Coronavirus Update: NPS & DPT Postponed; Sikkim Casinos Shut Down

India reported its third death due to Coronavirus (COVID-19) earlier today when a 64-year-old man passed away in Maharashtra. The man had traveled to Dubai. This prompted Maharashtra Health Minister Rajesh Tope to call an urgent meeting as the number of cases spiked in the state.

The spread of the novel Coronavirus in India has resulted in widespread panic in the country. After the first confirmed positive case was reported on January 30 in Kerala, the epidemic has infiltrated many other cities, infecting several people. As of March 17, the total number of positive cases in India stood at 131. While Maharastra has the highest number of cases at 39 (including 3 foreigners), close behind is Kerala with 24 cases (including 2 foreigners).

In the face of such a threat, several states have gone on lockdown, mandating the shutdown of public establishments like schools, colleges, malls, restaurants, clubs, etc.

From 11:30 pm on March 15, the Goa government has forced the closure of all casinos in the state till March 31. This has resulted in the postponement of the Deltin Poker Tournament (DPT) Xpress series that was slated to run from March 26 to 29 at the Casino Deltin JAQK. Even the Millions Cash Game festival was canceled.

Last night news came through that the inaugural National Poker Series (NPS), which was to run from April 30 to May 5 at the Casino Pride 2, had also been postponed.

Moreover, after announcing the delay of the DPT Xpress, the Deltin management has further decided to postpone the DPT April Edition. The series was scheduled from April 22 to 27 at the Casino Deltin Royale.

Joining Goa, Sikkim, too, announced on March 16 that entry of all domestic tourists in the hilly state has been banned, and all public establishments, including casinos, will remain closed till April 15 to prevent the spread of the COVID-19.

NPS & DPT Postponed

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) warned last week that India has 30 days to limit the stage III progression of the novel COVID-19 virus, which indicates the spread of the infection through the community, just before it becomes an epidemic.

Senior scientists and health officials have said that India is currently showing no evidence of any community transmission and that enough tests were being done to pick up early indications of third stage transmission. Dr. Raman R. Gangakhedkar, head of the Epidemiology and Communicable Diseases-I (ECD-I), Division, ICMR said on Monday, “We are testing enough, and so far, there is no evidence for the need to go in for mass testing. You have to remember that India started proactive action from January 17 onwards, whereas our first cases came in the end of January. The country had put in early measures to ensure that transmission stays localised and any indications otherwise are picked up.”

Nevertheless, center and state governments have put in various measured to ensure ‘social distancing,’ and at the top of the list is shutting down public establishments. Casinos have also fallen under this category, completely derailing the live poker scene in the country.

Less than two days after the DPT Xpress March Edition was called off, PokerBaazi CEO Navkiran Singh announced on Facebook late last night that the first-ever National Poker Series (NPS), which was to be held from April 30 to May 5 at the Casino Pride 2, has also been postponed.

“It’s not a good feeling at all to share this news as I know that most of you shared the excitement of India’s first national poker series with me. Given the current state of the coronavirus pandemic, it won’t be advisable to travel and gather for such an event and even if the situation might be in control by then, which I sincerely hope for all, some of you might still not be comfortable traveling. Since this event is for the people, we would want to see everyone there and hence will choose a time when it is 100% safe. We will make an announcement as soon as things clear out. Meanwhile, sit back tight, don’t go out too much, follow the prescriptions given by WHO and enjoy what you like the most, the game never stops. Most of all don’t let any panic spread out.”

On the heels of this news, came the announcement that the DPT April Edition was also being postponed. Scheduled from April 22 to 27 at the Casino Deltin Royale, the series will now be held at a yet-to-be-announced later date.

“Hi All,

The DPT April 22-27 has been postponed due to the COVID-19 virus Pandemic. The new dates will be shared shortly.

Regards,

Team Adda52Live”

Sikkim Shuts Down Casinos

Sikkim’s Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang declared on March 16 that entry of all domestic tourists has been banned from the North-Eastern state. Additionally, all educational institutes (including government and private schools, colleges, and universities), discos, cinema halls, casinos, gyms, melas, and tambola are to remain closed till April 15.

These measures are being taken to curb the spread of Coronavirus in the region. In fact, on March 5, the state had also restricted the entry of all foreign tourists in the state by suspending the issuance of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) mandatory for nationals from other countries.

With casinos shutting shop in both Goa and Sikkim, the live poker scene in the country has well and truly come to a standstill.

Coronavirus Derails Live Poker Scene Globally

With the current number of confirmed cases standing at 183,128 globally and the death tolls rising to 7,175, ‘social distancing’ has become an inevitability. This, in turn, has led to the closing down of casinos and cancellation/postponement of live poker series everywhere.

Joining the ever-growing list of closing casinos was the Rivers Casino in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, Parx Casino in Pennsylvania, and Commerce Casino in California. The Illinois Gaming Board directed all of the state’s 10 casinos to shut down beginning on Monday, March 16. Meanwhile, Milwaukee’s Potawatomi Casino, which hosts WSOPC and MSPT stops, has suspended operations indefinitely.

In Europe, one of the worst-hit continents, the King’s Casino in Rozvadov, Czech Republic, that had previously banned the entry of all Italian players and visitors, has also closed its doors.

Rob Yong’s Dusk Till Dawn poker room and casino in Nottingham, England, also shut down operations on March 16, with the partypoker co-owner ensuring that all the casino staff will receive their pay as usual.

Dear @DTD_Cardroom Staff & Customers; #1 Club closes from Monday, #2 all staff will continue to be paid #3 Lots happening online – please read following statement & RT for awareness. KTF Rob pic.twitter.com/GzbzMNViUB

— Rob Yong (@rob_yong_) March 14, 2020

However, despite the calamity the infection has caused worldwide, there have been some establishments that have not yet realized how serious the situation actually is. Rather than closing, The Orleans has opted to take the unorthodox step of practicing ‘social distancing’ by continuing operations but making tables five-handed. Even the Venetian announced a similar measure but limited tables to three players.

An update from the Orleans poker room pic.twitter.com/Nv6ooj5Qco

— Kevin Mathers (@Kevmath) March 16, 2020

Due to recent restrictions issued by the Nevada Gaming Control Board, all play in the poker room will have a maximum of three players per table.

— Venetian Poker Room (@VenetianPoker) March 16, 2020

Unsurprisingly, both establishments were mocked on Twitter.

Might as well just release a statement saying “we like money and don’t care who gets sick while we make it.”

— nick cady (@bacon6966) March 16, 2020

What a joke. They are still two feet away from each other and trading dirty ? chips back and forth. Doesn’t The Orleans have the oldest players too?

— Jeff Boski (@ICuRaRook) March 16, 2020

Who wants to be the one to explain social distancing to them?

— Tim Marsters (@TurnRiva) March 16, 2020

or you could put public health ahead of money and close down temporarily.

— Grand Staying the F Home Moff (@GrandMoffJoseph) March 16, 2020

There is blood on your hands

— Jeff Boski (@ICuRaRook) March 16, 2020

Just spoke with a Venetian employee who was in tears because they’re expected to be at work today but they don’t feel safe going and don’t know what to do.

— IncendiarySportsTalk (@IncendiaryTalk) March 16, 2020

Why don’t you have a 9 handed game, but each player has their own table. And the dealer is on a hoverboard and has a headset and will announce action over a loudspeaker?

— Bryan (@BryanSwarberg) March 16, 2020

The Venetian eventually announced a March 16 closure of its poker room. However, The Orleans has made no further announcements so far.