The extraordinary and unprecedented situation continues to take its toll on the gambling industry in Canada. On April 22, 2021, Great Canadian Gaming Corporation had to close down one more of its gambling properties across the country, and this time Casino Nova Scotia Halifax. This comes after a provincial government order to contain the spread of the virus.

The situation around land-based gambling facilities has been a tricky one as many casinos were closed down with the occurrence of the unprecedented situation in March last year. And since then, some of the corporation’s properties have been closed down and reopened a few times now. The casino in question was relaunched in January and now will be closed down again.

Government Order

Most recently the gambling corporation informed that since April 22, 2021, at 11:59 p.m. AST Casino Nova Scotia in Halifax has been non-operational. This is due to the provincial government’s latest stay-at-home-order which suspended businesses from work in the Halifax Regional Municipality. The order is a precautionary measure to stop the spread of the virus.

However, it must be noted that the new lockdown order does not apply to the leading gambling company’s other casino facility in the province. The company informs that Casino Nova Scotia Sydney will resume its operations under restricted guest capacity and the mandatory health and safety measures. The venue will be welcoming guests for the time being.

Interim CEO of the gambling corporation Terrance Doyle has addressed the latest closure of the company’s casino and the current gambling situation in the country. Mr. Doyle said that the operator is eagerly awaiting the moment when more of its properties will reopen as the vaccination process continues in Canada. He added that the corporation is currently working on providing safer reopening conditions.

In addition to that, Mr. Doyle described the current situation as particularly difficult since thousands of employees are unable to work. But he insists that all properties are fully equipped and prepared to relaunch in safe and sustainable conditions, as the guest and staff wellbeing is a top priority. The company now has only 2 operating casinos from its total of 26 in Canada.

Past Closings

The gaming leader previously closed down Elements Casino Brantford and Shorelines Casino Thousand Island on March 21. Despite being rather recently relaunched in February both gambling properties in Ontario have fallen victim to Ontario’s new ban on social gatherings. The company awaits further update from the local government about a potential reopening date and conditions.

At the beginning of this March, the corporation suspended from operation two other of its gambling facilities. Shorelines Casino Peterborough and Shorelines Slots at Kawartha Downs in Ontario have closed down on March 7 after only a month of operations. Casino New Brunswick and Casino Nova Scotia Sydney remain as the only two standing.

Source: “Great Canadian Gaming Announces the Temporary Suspension of Operations at Casino Nova Scotia – Halifax”, Cision, April 23, 2021