Casino Rama Welcomes Back Patrons Thursday

Casino Rama is preparing for the official reopening of its gaming floor, following more than a year without in-person gambling and operation. July 29 is about to see the relaunch more than 400 employees have been eagerly anticipating for more than 500 days, ever since the casino resort had to temporarily suspend its operation in March 2020.

Gateway Casinos and Entertainment is the casino operator overseeing the daily work of the casino resort along with the Chippewas of Rama First Nation. For the most part, the recall process of casino staff members has been successful, as Robert Mitchell, Director of Communications and Public Affairs for Gateway Casinos, put it recently. This is how 400 individuals will return to their workplace after more than a year without daily work.

July 29

These people are ready to return to their positions and work with the patrons willing to explore everything available right now. in-person gambling is expected to revive the venue and bring people back to the slot machines and table games sprinkled across the gaming floor. The first phase of this reopening process will bring back namely those products – slot machines and table gaming.

When it comes to dining offerings and snacks, the Simcoe Yard House and Centre Bar will also be returning to daily work. Casino Rama will welcome patrons at 50-percent capacity, still promoting safe gambling and physical distancing on the premises. For the time being, however, these will be the only things available. The hotel tower, along with the live entertainment venue will remain closed for business.

The rest of the restaurants at Casino Rama Resort will also have to wait for the next phase of the reopening plan Gateway Casinos and Entertainment has worked on. Mr. Mitchell pointed out that some individuals have decided to resign from their positions, but there have not been any layoffs. Last summer saw some issues for unionized workers, which were resolved in a timely manner. Returning staff members have successfully passed the training and all safety protocols.

Preparation ahead of Time

It should be noted that the casino floor has been refreshed and some changes have been introduced to it. All workers have now been reacquainted with it and the new features and areas it comes with. Sanitation stations and plexiglass dividers have been installed at different points of the venue, whereas all patrons must wear a mask while gambling. Unifor Local 1090 President Corey Dalton, pinpointed that some individuals feel anxious ahead of the reopening.

This is mainly because of the long pause without in-person gambling. Mr. Dalton said that once work recommences and all safety protocols are strictly performed, this anxiousness will subside. For the time being, no timeline for the second phase of the reopening has been issued publicly. It could be recalled that back in the autumn of 2020, Chippewas of Rama First Nation Chief Ted Williams stated that the tribal casino resort was capable of going through these tough times and making it to the other side without closing permanently.

Source: Evans, Tyler. “Casino Rama employees ‘excited, anxious’ to return to work“, BratfordToday.ca, July 28, 2021