The Colombian Ministry of Health has approved a plan that will allow casinos and bingo halls to begin reopening, provided strict health and safety measures are observed.
According to reports, physical barriers must be installed to separate players at slot machines and all devices must be disinfected after use. Food and beverage establishments will remain closed for now.
There are 2,765 gaming venues in 417 municipalities in Colombia. Industry association Fecoljuegos says the government has lost COP225 billion (US$60.1 million) in tax revenues as a result of the closures, which began in March, funds that go to public healthcare in the country.
Fecoljuegos President Evert Montero Cárdenas said, “With the resolution, the mayors of all the municipalities of the country no longer have anything blocking them from implementing of the pilot plans authorized by the national government as soon as possible.”
Colombia’s casinos and bingo halls “are committed to the health and well-being of Colombians. That is why we care about adapting our spaces with sufficient guarantees that provide security and confidence to our collaborators, clients and their families,” he said.
