New Zealand casino operator SkyCity Entertainment Group said business has been “encouraging” since the company reopened its three local casinos following their lengthy COVID-19 shutdown.

In a trading update released Wednesday, SkyCity said it was encouraged that local gamblers were returning to its Auckland, Hamilton and Queenstown properties since their May 14 reopening. The casinos are operating with new health and safety precautions that dramatically limit attendance and the number of gaming positions.

The Queenstown property’s Wharf Casino remains closed but domestic gaming activity at Hamilton and the company’s flagship Auckland property has been “very pleasing, particularly in electronic gaming machines” (EGM). Table game activity was said to be “steadily improving from a slow start,” likely due to New Zealand’s borders remaining closed to international high-rollers.

SkyCity’s hotel occupancy is averaging only around 32%, although this ramps up to 90% on weekends. Food & beverage sales are “growing steadily,” but the company expects its non-gaming amenities won’t truly recover until those international borders reopen.