South Korean foreigner-only casino operator Paradise Co reported casino revenue of KRW48.7 billion (US$39.7 million) in January, 168% higher than the same time last year and 3.9% up on December.
The strong start to 2023 included a 2.9% sequential increase in table games revenue to KRW45.1 billion (US$36.8 million) while machine revenue grew by 18.2% to KRW3.53 billion (US$2.9 million).
Table drop for the month was KRW476.3 billion, representing a 286% increase over January 2022 although only 1.8% higher than December.
The improved January result comes just days after the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency announced the lifting of most mandatory indoor mask-wearing rules for the first time in more than two years due to falling COVID cases.
Masks are still mandatory in hospitals, pharmacies and on public transport but are longer required in most other places including schools, gyms and entertainment venues.
Paradise operates Paradise Walkerhill in Seoul, Jeju Grand, Busan Casino Paradise and Paradise City in Incheon.