real-money gambling apps, daily fantasy sports apps, and view gambling-related ads. Currently, real-money apps are only allowed in the UK, Ireland and France. Brazil is in the same boat but only state lottery operator Caixa Economica Federal’s app is permitted. 
[getstarted][welcomepack]
As of March 1st, real-money gambling apps will also be permitted in the United States, Sweden, Spain, Romania, Norway, New Zealand, Mexico, Japan, Germany, Finland, Denmark, Colombia, Canada, Belgium, and Australia.
Google’s real-money policy refers to lotteries, sports betting, online casino and DFS, but there’s some market-specific restrictions for each aforementioned country. Australian law, for example, does not allow online casinos, and Canada’s real-money apps are restricted to “governmental operators only”.
The U.S. is tricky since each state has a specific online gambling regulatory regime and developers must have licenses for every one of them. 
Also, operators must submit applications to have their apps featured in Google Play. Those that bypass the certification process or commit repeated or serious violations of the rules will have their apps swiftly removed from the marketplace. 
Google Play apps may publish gambling-related advertising, but heavy restrictions will be in place. Fair and responsible gambling is an absolute requirement. In addition, these apps are to ensure that no children under 18 view the ads. 
The loosening of app advertising rules is a result of a 2020 update to Google’s gambling policies that allowed users of both its search engine and Youtube to opt out of seeing gambling advertisements. 
Last September, payment processor Paytm found its app locked out of India’s Google Play Store because of an in-house contest in which players could redeem online stickers for Paytm Cashback. This was a result of confusion over Google’s gambling policies. 
Subsequently, Google has recently declared that it will allow ‘Gamified Loyalty Programs’ that “reward users with real world prizes or monetary equivalent,” if the benefits, perks and rewards are “clearly supplementary and subordinate to any qualifying monetary transaction within the app.”
Apple was recently sued in a California federal court for releasing social casino apps in the App Store (with a 30% cut of the revenue). Allegedly, Apple violated state law which online allows slot machine to land-based tribal casinos.

Google relaxes its gambling policies. The tech giant will allow real-money gambling products in 15 additional countries.

Real-Money Gambling Apps Available in 15 countries on Google Play Starting March 1st | WestCasino Blog

Real-Money Gambling Apps Available In 15 Countries on Google Play Starting March 1st

MGM Resorts and Caesars Entertainment, the Strip’s largest casino
 operators, along with Boyd Gaming, have partnered with the University
 Medical Centre, Culinary Health Fund, and Las Vegas Convention Centre to
 provide coronavirus testing for casino employees.
 

<div>
 <img src="https://api.westcasino.com/media/article/09d89537-cdfa-412d-ae1a-40b74cf4fad2.jpg">
</div>

 They’ve set their goals at 4000 tests per day in the lead-up to Las Vegas
 reopening casinos. After the 48 hours needed to receive the results, those who
 test positive will be referred to the Southern Nevada Health District for
 contact tracing.

[getstarted][welcomepack]

 “The ability to safely reopen our properties has been our singular focus over
 the past several weeks,” said Bill Hornbuckle, MGM Resorts International
 acting CEO and president. “This testing partnership will allow us to provide
 our employees and guests peace of mind that we are taking the greatest
 possible precautions to keep them safe.”


 All Nevada casinos have been closed since mid-March. Nevada remains in Phase
 One of Governor Steve Sisolak’s four-phase “Roadmap to Recovery”. This week,
 the governor hinted that the state could enter Phase Two as early as Saturday.
 However, casinos aren’t expected to reopen until the third or fourth phase.


 Nevada has performed 103,703 tests since it was hit by the coronavirus crisis
 in early March. That’s roughly 1400 people per day. There have been 7,046
 positive teste, and 373 deaths.


 The Culinary Union, which has called on the Nevada Gaming Control Board to
 mandate casinos release their reopening plans to the public and set a uniform
 framework for safely resuming gaming operations, celebrated the COVID-19
 testing plan.


 “COVID-19 testing ensures that Culinary Union members are safe when they
 return to work,” said union Secretary-Treasurer Geoconda Argüello-Kline. “The
 health and safety of both workers and casino guests is our top priority.”


 Starting tomorrow, employees who have been called back to work can schedule an
 appointment to be tested at the Convention Center. The program is free to all
 workers.


 Workers will receive additional information from the Culinary Union on how to
 go about scheduling their appointment. MGM, Caesars, and Boyd are all union
 casino properties. The Culinary Union represents 60,000 members in Las Vegas
 and Reno working in casino resorts.


 MGM and Caesars own the majority of the hotel rooms on the Strip. Both
 companies have furloughed some 60,000 employees.

MGM Resorts and Caesars Entertainment, the Strip’s largest casino operators, along with Boyd Gaming, have partnered with the University Medical Centre, Culinary Health Fund, and Las Vegas Convention Centre to provide coronavirus testing for casino employees.

Las Vegas Casinos to test employees for covid-19 before putting them back to work | WestCasino Blog

Las Vegas Casinos to test employees for covid-19 before putting them back to work

In lifetime earnings, Dan Smith has accumulated more than $36 million.
 That’s enough to put him in fifth place on poker’s all-time money list.
 Smith isn’t famous for poker only. He’s also made quite a reputation as a
 charity organizer. Well, the poker pro is carrying on his regular mantra
 of giving back to the community.
 

<div>
 <img src="https://api.westcasino.com/media/article/39480669-1deb-4226-b58c-019d4b7a315c.jpg">
</div>

 The most successful people in many industries are taking the lead in the fight
 against the global coronavirus pandemic to promote a sense of solidarity to
 people in need during this crisis. Dan Smith has been organizing several
 charities in the last seven years, bringing poker pros and daily fantasy
 sports players together to participate. So far, they’ve helped raise millions!

[getstarted][welcomepack]

 The efforts of Smith and his collaborators came to be known as Double Up Drive
 starting in 2018. Recently, Smith announced the latest Double Up Drive: an
 emergency drive in response to the coronavirus outbreak that is currently
 gripping much of the world.


 “This COVID-19 pandemic is really unprecedented and horrific. There’s really
 nothing we can do other than sit and wait while everyone’s in crisis,” Smith
 told CardPlayer after announcing the drive. “I tend to be someone who really
 likes to be proactive about doing things. So, having to sit and wait is really
 not good for my mental health. I kind of felt like I was waking up without a
 purpose. There’s only so much Sopranos I could watch each day. I decided to
 reach out to some people and it kind of got snowballing pretty quickly until
 now we have $250,000 ready to go to a bunch of families who are really in need
 and these dark times.”


 Double Up Drive has pledged $250,000 in matching funds, thanks to donations
 from the likes of reigning Card Player Player of the Year Stephen Chidwick,
 high-stakes cash game legend Daniel ‘Jungleman’ Cates, and an anonymous donor.
 Up to $500 of every donation made will be matched from those funds until the
 $250,000 fund is exhausted.


 Double Up Drive is partnering with GiveDirectly for this effort. GiveDirectly
 is a nonprofit organization that makes direct cash transfers to those in need.


 “Studies have shown that people in crisis really just need money rather than
 other things that you could give,” said Smith. “GiveDirectly, as an
 organization is one of the highest-rated charities in the world by all of the
 metrics [used to assess charitable organizations]. And they do a great job of
 making sure money goes directly into the hands of people that need it the
 most. For every dollar you donate, they’re expecting that over 90 cents will
 go into somebody’s hands.”


 “[GiveDirectly] were operating in New York, San Francisco and Seattle. Now
 they’re able to launch in Las Vegas, which I’m really proud of and I think is
 great. Some people have criticized me in the past for my drives not doing
 enough for U.S.-focused causes. I think Las Vegas is going to be hit really
 hard, and I think it’s great that this drive is going to hopefully be able to
 do some good for the city.”


 Those interested in participating in this event can find more information on
 the Double Up Drive website. To find out more about how Smith got started
 doing these charity drives, check out Card Player’s interview with him from
 late 2018.

Professional poker player Dan Smith has raised millions for charity and is now fighting against the Coronavirus pandemic.

Poker pro Dan Smith fights the Coronavirus with charity | WestCasino Blog

Poker Pro Dan Smith fights the Coronavirus with charity

Known as the “Gambling capital of the world” or “The Monte Carlo of the
 East”, the former Portuguese colony of Macau is China’s only location
 where gambling is legal. Gambling tourism is Macau’s biggest source of
 revenue, making about 50% of its economy. On February 5th, however,
 following the recent coronavirus outbreak, the majestic city has become a
 near-ghost town during what is typically its busiest time of the year.
 Because the local government has drastically limited visits from mainland
 China, arrivals have suffered a significant 69% drop. Coupled with the
 impact of a slowing Chinese economy and anti-government protests in
 neighboring Hong Kong, the virus is worrying Macau officials deeply.
 

<div>
 <img src="https://api.westcasino.com/media/article/9d9acbd3-23ee-4050-b5be-6c6fdf80d4c1.jpg">
</div>

 The outbreak also coincides with the Lunar New Year holiday during which Macau
 enjoys record visitation. Analysts forecast a decline in gaming revenue of at
 least 30% for as long as health restrictions and strict entry regulations on
 tourists are in place. Casinos say they are losing between US$1.5 million –
 US$2.6 million daily to keep their staff on payroll and maintain contractual
 obligations. Their operators’ share prices have also plunged by as much as 6%
 for MGM China Holdings Ltd., 5.7% for Sands China Ltd, 4.8% for Wynn Macau Ltd
 and 4.7% for Galaxy Entertainment Group Ltd.

[getstarted][welcomepack]

 Starting with February 20th, the government allowed casinos to reopen after a
 two-week suspension aimed at controlling the virus outbreak. Nonetheless, the
 gaming regulator has imposed strict rules: temperature checks, mask protection
 and health declarations for staff and guests. To ensure adequate distance
 between people, only half the tables on a casino floor are permitted to
 operate. Clients are not permitted to congregate, according to a government
 notice. Baccarat tables, which normally seat seven people and dozens of
 observers, will only allow four players.


 All operators have 30 days to start functioning normally as mandated by the
 government. Analysts and executives predict that despite casinos reopening,
 gaming revenue will drop at least 80% in February and 50% in March. It will
 take weeks to get back to normal even though Macau has only reported 10 cases
 of coronavirus infection and no new cases since February 4th.


 Besides casinos, nearly 30 hotels have been shut down. That includes shows,
 non-gaming attractions, and most restaurants. Authorities have stated that
 until further notice entertainment venues including bars will remain closed.
 According to official figures, hotel occupancy has dropped from 90% last year
 ago to 12%.


 Even though Macau’s government has pledged US$3.4 billion to support domestic
 consumption, many businesses dependent on tourists and casinos have been
 seriously affected.


 The coronavirus has infected more than 70.000 people across China, with close
 to 1.700 deaths reported in the Hubei province alone.

Ready to get started?

Login here

Don't have a WestCasino account?

Get one here!

Previous article

Poker Pro Dan Smith fights the Coronavirus with charity

04-05-2020

Next article

Macau casinos hit hard by China’s coronavirus outbreak

27-02-2020

Real-Money Gambling Apps Available In 15 Countries on Google Play Starting March 1st

Las Vegas Casinos to test employees for covid-19 before putting them back to work

Poker Pro Dan Smith fights the Coronavirus with charity

Random Number Generators - A Detailed Explanation

Fire Joker Freeze - Play'N Go's Brand-New Masterpiece

How to Play and Win at Online Blackjack – History, Rules & Strategy Guide

Help

Industry News

How the Coronavirus has changed UK betting habits

Industry News

Ready to get started?

Login here

Don't have a WestCasino account?

Get one here!

Previous article

Poker Pro Dan Smith fights the Coronavirus with charity

04-05-2020

Next article

Macau casinos hit hard by China’s coronavirus outbreak

27-02-2020

More articles inIndustry News:

Real-Money Gambling Apps Available In 15 Countries on Google Play Starting March 1st

Las Vegas Casinos to test employees for covid-19 before putting them back to work

Poker Pro Dan Smith fights the Coronavirus with charity

Popular Articles:

Random Number Generators - A Detailed Explanation

Fire Joker Freeze - Play'N Go's Brand-New Masterpiece

How to Play and Win at Online Blackjack – History, Rules & Strategy Guide

Westcasino Blog

Help