ECA Chairman Per Jaldung Update On European Casinos

“As is the case for other sectors, the epidemic has also hit the licensed land-based casino industry hard. Basically all of our 900 member casinos throughout Europe have been closed for a couple of months by now with the first ones starting to reopen now in Germany, Hungary, the Czech Republic and some more to follow. We have been experiencing a very tough time for casino companies and employees. With an uncertain future, it is very important to keep staff informed at all times and listen carefully to their worries and try to help out as much as possible.
The ECA is a trade organisation and has been informed that our members really are trying to do everything in their power to support and keep their most important asset, their professional staff.

Fortunately, all governments throughout Europe acted quickly in establishing programmes to protect jobs and help companies to assist their employees. The storm is certainly not over yet and uncertainty remains, especially when looking at the future of the sector in the long run. In this difficult time, we remain positive and are confident that we can overcome the current challenges together. It is an adequate reminder from your side, for all employers to make sure to keep the staff close and well informed. I certainly will continue to address this at our meetings going forward.

The European Casino Association (ECA) has taken immediate action to create an effective corona network among members to exchange information, best practices, and helpful advice. The aim is to limit damage as much as possible and implement measures that will allow our employees to return to work under the safest possible conditions, while at the same time providing our customers with a safe gaming experience. Each company and country have their own contacts with their governments, but the ECA can assist – also nationally – upon member request. The ECA are always in touch and contact with stakeholders in the EU-institutions.

In our opinion the pandemic is also an opportunity to re-think the way forward for the industry, and explore alternative business strategies. Even if the return to normality will take some time, we are confident that everything will work out for the best.”