The COVID-19 pandemic caused the casinos in the Canadian province of British Columbia to shut down back in March 2020. Now, sixteen months later, they will finally reopen.
Great Canadian Gaming Corporation issued an announcement on June 29 stating that nine of its gambling facilities will open their doors to the public on July 1.
Those facilities are:
- River Rock Casino Resort
- Hard Rock Casino Vancouver
- Elements Casino Victoria
- Elements Casino Surrey
- Casino Nanaimo
- Elements Casino Chilliwack
- Hastings Racecourse
- Chances Maple Ridge
- Chances Dawson Creek
Just a few weeks ago, Great Canadian Gaming Corporation had only one of its 26 casino venues open, but it looks like things are getting back to normal. The gambling resorts are open only in British Columbia for now, with other provinces following once their COVID-19 situation improves.
British Columbia has entered step three of the restart phase as more than 70% of the province’s population received at least one dose of vaccine.
Terrance Doyle, the Interim CEO of Great Canadian, said these resuming operations are an “exciting development” for the company, adding: “Importantly, these reopenings mean over 1,000 of our team members returning to work and generating revenue for the province and our communities,”[…]“With the reopening of our properties in Ontario on the horizon, we are poised to begin rebuilding our business.”
In the past sixteen months, punters in BC could enjoy their favourite games only at online gambling venues. They are all eager to go back to brick-and-mortar casinos and have the complete gambling experience again.
There are some rules casinos have to follow as the situation with the pandemic still isn’t fully under control. Venues can accommodate only 50% of players, and slot bookings are limited to 50% at a time. The food and beverage section of the casino is also limited.
The reopening of the casinos in British Columbia is excellent news for both casino operators and players. And while the vendors need to ensure all the security measures and protocols are implemented, players also have to follow certain rules. They should:
Wear a mask while in the casino.
- Keep a physical distance of two meters.
- Check the availability of slots before going to the casino.
- Check the food and beverage availability, as it is limited.
By following the rules, players should be able to get back on track as the land-based casinos gradually open to the public.