---

APL Da Nang cancelled due to Coronavirus

The global casino industry is starting to feel the impact of the outbreak of the deadly coronavirus epidemic which originated in the Chinese city of Wuhan. The virus continues to spread on a global scale and has already claimed hundreds of lives. Casinos were ordered to suspend operations in Macau and companies have been recording huge losses.

The death toll from coronavirus has topped 900 mostly from China with more than 40,000 confirmed cases worldwide. This epidemic has forced flight cancellations and travel restrictions all around the world. Not only impacting the tourism, but the illness has affected the poker and casino industries as well.

The Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism in Vietnam decided on Tuesday not only to close the cultural and historical sites to help Coronavirus prevention but also the suspension of all international sporting events in the month of February. With a rapid spread of the virus, several high-stakes poker tournament series have been postponed too.

Triton Poker was first scheduled between 10 to 23 February and has now been postponed from the original dates. The World Poker Tour (WPT) Philippines series also suffered a drop in the Main Event guarantee from PHP 20 million to PHP 12 million.

And now the Asia Poker League (APL) which was announced to hit Da Nang from 19 to 28 February at the Risemount Premier Resorts has been cancelled. The APL website posted that with the rise of spread of the coronavirus, the APL and VSOP ‘Tip Off’ to be hosted in February has been cancelled. The live poker scene involves thousands of players and the government of Asian countries are taking strict steps for the safety of the players.

The website notice reads, “In accordance with WHO and the rapid spread of the coronavirus the APL and VSOP ‘Tip Off’ in February has been cancelled. Furthermore, a reliable source has stated that the Vietnamese Government has banned all international sporting events temporarily. It’s unfortunate that our event cannot proceed, and we sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this has caused however the APL/VSOP considers the safety of our players first! Hope to see you in Taiwan!”

So far, the virus has also been reported in about 25 countries in the Asia-Pacific region as well as Europe, North America and the Middle East. For the latest updates on the gaming industry and poker tournaments around the world, keep reading GutshotMagazine.com and stay tuned!

Check out our online poker rooms section, where you can read reviews on the biggest and best poker rooms in the country, while also taking advantage of their bonuses and promotions. Check out these top poker rooms HERE.

---

---