Mozambique aims to reopen casinos beginning September 1st in bid to resume social and economic activity following a new phase in the easing of COVID-19 preventative measures

The novel COVID-19 pandemic has triggered a world-wide crisis and has shaken the gaming industry. With the tourism industry dormant, many countries face challenges trying to rebuild the economy.  

Within the gambling market, the global pandemic has affected the land-based industry all over the world leading to worldwide closure in light of safety regulations. In effect, only recently have governments agreed to reopen land-based casinos for instance England on the August 15th?and South Africa back in July. 

Moreover, travel restrictions have greatly affected the land-based casino industry as the sharp decrease in investor and customers traffic leading to a host of countries popularising local tourism.  

As of the 25th August, Mozambique has seen 3,508 confirmed COVID-19 cases, 1,809 recoveries and 21 deaths.  

On August 5th, the President Nyusi of Mozambique announced a new state of emergency with COVID-19 preventative measures. Phase 2 of the plan is to allow the reopening of “medium risk activities” as announced by the U.S. embassy of Mozambique beginning of September 1st; the category casinos fall under.  

Such measures have reportedly been placed in order to resume socio-economic activity. While the country is still in a “state of emergency”, Mozambique has seen staggering falls in its business sector reporting losses of $453 million in the first half of 2020 due to COVID-19, the Confederation of Economic Associations of Mozambique (CTA) stated.  

Additionally, the government has not announced details regarding the reopening of international flights. 

Mozambique Minister of Culture and Tourism, Eldevina Materula, states that of the 1,199 establishments covered by her ministry that had closed down due to COVID-19, 8% fall under travel agencies, casinos and similar operations. 

Despite the hardships experienced this year, optimism reins as the restrictive measures imposed could illicit a speedy recovery in the culture and tourism sectors. Strong focus is also on the revenue from Mozambique’s growing casino sector which could be fed into development opportunities.  

SiGMA Americas:

Following the successful launch of SiGMA Europe (Malta) and SiGMA Asia (Manila), we’re now launching the inaugural SiGMA AMERICAS, covering all three major timezones. The inaugural edition is set for September 22-24, 2020 with a virtual summit focusing on two themes: SiGMA AMERICAS for the Gaming industry and AIBC AMERICAS for the Emerging Tech industry. We wanted to provide fresh content, to help you navigate through these turbulent times. If you’re exploring Americas as a new frontier or wondering which tech solutions to embrace, we’ve got you covered: tune in on September 22-24, 2020.