The Global easing of pandemic-related restrictions means that major Australian casinos like Casino Canberra are once again open for business after over two months of government-mandated closure.
On the other side of the globe, Caesar’s Cromwell in Las Vegas celebrated its first anniversary by reopening after enduring being shut down similarly to its Australian counterpart.
Back in the Saddle
Aquis Entertainment, the company behind the casino, had already received the go-ahead to reopen on October 14th as, at that stage, the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) was free of any lockdown status. As this was under the condition of the venue observing operational limitations like a 25 patron capacity restriction, the casino had opted to remain closed until conditions were more favourable.
The property’s entire staff complement will be able to get back to work and provide patrons with the experiences they have been missing thanks to recent decisions made by the ACT. The jurisdiction has managed to achieve a 90% vaccination rate and has made changes to safety protocols including the lifting of face mask mandates at outdoor venues.
Singapore Beckons
Singapore’s government is also reaping the rewards of a successful counter-pandemic strategy and has announced that Australians will soon again be able to visit the Marina Bay Sands and Resorts World Sentosa. The Singaporean government announced that a “travel bubble” would be established with Australia, enabling fully vaccinated business travellers, students, residents, and citizens to start visiting from November 8. Vaccinated individuals from the UK, USA, Spain, France, Italy, and Sweden are already allowed into the country, provided that they submit to a COVID-19 test on arrival and another after their 10th day in the country.
Aquis, a Hong-Kong located investment firm, is the owner of Casino Canberra and forms part of the Fung family business interests. The company’s Chairman, Tony Fung, has over a decade and a half of experience in Australian investments and the country’s hospitality industry. The family’s Australian interests are4 overseen by Justin Fung, so Casino Canberra falls under his purview.
Aquis is currently planning a $440 million beachfront hotel in Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast which will be the country’s only gambling-free major resort development.
