Operator News
Canada – Ontario casinos to begin phased reopenings
By Phil - 15 July 2020
The Government of Ontario has confirmed that casinos can begin to reopen as part of its Stage 3 re-opening plan.
Casinos and Charitable Gaming centers have been closed since March 16 to 17 2020. A maximum of 50 customers will be allowed in the gaming establishment at any given time with a requirement that all people on-site adhere to two metre physical distancing. Table games will not be allowed at this time. This Stage 3 re-opening is consistent with the province’s regional approach it took during Stage 2. Eligible casinos and Charitable Gaming centres have been selected on the basis of location and risk, subject to the advice of public health officials.
These include all casinos in the East Bundle (Kawartha, Belleville, Peterborough and Thousand Islands) and some in the West GTA Bundle (Brantford and Grand River) The service provider for these gaming bundles is Great Canadian Gaming Corporation.
It extends to most casinos in the Southwest Bundle (Clinton, Hanover, Woodstock, Chatham, London), and all casinos in the North Bundle (Sault Ste. Marie, Sudbury, Thunder Bay) and Central Bundle (Rama and Innisfil). The service provider for these gaming bundles is Gateway Casinos and Entertainment.
Rideau Carleton Casino will be allowed to open in Ottawa. The service provider for this gaming bundle is HR Ottawa.
For casinos and Charitable Gaming centres, re-opening is contingent on having a safety plan for the site (which must include mandatory use of masks or face-coverings for customers), reviewed by an appropriate expert and submitted to the regulator, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO).
Re-opening dates for eligible casino and Charitable Gaming centres will be set by the service providers and communicated by them. The specific reopening date for each gaming site will vary depending on a site’s readiness and commercial viability to operate under the mandatory restrictions.
Ontario Lottery and Gaming said: “Working in partnership with Ontario, its industry partners, and the AGCO, OLG is proud to contribute to the re-opening of the economy with health and safety as a top priority.”
