Three-month break
The World Poker Tour (WPT) has canceled all events scheduled to take place in Asia over the next three months due to the deadly coronavirus outbreak.
canceled all events scheduled to take place in Asia over the next three months
With several stops scheduled in Asia over the coming months, WPT officials felt it was in the best interest of players and staff to postpone events until more information about the spread of coronavirus comes to light.
Canceled events
According to Danny McDonagh, the WPT’s Live Events Specialist, certain decisions were made involving tour stops in Asia due to coronavirus fears.
Breaking the news on Facebook, McDonagh said: “We once again ask for your understanding of this decision, as we feel it is better to give players some surety as to our plans now.”
The second Season XVIII WPT Vietnam has now been canceled. This event was set to take place March 13-22. The inaugural WPT Taiwan event scheduled to take place May 14-24 has also been canceled.
Uncertainty surrounding coronavirus caused the WPT to make these changes. The goal is to safely hold events. Officials are waiting for more details on coronavirus before resuming tournament action in Asia.
Macau casino closure
The coronavirus outbreak is affecting casino and poker operations across Asia, including Macau. In early February, authorities in Macau temporarily closed casinos in the region.
It is hoped that the spread of coronavirus will be contained before casinos in Macau reopen. The two-week window is drawing to a close and it remains unclear if the venues will open or if the closure will be extended.
According to recent reports, over 64,000 confirmed cases of the Coronavirus have been reported. At least 1,380 people have died from coronavirus to date.