Malaysia

Genting Malaysia's U.K. unit has permanently closed its casino in Southport in Northwest England, with 38 staff facing redundancy. The group has already closed casinos in Margate, Torquay and Bristol and has reduced its workforce in London, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Blackpool and Birmingham.

Resorts World Genting says its reducing its capacity, cutting its operating hours and closing some facilities due to anticipated lower visitor arrivals amongst Malaysia's latest round of restrictions to curb rising Covid-19 cases.

Sports Toto Malaysia, Magnum Bhd and Pan Malaysian Pools have again closed their outlets in areas under Movement Control Orders due to rising Covid-19 cases. The affected areas are Penang, Selangor, Melaka, Johor and Sabah as well as the federal territories of Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya and Labuan.

Genting Malaysia said several canteen workers at its Resorts World Genting resort had tested positive for Covid-19 during regular health screening in early January. The canteens are not accessible to the public.

The Malaysian government has reinstated the number of special lottery draws that can be carried out each year to 22, up from eight last year, to raise extra revenue following the pandemic.

Analysts have turned more upbeat about the prospects for Malaysia’s gambling operators, despite a recent upswing in new Covid-19 cases, saying the sector is good value as stocks are still down between 15 to 26 percent on the prior year. 

Kenanga Research expects Malaysia's casino operator to rebound more swiftly than its number forecast operators, as border restrictions ease. The sector valuation remains attractive as gaming stocks were still 15-26 percent cheaper than a year ago.

Resorts World Genting says it remains open and is not part of a nearby area that is subject to an Enhanced Movement Control Order.

Malaysia's Department of Integrity and Compliance Standards (JIPS) of the Royal Malaysia Police says it continues to receive many complaints from the public alleging the police are failing in their responsibilities to enforce the law, especially against illegal gambling and drug trafficking. 

Malaysia and Dubai are both being viewed as potential bases for online gambling operations, as an alternative to the Philippines, where the cost of doing business has risen to a level considered as unacceptable by many operators.