Triton Poker has canceled its Super High Roller Jeju stop due to the outbreak of Coronavirus that has so far claimed more than 300 lives.
Coronavirus impacting the world of poker
📢 "It’s with a heavy heart that we inform you of the postponement of the Triton Poker Super High Roller Series in Jeju."
Our prayers are with the families of those that have lost their lives and for the ones fighting the virus.
📜 Official Statement: https://t.co/9WZsEXlcd2 pic.twitter.com/GhCRmLfBxw
— Triton Poker (@tritonpoker) January 31, 2020
The spread of the flu virus has seen cases reported in multiple countries. There are infections in the USA, Canada, Australia, several European countries and most Asian countries.
With the World Health Organisation (WHO) describing it as a ‘Public Health Emergency’, Triton decided they had no option but to cancel the popular event.
“The safety of our players and support staff remains our utmost priority”, Triton said in their announcement. They stated that it was their “duty to do everything we can in our power to prevent the virus from spreading.
They added: “The thoughts and prayers of the Triton Poker Team are with the families of those that have lost their lives and for the ones fighting the virus all over the world.”
South Korea has seen 15 confirmed cases of the virus, that originated in the Chinese province of Wuhan. Yesterday saw the first confirmed death outside of Wuhan, in the Philippines.
Jason Koon, Triton ambassador and a regular visitor to some of the Asian countries most affected so far by the new strain of coronavirus also sent his ‘thoughts and prayers’…
Thoughts go out to all affected 🙏💔
— Jason Koon (@JasonKoon) January 31, 2020
Triton will be making an announcement on the “potential resurrection of the event” next Monday, February 10th.
WSOP fears
The viral outbreak, similar to the related SARS virus that claimed hundreds of lives in 2002-3, has also had poker players worried about the upcoming World Series of Poker.
Poker forums have been discussing the possible effect on the summer series in Vegas. It regularly attracts thousands of players from across the world.
So far there have been 11 confirmed cases of the virus in the USA. More than half of those have been confirmed in California.
According to pokernews.com, the WSOP organizers are “monitoring the situation”. Seth Palansky, Vice President of Corporate Communications, quoted as saying, [the WSOP] will continue to lean on the experts in this field for guidance.
He added: “At this time, all our events and schedules remain intact and are planned to go on without interruption.”
The virus has already severely affected the gambling industry. Reports say that Macau has seen a 70% drop in trade at ‘land-based casinos.’
The Financial Times has reported that “More than $18bn has been wiped off the market value of the Macau operations of Las Vegas giants including Wynn, MGM, and Sands.”
With the majority of gamblers coming from mainland China, restrictions and travel bans have severely limited numbers. Staff and players alike are wearing masks and subject to strict hygiene rules.
We’ll continue to update you on possible Coronavirus problems affecting the poker world. However, in the meantime, VIP send its own thoughts and wishes to those affected.
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