British Columbia is in no hurry to see the reopening of casino locations within the borders of the province, as it was recently confirmed by the Attorney-General. David Eby stated that relaunching in-person gaming remains low on the list of priorities on a provincial scale because the protection of both players and casino workers is of utmost importance for the officials.
The province has remained without in-person casino gambling for the past more than half a year and for the time being, there is no timeline for its eventual relaunch. Casino resorts and casino complexes remain without their patrons eager to place a wager in-person and online gaming remains the sole offering bringing the gambling element to their life.
Attorney-General
The long months without casino gaming have taken their toll on the province, as gaming revenue generated is usually able to support various local projects through regular allocations. Casino host communities have also experienced the struggle without these regular payments to support them. However, Attorney-General David Eby pointed out that for the time being, reopening those venues is not a priority.
Public health officials aim to make this happen in the upcoming months and a timeline of this reopening could be unveiled once it is ready. Mr. Eby stated that most people understand that player protection, as well as the protection of all casino staff members, is important right now and reopening of these venues should not happen at all costs. He also said that he is aware that the British Columbia Lottery Corporation and some city mayors want the change to happen soon.
It could be recalled that earlier this month, Fort St. John Mayor Lori Ackerman recently wrote a letter to the British Columbia Premier, John Horgan. In it, the Mayor reviewed the subject of closed casinos, their impact on the province, as well as ways in which they could relaunch operation in a safe manner.
In-Person Casino Gaming
Chances Fort St. John is the casino venue that supports the local community with its regular gaming revenue allocations, but it has not been in operation over the past more than half a year. Ken Christian, Mayor of Kamloops, was the latest official to push this change, saying that the two casinos in the area are ready for the relaunch.
Gateway Casinos and Entertainment oversees them and there is a plan with all safety protocols devised. The only thing left is the green light coming from the province. Regardless of this push for casino reopening, Mr. Eby stated that public health officials have made it clear that relaunching at this point would not be an appropriate move to make.
Along with casino venues, nightclubs and amusement parks are also in no hurry to reopen. This closure has posed a threat to casino workers, as they worry that they will have to bid farewell to their job positions. Moreover, some CA$1 billion in lost shared revenue has been generated up until now.
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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.