"Land-based gaming will take serious time to recuperate"

What are your first concepts and insights regarding the impact the coronavirus pandemic is having on the gaming industry globally, and your business areas in particular? What effects, learning or trends have you identified so far in that sense?

Our industry is similarly affected as most of the others that are based on customer service. The period ahead of us will be very tough for all of the manufactures and operators as well. Even after we wait out the restrictions that are preventing the operation of the casinos, the recuperation time will extend for sure at least into 2021. We will all try to be as effective as we can, but the fact remains that the global economy will be majorly hurt and spending power will be reduced on a global scale. 

What's your approach to this global crisis, and the strategies you are choosing in order to reduce damages and pave the way for the fastest possible recovery? What resources are you drawing on?

As well as the other companies, we were forced to temporarily reduce our workforce to certain point, we have invested even additional resources in our development project so we can be ready when the time is right, and we are able to hold our position due to our stable and somehow conservative finance and management policies. Alfastreet has a strong foundation and although we are affected with all this, we will be able to hold on as long as it takes.

What special measures or strategies is Alfastreet taking as a company to protect/help employees, clients, local communities, etc., both in terms of health and financially? What precautions and further actions are in place in terms of compliance and CSR?

We are taking all the measures available to protect our people, our suppliers and our local communities. We will invest as much of our own as we can, to maintain our core workforce and to ensure our quick and efficient recovery. We are making sure that all of our staff gets as much of assistance possible. We are paying all of our dues, we offer advisement, we work very closely with the community officials and we follow and utilize every available support measure available from our government.

What are the main demands or concerns you've been receiving from your customers/partners since the outbreak?

The main problem is the payment culture, which is at this point non-existent. Operators are not paying to manufacturers, and manufacturers are struggling to pay to the suppliers. This way, the circle is at a standstill and we all hope the spinning will start very soon. 

How would you assess the existing resources, approach and measures taken by regulators, governments or other state institutions in the jurisdictions where you have operations? Could you mention similarities and differences between those jurisdictions? Do you see the need for further regulatory actions to be taken?

We are not politicians, so our comment will be very short. The government offered non-effective and barely acceptable conditions attached to any help received.

What are in your opinion the possible scenarios this could bring for the land-based sector, and your company in particular, in the mid-long term?

The struggle will be long and hard. Land-based gaming will take serious time to recuperate, but one thing is clear, the world as we know it will never be the same again.