The majority of Macau’s casinos are once again open after a widespread lockdown was downgraded on 23 July 2022.
Macau’s casinos are now open with limited operations, as the region continues to remain vigilant against Covid-19.
Per reopening conditions, 50% of casino staff may return to the workplace. All returning workers are subject to strict disinfection guidelines, with no more than one person per two square metres of space permitted. Social distancing rules apply to both staff and casino customers.
Despite this tentative reopening, business operations remain depressed because stringent travel restrictions continue to constrain tourism volumes.
Kazuo Okada (aka “Daddy O”) asks Philippines DOJ to dismiss case
Lawyers representing Kazuo Okada, “resident” CEO of Okada Manila, have asked the Philippines Department of Justice (DOJ) to throw out a case, alleging that Okada orchestrated the kidnapping and coercion of a senior executive at Tiger Resort, Leisure & Entertainment (TRLEI).
In a widely documented takeover, Okada has been universally condemned for forcefully taking control of the Okada Manila resort on 31 May 2021.
Operated by Universal Entertainment subsidiary TRLEI, a group led by Okada stormed the resort after the Japanese mogul was removed from Universal Entertainment’s board due to embezzlement charges.
“Our people now have a perfect place to stay when certain situations necessitate them to evacuate their homes. This will also serve not only the people of the Barangay where it is located but also those from nearby communities” Lorento Amante, San Pablo City Mayor
The night of the takeover is when TRLEI executive Hajime Tokuda alleged kidnapping and coercion.
Okada’s lawyers cite a lack of factual evidence as cause for Tokuda’s claims to be dismissed by the Philippines DOJ.
In fact, lawyers even likened TRLEI executives to “squatters and trespassers” for refusing to leave the Okada Manila property the night of the takeover.
Crown Sydney to open gaming floor on 8 August
Crown Resorts will officially open the gaming floor of its Sydney casino on 8 August 2022.
The Barangaroo casino will open with a gaming floor called Crystal Room, one month after the operator was given the green light to operate by the New South Wales Liquor & Gaming Authority. Another floor is scheduled to open at a later date, with the floors hosting 160 gaming tables and 70 electronic table games.
Crown was due to open the floors of its AU$2.2bn (US$1.52bn) resort in December 2020, but was prevented from doing so by the NSW gambling watchdog after an inquiry found that the operator had facilitated money laundering. An independent inquiry last year found Crown was unfit to hold a casino licence in NSW and required a management overhaul.
PAGCOR opens first evacuation facility in Laguna
The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has inaugurated its first Multi-Purpose Evacuation Center (MPEC) in the province of Laguna.
The PHP50m ($890,000) venue was built for disaster preparedness for San Pablo City, which has over 300,000 residents. The two-story structure in Barangay San Gregorio has kitchen and storage areas, as well as toilet and shower rooms among other vital amenities. It will be maintained by the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO).
“This structure from PAGCOR will reinforce our efforts to keep our constituents safe from the dangers brought by various calamities,” said former San Pablo City Mayor Loreto Amante."
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