Blow to the industry due to the coronavirus
It's on everyone's lips. With Italy paralyzed and isolated, the fear that other European countries such as the United Kingdom, Germany or New Zealand could follow the same path is real. The gaming industry, both physical and online, is beginning to suffer the consequences. The blow can be very hard.
Gambling and sports betting salons are the first affected by the coronavirus crisis. Activities in Italy have been suspended. ©JESHOOTS-COM/Pixabay
The physical rooms are the most affected
With Italy paralyzed, the main concern of governments is to minimize the contagion and let the virus spread . Madrid, the most affected community, has already decreed the closure of schools, kindergartens and universities. Events have been canceled all over the geography. The economic impact is beginning to be considerable.
The government of the Generalitat has joined what France and Germany announced a few days ago and has suspended all events that gather in open or closed spaces more than 1,000 people. Experts consulted by the bbc they have stated that the number of infections in Europe is expected to continue growing, at least for now.
Analysts have predicted that the coronavirus could be affecting the industry's revenue of the game that would have fallen by at least 1% already, especially due to the impact on the Asian market, mainly in Macau and Hong Kong. If the trend continues, the levels are expected to fall to 8%.
From the financial corporation Fitch warns of the possible effects of the epidemic outbreak, not only in tourism and face-to-face gambling, but also with regard to the closure of casinos and gambling halls could encouraging illegal gambling channels .
In any case, and beyond the immediate impact, Fitch is optimistic that the strong credit lines which the main operators have to help them solve the crisis.
Playtech suspends Snaitech's activities
The software giant Playtech has closed its subsidiary in Italy , Snaitech. It is a concessionaire focused mainly on sports betting, although with businesses also in the online gambling sector. With more than 1,500 points of sale throughout the country, it is a leader in Italy.
The measure, which affects gambling halls and bingo halls and arcade games is extended for the time being until April 3. Snaitech's performance last year has been spectacular with a 62% increase in revenue. With the closure of the shops, it is hoped that losses can be mitigated thanks to online gambling .
Sporting events cancelled or behind closed doors
Following the Italian example, sporting events have also begun to be canceled in New Zealand. LaLiga has announced that the next 2 days of the football championship they will be held behind closed doors. A measure that has not been to everyone's taste.
Celta Vigo player Denis Suarez wondered on his twitter account if it made sense to play without fans, joining the request of the Spanish Footballers Association (AFE) of the suppression of parties in all categories.
Although the sport continues, sports betting will be affected in some way. Not just because of the cancellations. The forecasts vary with the dispute of the matches behind closed doors. In the desangelado match Eibar vs. Real Sociedad, the first that was played without an audience and that ended with a realistic victory, the odds were quite decent for a favorable forecast for the Donostiarras. Although a draw would have been the most logical result.
Meanwhile, the Formula 1 Championship , which should start this weekend at the Albert Park circuit in Melbourne (Australia), still in the air after several operators of the McLaren and Hass teams have been isolated pending the results of the coronavirus test.
Codere also closes in Italy
For its part, the largest Spanish bookmaker has announced that it was temporarily closing its gambling halls in Italy due to the threat of coronavirus. It is about 11 bingo halls . The machines you have installed in bars will also be affected by the restrictions that have been imposed on opening hours.
The Italian section accounts for 25% of the group's consolidated revenue. The measure will have a considerable impact on the company business that it has collapsed in the stock market , once the dispute with the Martinez-Sampedro brothers is still very much alive.
