Ontario’s casinos have been hard-hit by COVID-19.
“Like all businesses in Ontario and across the country, the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted OLG,” said spokesperson Rui Brum, noting that the casinos closed March 16, “which has reduced our revenue streams by more than half.”
OLG continued to sell lottery tickets, both online and through retail outlets, but the casinos have remained closed — with a 100 per cent decline in revenues, both for the operators and for their host communities.
Back in July, Brum noted, “Casinos will reopen only when it is permitted by the province, and the service providers responsible for the day-to-day operations of the 27 casinos across Ontario are ready to open and operate in a manner that complies with appropriate public health and safety protocols.”
That day has now come for Gateway Casinos & Entertainment Ltd., a company that operates 26 gaming properties in British Columbia and Ontario, including Georgian Downs in Innisfil.
This week, a spokesperson announced that Gateway has "started to prepare for the reopening of gaming operations at most of our locations in Ontario."
Woodstock, Clinton and Hanover casinos will reopen on Oct. 8; other sites, including Innisfil, will reopen on Saturday, Oct. 10.
Returning patrons will discover a very different environment. The province has mandated a maximum of only 50 guests inside at any one time, and only the slot machines will be in operation. Table games, and most non-gaming amenities, will remain closed.
Attendance will be by invitation and reservation only, initially. My Club Rewards members will be the first invited back, contacted by email with information on how to make reservations.
Guests will be asked to book their play time online, then check-in when they arrive and wait in the parking lot, in their vehicles, until staff have prepared for their entry, following stepped-up cleaning and safety protocols.
"This system will allow our staff to properly prepare the gaming floor for our guests, and ensure there is no congestion at the entrance as they wait to enter," explained Tony Santo, CEO at Gateway Casinos.
Staff will be required to wear face coverings, plexiglass barriers have been installed at locations that include point-of-sale desks and guest services, and seating has been reduced in restaurants and bars.
Guests will be asked to maintain social distancing and wear a face covering, in accordance with local and provincial health regulations, although they will be required to remove their face masks briefly, for identification purposes. Sanitizer and handwashing stations will be available.
"Things may look and feel a little different around the property, but we remain committed to making your visit enjoyable," Santo said.
Gateway Casinos Innisfil will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m., as of Oct. 10. For more information, click here.
"We look forward to fully reopening and welcoming more of our guests back in future as capacities are increased and restrictions are lifted," Santo said.
