It has been a turbulent time for the gaming industry all over the world and Canada was no exception with almost no operational land-based casino properties for the last 12 months due to the unprecedented situation. However, there is good news on the horizon for gambling supporters, after news that government will soften restriction in several provinces.
This has given the green light for many businesses to prepare for restarting operations ahead of renewing the economy. Great Canadian Gaming is wasting no time and has already opened the doors of some of its casinos. The Crown corporation made a public statement that Elements Casino Brantford will be the next gaming venue to recommence working activities.
Officially Opened
Fans from the region will finally be able to place bets in an actual brick-and-mortar casino, after hearing the news that the Crown corporation will be reopening its Elements Casino in Brantford. This was possible due to the Ontario provincial authoritiesā briefing that the region will be moving into the red tier category of the governmentās framework meaning that some enterprises can restart working.
Starting from February 22, 2021, the casino will welcome guests but only under a certain set of safety rules. For example, there will be a limit on visitorsā capacity which must not exceed 50 individuals at a time. Players must also not come from regions with ongoing lockdown restrictions due to safety measures. Last but not least everyone must be wearing a protective mask.
After the reopening of the casino visitors can only enjoy a limited amount of slot machines, with no available table games for the time being. Food and drinks offering will also be suspended until further notice. It remains to be seen whether any other properties of the Crown agency will be reopening any time soon, but it is a start.
After the recent announcement, the corporation will have eight operational gaming venues out of its 26 total. Casino Woodbine, Elements Casino Mohawk, Elements Casino Flamboro, Casino Ajax, Great Blue Heron Casino, Elements Casino Grand River in Ontario have not yet received the nod to restart work and will be closed for the time being. All of the casinos in British Columbia also remain closed for now with no further information for relaunching.
New Brunswick
Previous public updates from the company saw the official reopening of New Brunswick Casino as well. After several months of non-operations, the gaming venue reopened its door for visitors on February 12, 2021. The corporation also informs that the standard health and safety measures will apply to all visitors of the casino, in order to keep both players and staff safe.
Three More Reopenings
The month of February also witnessed the restart of operations for three more of the gambling corporationās casinos. With Shorelines Casino Peterborough, Shorelines Casino Thousand Island, and Shoreline Slots at Kawartha opened on February 16, 2021, for gaming devotees. Safety measures also apply for these enterprises, with a player limit of 50 at a time, but only residents from non-lockdown regions are being allowed on the premises. Food and drink amenities are also currently prohibited.
Source: āGreat Canadian Gaming Announces the Reopening of Elements Casino Brantfordā, Cision, February 18, 2021
