NEWS & NOTES

Unvaccinated travelers can now enter South Korea provided they test negative for Covid-19 within three days of arrival. Those who test positive during that period still must quarantine for seven days. Sixteen of South Korea’s 17 casinos are open only to foreign players; in 2021, the 13 percent year-on-year growth in gaming revenue was driven by Kangwon Land, the only locals property in the country. ● Indian casino operator Delta Corp. has taken over operations of the casino in the Zuri White Sands Resort located in Goa. The casino opened June 2 under Delta’s Deltin brand, which comprises seven total properties, including Zuri. Delta CEO Anil Malani said in a statement that the casino hopes to provide a “regal yet intriguing gaming experience.” ● Circus Circus in Las Vegas is continuing its ongoing renovations that will eventually cost around $30 million in total when completed. Ever since casino mogul Phil Ruffin acquired the property in 2019, the longstanding Las Vegas institution has made upgrades to the building’s air conditioning, elevator systems and pool area. According to the company, the next item on the repair list is the iconic red and white circus tent near the entrance. Shana Gerety, senior vice president of operations at Circus Circus, said that the renovations are an attempt to “bring back some of the glory days.” ● The North Las Vegas City Council has approved a request from Station Casinos to keep two of their properties, Texas Station and Fiesta Rancho, “non-operational” until June 2023. Both casinos have been closed throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, and in order to retain their gaming licenses, Station would need to open for at least one day per quarter. ● A bill authored by California state Senator Bill Dodd that would extend the tribal state gaming compacts of 29 tribes has been passed by both chambers. It awaits the signature of Governor Gavin Newsom. The bill would extend by 18 months the 20-year compacts of 26 tribes and by one year the compacts of three tribes. Dodd issued a statement: “This extension allows tribes to continue along the path toward self-sufficiency and economic development.” He added, “Also, it gives the state more time to negotiate long-term agreements that will benefit the state, employees and patrons.”