Due to strict limits on travel in and around China, Australia-listed gaming operator Donaco International Limited reports that visitation is down 75 percent at its casino at the Aristo International Hotel in Lao Cai, Vietnam, bordering Yunnan Province.
According to Inside Asian Gaming, due to the coronavirus, crossings are allowed only for visitors with “urgent” or “official” business reasons. As a result, rolling chip turnover has declined 82 percent this month compared to the same period in 2019, from RMB317 million to RMB58 million.
“Currently there is no time frame on the partial closure of the border crossing, which is likely to depend on the success of the broader efforts being undertaken within China and around the world to contain the virus,” Donaco said in a filing.
“In response to the slowdown in the business, Aristo management have arranged unpaid leave for many staff members in February, and have also reduced total headcount, as well as deferring various capital expenditure projects.”
The company said that its Cambodian casino, Star Vegas in Poipet, has suffered no direct impact from the coronavirus.
