Impact of COVID-19... Gambling Industries Including Casinos, Horse Racing, and Bicycle Racing Also Shut Down

[Asia Economy Reporter Moon Chaeseok] Due to the rapidly spreading novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), gambling industries where many people gather in crowded spaces such as casinos, horse racing, and cycle racing are also closing their doors.

On the 24th, Kangwon Land decided to temporarily close from the 23rd to the 25th amid nationwide concerns over the spread of COVID-19.

A Kangwon Land official said, "We initially planned to close for just one day on the 23rd, but as the government raised the crisis alert to 'serious,' we extended the closure period until the 25th. Future schedules will be decided through countermeasure meetings, and if the situation worsens, the closure period may be extended further."

Kangwon Land is the largest multi-use facility in Gangwon Province, with an average of about 8,000 casino visitors per day. On the 21st, due to the spread of COVID-19, it made mask-wearing mandatory for all customers entering the casino. Even after entering the casino, if customers remove their masks inside the business area or do not comply with staff requests to wear masks, they are immediately asked to leave.

Paradise and Grand Korea Leisure (GKL), which operate foreigner-only casinos, have also completely banned entry of Chinese group tourists since the 28th of last month.

Horse racing tracks and cycle and motorboat racing tracks have also suspended operations. The Korea Racing Authority canceled horse racing on the 23rd and temporarily suspended operations at Seoul, Busan-Gyeongnam, Jeju racetracks, 30 branches nationwide, and ranches.

Previously, the Korea Racing Authority had suspended operation of cultural centers at 30 branches nationwide and temporarily closed the Daegu off-track betting site, and from the 23rd, this suspension was expanded to all business sites.

Until now, all business sites have been responding by installing thermal cameras, providing hand sanitizers and masks to prevent COVID-19.

During the temporary suspension period, additional disinfection and sterilization will be intensively conducted at 36 business sites nationwide, and preventive supplies will be secured. Separately, disinfection and sterilization activities will also be supported not only at Korea Racing Authority business sites but also in nearby surrounding areas.

A Korea Racing Authority official explained, "It is a crucial time to secure the safety of customers and local communities and actively participate in national efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19. We plan to decide on further suspension after reviewing the trend of COVID-19 spread and prevention systems such as disinfection and sterilization."

The Korea Sports Promotion Foundation's Cycle and Motorboat Racing Headquarters also canceled cycle racing on the 23rd and motorboat racing on the 26th and 27th.