While opinions differ on whether we have seen the worst of the pandemic, many who enjoy gambling are likely yearning for the excitement of visiting their favorite local casino. It’s understandable that they are on the lookout for updates regarding casino reopenings both in Canada and elsewhere. Fortunately, it appears that progress is being made, with casinos gradually reopening as part of each province's strategy to recover from the Covid-19 situation. CanadaCasino has examined the latest developments across various regions.
Reopening of Physical Casinos in Canada
Every Canadian province has crafted its own plan for reopening, each progressing through distinct phases. Casinos were not among the first businesses to resume operations, and for many citizens currently, the most viable option is to take part in various online gaming platforms, which offer a secure gaming setting from a public health standpoint! Canadian online casinos The following is a concise summary of the reopening strategies for casinos by province, specifically aimed at those who prefer the traditional in-person casino atmosphere.
September Update! Casinos in Ontario and New Brunswick Set to Reopen
Great Canadian Gaming has officially announced that its casino locations in Ontario and New Brunswick are scheduled to reopen on September 28! This news is exceptionally welcome after several months of closures.
A total of 11 casinos in Ontario will resume operations, each permitted to host 50 guests at a time. Unfortunately, table games will remain unavailable for the moment. Other casino establishments in Ontario have yet to reveal their opening dates, following last month’s determination by some venues, including Caesars Windsor , that the 50-guest limit was impractical. Likewise, Fallsview Casino Resort and Casino Niagara have not yet confirmed their reopening timelines.
As for the New Brunswick Casino, it will open with a 25% capacity limit, allowing only a portion of its slot machines to function as part of measures promoting social distancing.
Alberta – physical casinos are now operational!
On a positive note, casinos in Alberta have already reopened , implementing various protocols to mitigate the risk of Covid-19 transmission. Multiple casinos welcomed guests again on June 12, having been closed since March 17.
River Cree Casino has reopened with capacity restrictions, enhanced cleaning practices, barriers installed between slot machines, and other safety measures. All games, except for Blackjack and Poker, have resumed, alongside the reopening of restaurants.
Other casinos that have recently reopened include Century Casinos in St. Albert, Edmonton, and Century Mile, as well as Pure Casino situated on Yellowhead Trail.
Great Canadian Gaming Corporation, managing land-based casinos in Halifax and Sydney, has received approval to reopen as of June. However, a specific date has not yet been finalized. Residents of Halifax and Sydney should expect to visit Casino Nova Scotia venues in the near future.
Nova Scotia – casinos reopening soon!
British Columbia – no reopening schedule available
In British Columbia, casinos will only be permitted to reopen as part of the province’s Phase 4 strategy, which also includes conventions, professional sports, international tourism, and live concerts. Regrettably, Phase 4 currently mandates the availability of a vaccine to the broader community , so gamblers will need to consider alternatives for now!
Manitoba has announced that some indoor establishments, such as bingo halls and billiard rooms, will open their doors on June 21 as part of Phase 3, but the casinos in the province remain closed for the time being.
Manitoba
Casinos in Quebec are beginning to reopen! Casino de Montreal plans to resume operations on August 3, with six different sections available, each accommodating a maximum of 250 visitors. Guests are required to reserve their attendance through an RSVP system.
Quebec
Additionally, land-based casinos in Quebec will be the first in Canada to reopen table games in the aftermath of the COVID-19 crisis . Masks are mandatory, guests must sanitize their hands before and after participating in table games, and they will be provided with a stylus to avoid directly touching equipment.
Saskatchewan has reopened its physical casinos as of July 9, although card games are currently unavailabe. Masks are necessary for both patrons and employees.
Saskatchewan
Prince Edward Island has reached Phase 4 of its reopening strategy as of June 26, which includes the reopening of casinos. The Red Shores casino locations in Charlottetown and the gaming floor in Summerside are now operational, albeit with limited capacity .
Prince Edward Island
In Yukon, the only gaming venue is the Diamond Tooth Gerties Gambling Hall in Dawson City. As of June 12, the establishment has indicated that it is collaborating with the Chief Medical Officer of Health and the Yukon Government with plans to open shortly.
Yukon
The NorthWest Territories has no government-licensed casinos, and the province is still in Stage 2 of its reopening framework.
NorthWest Territories
Meanwhile, in the United States, casinos in Las Vegas reopened on June 4 following a 78-day closure. The reopening was marked by fireworks and a fountain performance at Bellagio. Every location had to have its safety protocols approved by the Nevada Gaming Control Board, and all casinos are operational at reduced capacity, with added precautions such as hand sanitizer stations and mandatory masks for staff. Although the experience isn't quite the same as before, it appears that progress is being made, and a significant number of gamblers have already returned to the vibrant atmosphere of Las Vegas!
Casino Reopenings in the US
In other states, casinos began reopening much earlier than those in Vegas, with some opening as early as May 1 in Idaho. The inaugural casino to reopen in Washington, Northern Quest Casino, welcomed guests back on May 5, while casinos in Florida, Iowa, Mississippi, Pennsylvania, Missouri, and West Virginia were also allowed to reopen by the end of May (you can view a full list of updates).
It is evident that Canada and the US are adopting markedly different strategies for the post-Covid reopening process, with Canada opting for a much more gradual and regulated approach. States and casino reopenings here ).
Online Casinos Versus Brick-and-Mortar Casinos
There's nothing quite like the thrill of stepping inside a traditional casino every so often. However, given the recent events, many gamblers have turned to online casino platforms to experience the excitement of slots and table games.
These online platforms also serve as an excellent alternative for those who enjoy classic table games, as they allow players to engage with a live dealer in real-time while enjoying iconic games like Roulette, Blackjack, and Baccarat. Live casino games Moreover, many players discover a broader selection of games on online platforms and have the potential to take advantage of larger bonuses and promotional offers, due to the fierce competition among online operators. Since Canadian laws on online gambling do not prevent residents from accessing offshore casino websites, the options for real money play are quite extensive.
CanadaCasino provides expert reviews of licensed online operators, ensuring a safe gaming environment for players. We advocate for responsible gambling (19+, ResponsibleGambling.org) and encourage safe, enjoyable experiences. Always remember that gambling should be primarily viewed as entertainment, not a way to generate income. Maintain control and gamble sensibly!