Newgioco Reopens Retail Sites as Government Eases Lockdown Measures

May 30, 2020 Matt Speakman

Tuesday the 5th of May 2020 saw the Newgioco Group announce its plans to reopen physical web shop locations across the country. The announcement comes amidst the relaxation of lockdown measures the Italian government had taken to curb the spread of the novel Covid-19 virus. Italy had been in a state of lockdown since March 10th, but a decline in the number of new cases and deaths as a result of the virus has seen the government ease some restrictions that have been in place for more than 50 days. Certain businesses have been allowed to open including, but no limited to, those in the construction, manufacturing, wholesale, and real estate sectors. Newgioco confirmed that the relaxed measures meant that it would be able to reopen certain sites with the web shops set to resume operations this week.

Measures to Ensure Operations are in Line with Governments Strategies

The company’s chief operating officer, Alessandro Marcelli, opined that the reopening of the business amidst a global pandemic was an important economic commitment by the company since it would allow them to share the responsibilities of reopening economies in countries where they operate. He went on to acknowledge the role of the company’s sales agents and retail vendors play as brand ambassadors. As part of the reopening process, the company attested that it would implement a range of measures across its retail sites. The measures, it reported, would ensure that the retail sites are operating in line with the strategic measures by the Italian government that remain in place. The company confirmed that it will distribute personal protective equipment to all its web shops. It also confirmed that both staff and customers will have access to antiseptic hand gels, face masks, and gloves. In addition, people leaving their homes will have to complete a mandatory official self-declaration form that includes personal details confirming their identity. “We are at a pivotal moment where Covid-19 is likely to change our economic structure at all levels especially within this new phase of complete uncertainty. The most fragile elements specifically are small businesses and that is why we are giving real help for the restart, not just promises,” remarked Mr. Marcelli. He went on to confirm that he believed that the restart would be gradual given the remaining concern for preventing the continuous spread of the virus in communities.

Negative Impact on Sports Betting

Shortly after the lockdown was announced in March, Newgioco released a statement warning of the negative impact of the lockdown on sports betting handle and revenue. In April, the company launched an esports wagering service through its online gambling channel in Italy. This, it announced, would help fill the void left by the cancellation of traditional sports events. Other gambling operators in Italy were yet to announce their own plans. Operators such as Playtech closed all of their Snailtech retail shops across Italy after the lockdown was announced. Playtech has not yet said whether it has any plans to reopen these shops. Similarly, Agnezia Dogane Monopoli (ADM) opted to suspend its retail lottery sales in Italy due to the lockdown. The company has since announced resumption of operation as of 4th of May 2020.