Currently, Belgium has nine land-based casinos. Closed since mid-March to combat the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic, which is currently raging in Europe and elsewhere, they still don’t know when they will be allowed to reopen their doors to players. Indeed, the government doesn’t appear to have made a decision regarding them yet.
However, these gambling establishments represent some 1,200 direct and indirect jobs as well as an annual windfall of 160 million euros for municipalities, regions and the federal government in the form of taxes, concessions, withholding tax and social security contributions.
Belgian casinos: authorities face loss of 50 million euros
Since their closure around mid-March, Belgian land-based casinos have no longer generated any revenue from their physical activities, and the vast majority of their staff are on temporary unemployment. Only the online gaming sector allows them to pocket a little money, but since most sporting events are banned, this does not represent much. As a result, the authorities will have to face a shortfall of 50 million euros . However, this does not seem to encourage them to consider the question of reopening Belgian land-based casinos.
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A two-phase reopening proposal
This is surely why the industry has decided to take the lead. It has submitted several proposals to the National Security Council in an attempt to prove that it is possible to reopen land-based casinos without health risks. This could be done in two phases.
During the first, only slot machines would be permitted. Of course, numerous measures would also have to be taken to ensure the safety of staff and players. This would include the provision of masks, hand sanitizer, and cleaning equipment. If necessary, systematic temperature checks of customers could even be considered so that anyone with a fever could be barred from entering the establishment.
The second phase would allow for the reopening of traditional games such as roulette, blackjack, and baccarat , for example. This could take place a few weeks later, if the virus’s progress allows.
Layoffs expected in the event of a late reopening
It must be acknowledged that, for the moment, gambling establishments are among the largely forgotten in the lockdown easing plan. Even during Phase 3, which is scheduled to begin on Monday, June 8, the government has yet to make any plans for them. For the industry, this situation seems absurd. Indeed, some neighboring countries have already authorized their casinos to reopen to customers, including several German states.
Furthermore, everything could be ready in Belgium by June 8. Moreover, if the reopening doesn’t happen soon, the resorts may have to lay off staff to cope with this serious shortfall. As a reminder, there are 9 brick-and-mortar casinos in Belgium. They are located in Brussels, Namur, Spa, Dinant, Chaudfontaine, Knokke, Ostend , Blankenberge, and Middelkerke.
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