Opinions vary; while some believe the peak of the crisis has passed, others fear it is still on the horizon. Nonetheless, it's clear that many gamblers have been yearning for the experience of visiting their local casinos. Understandably, they are eager for updates regarding casino reopenings both in Canada and elsewhere. The encouraging news is that progress is being made as casinos are part of the phased reopening strategies that each province has established following the COVID-19 pandemic. CanadaCasino has compiled an overview of the latest developments in different provinces.
Reopening of Physical Casinos Across Canada
Each province in Canada has customized its reopening strategy, moving through distinct phases. Casinos did not top the list of businesses allowed to reopen, and for many residents, the most viable option at this time is to engage with the numerous Canadian online casinos providing a completely secure gaming experience from a health perspective!
For those who enjoy the traditional casino atmosphere, here’s a concise overview of the reopening plans by province.
September Update! Casinos in Ontario and New Brunswick Set to Reopen
Great Canadian Gaming has officially announced the reopening of its casinos in Ontario and New Brunswick on September 28th! This news comes as a relief after months of closures.
In total, 11 casinos in Ontario will begin operations with a maximum capacity of 50 individuals each. Unfortunately, table games will remain unavailable for the time being. Other venues in Ontario have yet to schedule their reopening dates after some casinos declared the 50-person limit impractical last month, including Caesars Windsor . Likewise, Fallsview Casino Resort and Casino Niagara have not provided any updates regarding their reopening times.
The casinos in New Brunswick will resume operations with a limit of 25% capacity, ensuring that only half of their slot machines are available to facilitate social distancing.
Alberta – land-based casinos are now welcoming guests!
Starting with some positive news, Alberta's casinos have already reopened , implementing various precautions to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Several casinos opened their doors on June 12, having been closed since March 17.
River Cree Casino is operating with capacity restrictions, enhanced sanitation practices, and physical barriers between slot machines, among other measures. All games, with the exceptions of Blackjack and Poker, are operational along with the dining options.
Other casinos that opened in the past week include Century Casinos in St. Albert, Edmonton, and Century Mile, as well as Pure Casino located on Yellowhead Trail.
Nova Scotia – casinos reopening soon!
Great Canadian Gaming Corporation, which operates the Halifax and Sydney casinos, received approval to reopen back in June, although a specific date has not yet been announced. Residents should expect the Casino Nova Scotia locations in Halifax and Sydney to be accessible soon.
British Columbia – reopening timeline still undecided
Casinos in British Columbia can only reopen in accordance with the province's Phase 4 plan, which includes conventions, professional sports, international tourism, and concerts. Regrettably, Phase 4 will only commence once a vaccine is generally available … so it’s advisable for gamblers to seek alternatives for now!
Manitoba
On June 21, Manitoba announced the reopening of certain indoor venues such as Bingo halls and pool rooms as part of Phase 3, but casinos in the province remain closed.
Quebec
Casinos in Quebec are reopening! Casino de Montreal expects to open six sections on August 3, each with a maximum capacity of 250 guests. Reservations must be made through an RSVP system.
Moreover, Quebec's land-based casinos will be the first in Canada to resume table game operations following the COVID-19 pandemic. Masks are compulsory, gamblers will need to sanitize their hands before and after using the tables, and styluses will be provided to minimize contact with devices.
Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan's land-based casinos reopened on July 9 , though card tables remain closed. Masks are mandatory for both patrons and staff.
Prince Edward Island
Prince Edward Island has moved to Phase 4 of its reopening plan as of June 26, which includes the reopening of casinos. The Red Shores casinos in Charlottetown and the gaming area in Summerside are now open, albeit with restricted capacity.
Yukon
The Diamond Tooth Gerties Gambling Hall (Dawson City) is the only gaming venue in Yukon. On June 12, it announced that it is coordinating with the Chief Medical Officer of Health and the Yukon Government to prepare for a future opening.
NorthWest Territories
There are no government-regulated casinos in the Northwest Territories, which is still operating under Stage 2 of its reopening plan.
Casino Reopenings in the US
In the United States, casinos in Las Vegas resumed operations on June 4, following a 78-day closure. The reopening was marked with fireworks and a water show at the Bellagio fountains. Each casino had to comply with protocols approved by the Nevada Gaming Control Board. All venues opened with limited capacity and additional safety measures, including hand sanitizing stations and staff wearing masks. While it may not be the Las Vegas we remember, it’s a step in a promising direction, with thousands of gamblers already returning to the city!
Several other states experienced casino reopenings even earlier than Las Vegas, as early as May 1 in Idaho. The Northern Quest Casino in Washington was the first to reopen on May 5, and by the end of May, commercial casinos in Florida, Iowa, Mississippi, Pennsylvania, Missouri, and West Virginia were permitted to resume operations (for a complete list of these casinos, refer to the details provided). States and casino reopenings here ).
Clearly, Canada and the United States are adopting markedly different strategies for their post-COVID reopenings, with Canada's plans being more conservative and phased.
Online Casinos vs. Land-Based Casinos
Experiencing the excitement of a physical casino from time to time is unmatched. However, in recent months, many gamblers have turned to online casino platforms to enjoy their favorite slots and table games. Live casino games Online options also serve as an excellent substitute for those who enjoy table games in physical venues, as these platforms allow players to engage with a live dealer in real time while playing classic casino games like Roulette, Blackjack, and Baccarat.
Additionally, players will often find a wider selection of games available at online casinos, and they can typically take advantage of larger bonuses and promotions due to the intense competition among online operators. Given that Canadian laws do not prevent residents from engaging with international casino sites, players have many options for real-money online gambling.