Some folks believe the worst has passed, while others are cautious about what's ahead. Regardless, many enthusiasts have found themselves longing for a casino visit. It's no surprise they're eagerly watching for news about casino reopenings not just in Canada, but elsewhere too. The positive update is that plans are gradually rolling out, with casinos playing a part in each province's step-by-step Post-Covid strategy. CanadaCasino has surveyed the situation to provide insights into the progress across the provinces.
Canadian Casino Reopening Overview by Province
Each Canadian province is operating its own staged approach to reopening. Casinos, however, are low on the priority list for reopening, prompting many to explore the flourishing world of Canadian online casinos as a safe alternative, ensuring health-conscious gaming experiences!
Here’s a concise summary of how casino reopenings are shaping up across Canadian provinces, catering to those who prefer the tactile allure of physical casino venues.
September Highlights: Ontario and New Brunswick Casinos Set to Welcome Back Guests
Great Canadian Gaming excitedly confirms that by September 28th, its Ontario and New Brunswick casinos will welcome patrons again! This marks a delightful turning point after extensive closures.
In Ontario, 11 venues are set to reopen, each limiting entry to 50 guests. Unfortunately, table games remain on hiatus. Some Ontario establishments haven't yet set a reopening date due to the impracticality of the 50-guest threshold, with notable casinos like Caesars Windsor in the mix. Likewise, favorites like Fallsview Casino Resort and Casino Niagara are awaiting to announce their plans.
New Brunswick’s reopening will limit casino entrants to 25% capacity with half of the slot machines operational, all designed to ensure safe distancing.
Alberta - Back to Playing at Land-Based Gambling Halls!
Here’s some cheerful news: casinos in Alberta are throwing their doors open once more , taking careful steps to curb Covid-19 risks. On June 12th, several establishments resumed operations after being on hold since March 17th.
River Cree Casino stands ready with limited entries, rigorous cleaning protocols, barriers to separate slot machines, and additional practices. All games aside from Blackjack and Poker are back online, along with restaurants.
Recent reopenings across the previous week include Century Casinos locations in St. Albert, Edmonton, and Century Mile, not to mention Pure Casino on Yellowhead Trail.
Nova Scotia – casinos reopening soon!
The operator watching over Halifax's and Sydney's land-based casinos, Great Canadian Gaming Corporation , was given reopening approval in June, though an official relaunch date awaits. Locals are hopefully anticipating revisiting Casino Nova Scotia spots soon.
British Columbia - Awaiting a Clear Timeline
In British Columbia, casinos are slated to revive under the province’s Phase 4 blueprint, set alongside conventions, professional sporting events, overseas travel, and concerts. Sadly, Phase 4 requires widespread vaccination availability , so for now, alternative options are encouraged.
Manitoba
Manitoba has declared June 21 as the reopening date for certain indoor attractions like Bingo halls and billiards parlors, marking Phase 3, though casinos haven't resumed yet.
Quebec
Quebec Casinos Are Opening Their Doors Again! Casino de Montreal will welcome guests back to six different sections, each capped at 250 individuals, starting August 3. Reservations are being managed through an RSVP system.
In addition, Quebec’s casinos will be the first in Canada to revive table games post-COVID. Masks are obligatory, players must clean their hands before and after engaging, and styluses will be provided to minimize contact.
Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan Players Can Return to Familiar Grounds as of July 9 , though card tables stay shuttered. Face coverings are needed for workers and patrons alike.
Prince Edward Island
Prince Edward Island advanced to Phase 4 of easing restrictions come June 26, including casino reopenings within this phase. The Red Shores casinos in Charlottetown and the Summerside gaming floor are operating with restricted numbers .
Yukon
Yukon’s sole gaming site, the Diamond Tooth Gerties Gambling Hall in Dawson City, announced ongoing collaboration with the region’s medical authorities and government since June 12, aiming for a reopening soon.
NorthWest Territories
NorthWest Territories lack regulated casinos, with their plan unfurling at Stage 2.
Casino Reopenings in the US
Moving to the US, Las Vegas casinos resumed activity on June 4 after a 78-day halt. The relaunch was marked by public celebrations, including fireworks and a water display at the Bellagio fountains. Each casino’s protocol had to clear the Nevada Gaming Control Board, with reduced headcounts and additional measures like hand sanitizer stations, and mandatory masks for staff. Though Vegas remains a shadow of its former vibrant self, hundreds of visitors have already descended upon it!
Several US states saw their casinos beat Vegas to reopening; Idaho was first on May 1. Washington’s Northern Quest Casino swung its doors open on May 5. Meanwhile, commercial casinos in Florida, Iowa, Mississippi, Pennsylvania, Missouri, and West Virginia all reopened by late May (explore the complete rundown of States and casino reopenings here ).
The contrasting strategies between Canada and the US for reopening plans post-Covid are notable with Canada favoring more measured and stringent methods.
Online Casinos vs Traditional Brick-and-Mortar Venues
There’s an unmatched excitement of venturing into a physical casino periodically. However, in recent months, most enthusiasts have turned to online platforms for their slot and table game fix. Live casino games Online venues provide a worthy alternative for those yearning for table games in a physical setting as they offer immersive experiences with live dealers through games like Roulette, Blackjack, and Baccarat.
Moreover, online platforms typically boast a more extensive game library with bountiful bonuses and perks, driven by fierce competition among operators. Even with Canada’s regulations not prohibiting residents from enjoying offshore sites, there’s no shortage of real-money gaming options.