Tsogo Sun Gaming Welcomes reopening of casinos

Responding to President Ramaphosa’s announcement on 17 June on the reopening of casinos, CEO of Tsogo Sun Gaming Chris du Toit welcomed the move, saying, “We’re delighted that Government has considered the comprehensive submissions we have made to the Department of Trade and Industry.”

Tsogo Sun Gaming, South Africa’s premier gaming and entertainment group, released its annual results on 9 June, which indicate the severe impact on the business. “The Covid-19 lockdown has caused devastation of the business as a result of not being able to trade, with an estimated R2bn in revenue lost and the debt increasing to R12bn since year end,” du Toit said. “We are grateful to our shareholders and lenders who have been very supportive of the business.”

The decision will also be a great relief for the group’s 10 000 employees, service providers and various other stakeholders. However there will still be tough times ahead with restrictive trading conditions for the foreseeable future.

Commenting on the reopening of the casinos, du Toit says, “The business is ready, with a robust strategy of enhanced hygiene and safety measures to enable a seamless re-opening to our loyal customers”.

Prior to the announcement of lockdown Tsogo Sun Gaming had already implemented extensive hygiene and safety protocols, and these have been adjusted over the last two months as new information about the spread of the virus has unfolded. When they open, the casinos will follow all of the government gazetted hygiene and safety protocols, including strict social distancing by switching off a portion of slot machines and appropriate queue control, medical-grade sanitisers at entrances and in public areas, screening through temperature checks and questionnaires, frequent cleaning and enforcing the use of masks. Staff will also go through rigorous health checks at separate staff entrances.

“It will be a different experience when the casinos reopen, one that requires a new vigilance for the safety of our guests and staff. We are looking forward to providing entertainment to our loyal customers again,” he concludes.

IMPORTANT NOTE:

Tsogo Sun Holdings (TSH) was renamed Tsogo Sun Gaming Ltd (TSG) in 2019 when the ‘Hotels division’ was unbundled through a dividend in specie and listed separately on the JSE.

Tsogo Sun Gaming Ltd (TSG) is South Africa’s premier gaming and entertainment group. Combining 14 Casinos, 21 Galaxy Bingo sites and VSlots operations throughout the country, the group offers a diverse range of gaming and entertainment options including theatres, movies, restaurants, a theme park and much more.

The CEO of Tsogo Sun Gaming is Chris du Toit.