Affiliate EXPO 2020, originally scheduled for this month in Rome, has been postponed until July.
This follows on from recommendations by both the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Italian Ministry of Health.
New dates
The new dates for the event are 17th-19th July, 2020. The expo had been scheduled to begin on 27th March, ending on 29th March. On the second day, the 2020 Affiliate Awards were planned to take place.
Delegates who have already purchased tickets will be able to use these in July instead. The venue, which is the Mercure West Rome Hotel, shall remain the same. Moreover, individuals who booked hotel rooms through VIP and all-inclusive tickets will have those moved.
In an official press release, event organisers said the following.
“We want Affiliate EXPO 2020 to be a success. But most importantly, we want the serenity and wellbeing of each and every one of our participants, speakers, partners and sponsors.
“In accordance with public authorities, we are not sure the current situation is suitable. Given the circumstances, it would be irresponsible to act differently. The wellbeing and safety of our guests is, and must remain, our maximum priorities.”
Possible effects to come for the gambling industry
COVID-19, which originated in China, has affected 90,000 people across the globe so far. And this year, it could have an impact on the global gambling industry. According to suggestions by H2 Gambling Capital, market revenue could fall by 8% in 2020. This would be just the second time in two decades that the global industry reported a decline.
The outbreak has already impacted operations in Macau. However, the data specialist also noted that a decline in land-based wagering could lead to rising online stakes. It’s estimated that this could be anywhere from 13.4% to 14.7%, according to projections.
But the disease could lead to the cancellation of sporting events, which would then affect those figures. In Serie A, Italy’s top division, three successive weekends of action have seen matches postponed due to health fears.
