Canary Island Casinos Propose Longer Hours
Following new health recommendations in Spain, casino operators in the Canary Islands have proposed a change in restrictions to the Ministry of Health. The preliminary agreement between industry leaders and the ministry will now be appraised by the Governing Council, who will determine if health measures are relaxed in casinos and bingo halls throughout the islands.
Casino operators in the Canary Islands have asked their council to extend opening hours among other COVID-19-related health measure changes. ©Zinah Insignia/Unsplash
What changes are proposed in Canary Islands casinos and bingo halls?
The main change in the proposal from casino venues is an extension of hours for gambling. As with many nonessential business and public entertainment venues, casinos and gaming halls were heavily restricted through Spain’s COVID-19 lockdowns in order to combat the spread of the virus.
Now that some health restrictions have eased in Spain, casinos on the island would also like to be allowed to operate for longer, allowing more visitors and increased spending, and hopefully reaching a normal level of operation sooner rather than later. As with many casino industries throughout the world, Spain’s gaming industry suffered during the pandemic and is trying to make up for lost time.
In addition to longer hours, the proposal outlines additional changes that would help casino and bingo venues continue to address health and safety concerns while allowing more people into the premises. One such change would be requiring guests to show either a valid vaccination record or a negative COVID-19 test.
Operators in the Canaries argue that their venues should follow the same protocol initiated for other entertainment venues like nightclubs. Bingo halls in Valencia, Spain have recently made the same argument to local authorities, citing the easing of restrictions for other nightlife proprietors and asking to be allowed open until 3 a.m.
What were the laws until now?
New regulations for combatting COVID-19 were established in the Canary Islands at the start of September, under Decree Law 11/2021. Under the decree, casinos, bingo halls and other recreational gaming halls were allowed to carry out their activities once more.
However, this is under the stipulation that they regulate the number of guests on the premises and stick to strict capacity measures, as well as established opening hours. All of these requirements depend on the risk level of the particular region the halls are located in. Venues must ensure that they enforce capacity limitations and show evidence of venue control.
Use of masks indoors and distances of 1.5 meters between guests was another stipulation of the decree, meaning venues must also arrange gambling machines and tables accordingly. Where distance is not possible or where machines are used by multiple members of the public, a worker must also be present to supervise and disinfect contact points between uses.
For machines located outside of regular, designated casino halls — for example in tourist accommodations, restaurants, ships and amusement parks — owners must also ensure that distance is maintained between customers and that machines are regularly cleaned. They are also required to show proof of an established hygiene protocol.
Volcano Erupts in La Palma
Residents of the Canary Island of La Palma have been hard hit by the eruption of a volcano in the Cumbre Vieja nature park, which started on Sept. 19. Thousands of residents have been evacuated and many homes have been destroyed. Now the lava flow has finally reached the Atlantic Ocean, which poses a risk for creating toxic gases.
Since the smoke and gas from the destructive lava flow can travel, concern is high through the Canaries. Other islands have not shut down facilities as of yet, but are on alert as the situation develops. This means that all business, including casino regulation changes, may have to take a backseat until the situation is more settled.
