Land-based casinos in Winnipeg will restart operations this July, as reported by the Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries Corporation. Club Regent Casino and McPhillips Station Casino are both on schedule to reopen doors for patrons for the first time in a while. Starting from July 28, 2021, both properties will now welcome fully vaccinated guests.
In order for gamblers to visit both of the gaming hotspots, they must first present proof of full immunization against the unprecedented situation. The new health and safety rules are in accordance with the Manitoba Public Health Orders, and upon entering the premises visitors must provide the provincial official immunization card in either physical or digital form.
July Reopening
This week the Crown corporation confirmed that both Club Regent Casino and McPhillips Station Casino will both restart business hours on July 28, 2021. However, the properties will only allow fully vaccinated individuals to their premises, when they provide such proof. Starting from then the casinos will operate on a daily basis from 10 a.m. to 12 a.m.
Before visiting, gamblers must first familiarize themselves with all health and safety protocols. Out of province visitors can also access the properties by presenting their corresponding proof of vaccination. Additionally, all guests must wear protective face masks. The casinos will not perform temperature scans, as visitors will be asked screening questions before entering.
Guests can only enter Club Regent Casino through Regent Avenue and the Event Centre & Hotel Link Entrances only. McPhillips Station Casino access will be provided through the McPhillips Street Entrance and the Parkade Skywalk Entrance only. The Shark Club Gaming Centre at 233 Hargrave Street will also relaunch operations.
Patrons will also be able to access slot machines, bingo, and Electronic Touch-Bet Roulette offerings, with the mandatory physical distancing measures in place. Currently, live table games will remain closed down until further notice. Coat check services will also remain unavailable along with the Club Regent Event Centre. The Gift Shop will reopen but under limited capacity.
Digitalization of Table Games
Back in April, the Canadian Gaming Association revealed its plans to use electronic table games in Winnipeg casinos as a way of safely reopening during the unprecedented situation. However, this change would cost more than 100 job positions. The Crown informed that the new technology will be installed at Club Regent Casino, McPhillips Station Casino, and the Shark Club Gaming Centre. Over 150 workers were offered a voluntary buyout, 124 have accepted it, 24 returned and two were laid off.
Expenses Cut
In June 2020, the Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries Corporation claimed that the agency has managed to save millions of dollars after a major layoff of staff at casino properties in Manitoba were closed down due to the unprecedented situation. President of the Crown corporation, Manny Atwal revealed that the company saved over CA$1.3 million in 10 weeks of expenses after the layoffs.
Source: “Winnipeg Casinos Opening on July 28 to Fully Vaccinated Customers”, Access Winnipeg, July 21, 2021
