Casinos in South Africa cautiously optimistic as plans for reopening trickle in

A number of Sun International’s casinos have announced that they will be reopening across South Africa.  The news is tempered by a number of tight restrictions which will remain in in place as the country eases out of lock down. 

The group said that the restrictions include among others: 

• Crowd control aligned to submissions made by the industry (50% of capacity); 
• Prohibition of on-premises consumption of alcohol; 
• Smoking indoors; 
• Social distancing; 
• Switching off every second slot machine and barrier shields between each machine; 
• Limiting the number of tables players; 
• Physical barriers between dealers and players; 
• MVG only access. 

MVGs are members of Sun International’s loyalty program – Most Valued Guests and only they will be allowed access onto the casino floor for the foreseeable future. The MVGs will also be required to complete a medical screening questionnaire in advance of their visit. 

“As our country slowly reopens we know that we will need to find a new normal and adapt to new ways of doing things.’ – Graham Wood, Sun International Group COO for Hospitality.

Graham Wood, Sun International Group COO for Hospitality said: “As our country slowly reopens we know that we will need to find a new normal and adapt to new ways of doing things. We ask that our guests be understanding of the strict new health and safety protocols and particularly the wearing of masks and physical distancing”. 

Sun International CEO Anthony Leeming.

Sun International CEO Anthony Leeming added: “After an extended lockdown, we have put every measure in place to welcome our first guests back to our properties and we will do everything required and more to keep them safe while they enjoy themselves.’ 

Casino properties opening include The Boardwalk and Entertainment World in Port Elizabeth, Carnival City Casino and Entertainment World in Ekurhuleni, GrandWest Casino and Entertainment World in Cape Town, Sibaya Casino & Entertainment Kingdom in Durban and Time Square Pretoria. 

Sun International‘s restaurants opened with reconfigured layouts and the necessary physical distancing rules. They do not serve alcohol, in line with current regulations.  

With the country’s boarders still closed, Sun International will only open select properties, resorts to remain in shutdown include: Sun City Resort, The Wild Coast Sun Resort, The Boardwalk Hotel, The Maslow Sandton Hotel and The Table Bay Hotel in Cape Town.

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