Casino stocks post euphoric gains as SA eases lockdown
JOHANNESBURG – Shares in South African gambling and leisure companies shot up on Thursday after the government surprised traders by announcing plans to ease Covid-19 lockdown restrictions on the sector earlier than investors expected.
Tsogo Sun Gaming Ltd. was 30% higher as of 3:06 p.m. in Johannesburg, with Sun International Ltd. up 23%, City Lodge Hotels Ltd. advancing 21% and Tsogo Sun Hotels Ltd. climbing 18%. President Cyril Ramaphosa said Wednesday night that gambling establishments, hotels, restaurants, beauty salons and theaters will be allowed to reopen, as long as they stick to strict health protocols. He didn’t specify a date.
“The leisure sector is indeed getting a benefit from the easing of the lockdown, because in the general recovery since the March lows, it has been seen as unlikely to open quickly, and lagged behind,” said Stephen Meintjes, head of research at Momentum Securities in Johannesburg.
Source: iol.co.za