Casino group NagaCorp Ltd says it has negotiated a deal with the Cambodian government under which the firm will be allowed from Wednesday (July 8) to reopen its VIP table games and slot machine business as part of that nation’s exit from Covid-19 countermeasures.
Hong Kong listed NagaCorp operates the NagaWorld gaming complex in the Cambodian capital Phnom Penh under a long-life monopoly licence for that metropolis.
Cambodian prime minister Hun Sen had said on Friday that casino operators across the nation would be allowed to resume operations if they met health requirements to prevent Covid-19 outbreaks at their venues.
NagaCorp said in a Sunday filing to the Hong Kong bourse that the Cambodian Ministry of Health had – via a memorandum of understanding dated June 30 – given consent for reopening of VIP operations (pictured in a file photo) and the slot gaming portion of the group’s business.
A technical inspection by the ministry had followed on Saturday (July 4).
“As a result, a certificate of clearance was issued in favour of the company and consent was given to the company to reopen the VIP and slot gaming machines businesses on 8 July 2020,” said the firm.
At relaunch of some gaming business on Wednesday, all employees and visitors arriving at NagaWorld will have to undergo a body-temperature check before being allowed in. They will also each have to wear a face mask, according to the filing.
Players at NagaWorld would be “required to wear a mask during their play,” and there would also to be a limit of “three sitting players per table” outlined the company. This would in effect reduce player capacity at tables to “43 percent” stated the firm, adding that “standing play” was “not allowed”.
NagaCorp also said it was reducing its slot-machine capacity by 50 percent, “by switching off every other slot position,” in order to ensure safe distancing between players.
The group further noted it was being required to establish five “isolation rooms” at NagaWorld as a “prevention measure” in case of any “health issues” among its guests.
