Star Entertainment eases Covid-19 restrictions at casinos

Star Entertainment Group has announced it will relax certain novel coronavirus (Covid-19) restrictions at its Star Sydney property from today (1 July), while the Australian operator also confirmed it will reopen some facilities at its Star Gold Coast and Treasury Brisbane venues later this week.

Star Sydney reopened on a restricted basis from 1 June, with visitation restricted to loyalty club members and their guests by invitation. This was later increased to a maximum 900 invitation-only guests at any one time on 19 June.

However, due to the New South Wales (NSW) government easing some of its Covid-19 measures, this has allowed Star to increase capacity to up to 5,000 patrons at any one time at Star Sydney.

Loyalty club members and the general public will now be permitted to enter the casino, but, in line with NSW government requirements, at least one member of a group of guests will be required to provide their details upon entry.

Social distancing measures will remain in place at all gambling positions, but all electronic gaming machines and table gaming positions may be operational.

Since reopening at the start of June, Star said average spend per visit for patrons who visited during the month was materially higher than in the first half of its 2020 financial year. Star also said that the performance was consistent with expectations, despite being below normal levels given operating restrictions.

Meanwhile, Star will reopen the main gaming floor and private gaming rooms at both its Star Gold Coast and Treasury Brisbane from 3 July, after the Queensland government eased certain Covid-19 restrictions.

Up to 2,600 people will be permitted within the casino gaming area at the Star Gold Coast, while 2,300 patrons will be allowed on the floor at the Treasury Brisbane property.

As with Star Sydney, social distancing measures will be in place, with its Covid-Safe plan currently in the process of being approved by the Queensland chief health officer.

“The health and well-being of our customers and staff remain paramount as we move to this next stage of reopening our properties,” Star’s managing director and chief executive, Matt Bekier, said.

“The conservative approach in managing the reopening of The Star Sydney in June 2020 provides us with further confidence in our operating and safety procedures.

“This next stage enables us to welcome back an additional approximately 3,000 employees, as well as a large number of our members and guests to safe and entertaining environments.”