Gambling establishments in Singapore and Japan are resuming operations following the relaxation of confinement restrictions.
Singapore Pools’ Livewire locations resumed operations on July 20, with wagering and live sports broadcasts recommencing. Each location has a maximum capacity of 50 individuals per level and has implemented enhanced sanitation and physical distancing protocols. Individuals aged 60 or older or those with health conditions that make them more vulnerable to COVID-19 are encouraged to place bets online instead.
Livewire venues and off-track betting facilities were shuttered on March 26, with online betting and lottery draws suspended on April 7. Online betting resumed on June 15, with lottery sales restarting a week later, preceding the initial 4D lottery draw on June 24.
In the meantime, in Japan, the Japan Racing Association (JRA) is gradually resuming operations at its off-track wagering locations. However, these establishments are operating with reduced hours, and patrons are required to adhere to stringent safety measures.
Despite the temporary closure of physical betting shops, the JRA’s initial six months of the 2020 season (ending on June 28) witnessed a 1.5% year-over-year surge in revenue, reaching ¥1.48 trillion ($137.7 billion). This growth can be attributed to the availability of online betting options for customers. Patrons will be able to redeem winning tickets and place wagers, but shops will not be broadcasting televised races or displaying odds information. Business hours will be restricted to 9am to 2pm, resulting in some shops not accepting bets for certain events. Seven facilities will reopen on Saturday, July 25, followed by two more on Sunday, July 26. This follows the reopening of 23 venues on July 11, followed by another six a week later, after racing had been conducted without spectators since February 29.
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