G2E Asia 2020 postponed to July over coronavirus crisis

G2E Asia organizers, the American Gaming Association (AGA) and Reed Exhibitions, announced Tuesday they are postponing this year’s edition due to the global coronavirus crisis. G2E Asia is now scheduled for July 28-30, 2020 at the Venetian Macao, moving from its original dates of May 19-21.

“We have carefully monitored the global health crisis related to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Our top priority is ensuring a safe environment for employees, visitors, partners, and exhibitors at Global Gaming Expo Asia (G2E Asia),” they said in a press release. “In consultation with our exhibitors and the Macao government, and out of an abundance of caution, we are postponing G2E Asia 2020.”

The organizers argued that the COVID-19 outbreak and related travel and commercial restrictions make those preparations too difficult to hold the show as planned in May. “We apologize for any inconvenience that this may cause. We will continue to monitor the situation and remain in close contact with all G2E Asia stakeholders in the coming weeks,” they added.

Across February 5-20, Macau casinos were closed after a Government decision following an expert review showed the ninth confirmed patient in the jurisdiction was discovered to have worked in the gambling industry. After the 15-day period, most of the 41 casinos reopened under strict health regulations, including visitors forced to wear masks, undergo body temperature checks and make health declarations via mobile phone before entering the premises.