Inside Asian Gaming

IAG MAR 2020年3月 亞博匯 13 MACAU’S CASINOS RE-OPEN AFTER 15-DAY CLOSURE BUT SHORT-TERM OUTLOOK BLEAK 賭場關閉15日後重開，但短期前景黯淡 MACAU’S gaming industry has taken its first steps towards normality after the government’s mandated 15-day closure of all casinos came to an end on 20 February, but it seems unlikely customers will return anytime soon. While concerns over a possible extension to the closure order were allayed with the news that casinos would be allowed to re-open, there has been no such lifting of the entry restrictions that have seen Macau’s visitor numbers plummet to record lows, with Bernstein analysts still estimating a year-on-year decline in Q1 GGR of between 50% and 60%. “Even with the casinos reopening, there will still be a dearth of customers,” the brokerage warned in a note published shortly after the government’s announcement. “The suspension of group travel and IVS visa issuance eliminates the largest source of customers. Until the suspensions are lifted, most mainland Chinese customers will not be able to enter Macau. “There is no clarity at this time from China [as to] when such travel may begin to be permitted. Visitation is only amere trickle out of mainland China.” The government also offered Macau’s casino operators the option to apply for a single 30-day extension should they require more time to prepare before opening, however all casinos will be required to re-open when the 30-day period expires on 22 March. 澳門 博彩業邁向回復正常的第一步，2月20 日，政府先前要求娛樂場關閉15日的期限 告一段落，但似乎客流回歸尚待時日。 雖然娛樂場恢復營業的消息釋緩了業 界對於封閉令可能延長的擔憂，但由於當局 並未取消入境限制，導致澳門遊客數跌至歷 史低點。券商Bernstein分析師估計，第一季 度博彩收入（GGR）將按年下跌50%至60%。 該公司在政府公告重開娛樂場消息後 發佈的一份投資觀點報告中警告稱，「即使 娛樂場重新開放，仍然面臨客戶匱乏的情 況。」 「暫停發放團體旅行和個人自由行簽 證流失了最大量的客源。在暫緩令取消之 前，大多數中國大陸客戶無法進入澳門。」 「目前尚不清楚中國將何時重新開始 允許這種旅行。缺少內地遊客的到訪，遊客 數將是杯水車薪。」 澳門政府允許娛樂場營運商在未準備 充足的情況下，可以申請延緩開放最多30 天，但待30天期限在3月22日屆滿時，所有 娛樂場將被要求重新開業。