Las Vegas is still struggling with the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. Customer numbers are still low and events are still being cancelled.

By: Mark Patrickson

Casinos in Nevada reported record losses for the second month in a row. April and May have shown a 99.4% drop from the same months last year. Hopefully when the figures are reported post-reopening we will see some kind of return to sustainable levels.

The 2020 Global Gaming Expo has been cancelled. The American Gaming Association and their partner Reed Exhibitions announced the news that the worlds biggest such event could not possibly take place under these conditions.

The Expo has been the mainstay convention for gamers for the last 20 years with around 30,000 people attending every year.

Herv Sedky, Reed Exhibitions Americas President said:

We arrived at this decision after thoughtfully engaging with national, state, and local public health authorities, as well as exhibitors and buyers who have shared industry observations and priorities. Ultimately, it became clear that proceeding with an in-person gathering simply was not feasible.

One piece of good news for Las Vegas poker rooms was the return of multi table tournaments. The South Point Casino will spread its usual four Monday tournaments from next week. There is no other news on other casinos following suit for now.

With the COVID-19 precautions getting politicised around the world there is still a battle going on in Las Vegas about compulsory wear. Only a week ago Mike 'The Mouth' Matusow ranted publicly about not having a choice, even comparing the struggle to the My body, my choice abortion movement.

Caesars, Las Vegas Sands, and MGM Resorts have all given a public warning that any of their employees will be fired on the spot if seen not wearing one during work.

All Nevada casinos are facing a threat of heavy fines for non-compliance. State governor Steve Sisolakwas reportedly furious when a report landed on his desk indicating only 49% compliance. He said:

If these concerning reports on noncompliance continue, I will not hesitate to take swift and decisive actions next week directed at targeted industries or areas that are experiencing concerning COVID-19 trends and non-compliance.

It would be a disaster for Las Vegas if another round of enforced closures was implemented.

The Bellagio Casino took a $250k hit when an employee incorrectly offered bets for Chinese and Korean baseball games that were already in progress.

Around 50 bets were taken until the mistake was spotted. One punter won $137,107.38 with a 10-team parlay but it isnt known yet if regulators will force the casino to pay up. Usually when it comes down to human error like this the law sides with the gamblers.

It has been said that gamblers will normally be banned from the property if they do not decline the winnings.

Macau has posted nine consecutive months of records revenue losses. The former Portuguese colony is a gambling Mecca for Asia but even before COVID-19 hit things were on the slide.

June saw a $89.7 million profit for all casinos which is as bad as what is happening in Nevada. A 97% year-on-year drop.

Things arent going to pick up in Atlantic City anytime soon after state governor Phil Murphy banned smoking, eating, and drinking in all New Jersey casinos.

The Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa has now chosen to refrain from reopening until the situation changes.

The news for poker players in Brazil is good as tournaments prizes will now not be taxed. The Brazilian Series of Poker organisers Stack Eventos Esportivos went to court to challenge a municipal service tax.

The way the law is written makes it unclear if a tax for gross billings of services includes poker prize pools. Now the Sao Paulo court has clarified the matter.

BSOPs technical director, Devanir Campos, said:

Its a decision that leads to the growth of our sector in Brazil, as it provides a broad legal understanding of the functioning of the ecosystem of such a new sport in our country.

This ruling will work wonders for the growth of poker in South Americas largest country. The potential for growth is now phenomenal.

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Coronavirus Still Wreaking Havoc in Las Vegas and Macau, Multi Table Tournaments Return, and Brazilian Poker Gets a Tax Break - HighstakesDB