Cambodia’s casino sector is slowly coming back to life after its prolonged pandemic hibernation.

Last Friday, Australian-listed casino operator Donaco International Ltd announced the “limited reopening” of its flagship Star Vegas casino in Poipet, Cambodia. All Cambodian casinos were ordered to close in April as the government tried to lower its COVID-19 infection count.

Donaco said the limited relaunch would allow Star Vegas to “test its operational systems whilst ensuring the health and wellbeing of staff and visitors.” The company tempered expectations by noting that Thailand’s border with Cambodia remains closed, blocking the primary source of Star Vegas clientele, while insisting the property wouldn’t incur “any material additional expenses” due to the limited nature of the restart. 

Earlier this month, Donaco revealed the financial toll the shutdown had on its fiscal 2020 performance, including a non-cash impairment charge of AU$50.5m due to its downgrading of the value of the Star Vegas casino license amid the ongoing pandemic uncertainty.