Gateway Casinos and Entertainment recently made it clear that it will have to carefully evaluate the current situation across the province before it decides to reopen casino locations and gaming halls. Rob Mitchell, Director of Communications and Public Affairs with the casino leader, stated that for the time being, the casino operator has not pinpointed particular dates for the relaunch of in-person gaming.
The casino leader will have to evaluate the current situation before it announces any reopening dates for its casino venues and gaming halls, as the process itself is expected to be a more time-consuming one. Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation recently announced that Stage 3 of the business reopening plan across Ontario has been greenlighted and casinos could welcome their first patrons in four months.
Evaluation in Progress
As a result of the newly announced reopening, many casino locations are now eligible for reopening and some of them are overseen by Gateway Casinos. They span across the Southwest Gaming Bundle and the North and Central Gaming Bundles. They include gaming hotspots located in Clinton, Hanover, Woodstock, Chatham, London, as well as in Sault Ste. Marie, Sudbury, Thunder Bay, Rama, and Innisfil.
Some of them are well-rounded casino venues, where others are gaming halls with more limited gaming offerings up for grabs. At this point in the conversation, the casino operator is still working on the details surrounding their future operation impacted by the conditions pointed out by the Crown corporation. Mr. Mitchell shed more light on the preparation process. Both health and safety plans have been worked on.
They will see safety protocols implemented across the gaming halls. Casino patrons must keep in mind the two-meter physical distancing mandatory across the province. Gaming offerings on the premises of the casino floors will be limited, to promote the distance needed for players protection. Some of the slot machines will have to be switched off, creating space between the working ones.
Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario Review
For the time being, table gaming will also be unavailable, because card gaming and gaming chips involve lots of touching of the objects and their disinfection would not be quick enough. However, the casino operator wants to make it clear that thorough cleaning of all flat surfaces and regular disinfection will be taking place once the chosen casino locations reopen for business.
Gateway Casinos also specified that all patrons will have to enter the premises of the casino venues with face masks and they should keep them at all times during gaming. Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario is currently reviewing all plans for casino venues reopening and its approval is projected to be issued in the foreseeable future. The venues will be able to welcome up to 50 individuals at all times.
This is the official limit for indoor activities issued by the government. Outdoors events will allow up to 100 people with mandatory physical distancing. Major casino resorts such as Casino Rama Resort will have to remain closed for the time being, despite expectations for its reopening this week.
(No Ratings Yet)
Loading...
Author: Yolina
Yolina has followed closely the latest development on the Canadian gaming scene over the past years, monitoring the land-based, lottery, and online offerings up for grabs. The dynamic nature of the local lottery and casino fields, as well as the opportunities lying ahead of Canada fire her enthusiasm for what is to come. A sports betting enthusiast, in her spare time Yolina could be found in her natural habitat – turning the pages of biographies and catching up on the latest stand-up comedy podcasts.