Ontario Casinos to Begin Reopening

Ontario, Canada has begun Stage 3 of its Covid reopening plan. Casinos will be able to begin reopening July 23, operating at half-capacity at first, with enhanced cleaning and health screening.

Ontario Casinos to Begin Reopening

Casinos in Ontario, Canada will begin opening July 23 under Stage 3 of the provincial reopening plan. This allows them to operate at 50 percent capacity.

Caesars Windsor will reopen that date and will require guests to register prior to entering. About 600 employees will return to work. Three hundred previously returned to work. About 2,200 workers were laid off in March 2020 because of the pandemic.

Operations will be limited to slot machines, which will be spaced apart and some food and beverage. Enhanced cleaning, sanitation and social distancing will be in effect. Guests will be subject to health screening. Masks for all will be required.

Table games could reopen as soon as July 28.

Kevin Laforet, president of Caesars Windsor issued a press release: “We are delighted to reopen Caesars Windsor and welcome back our guests.” He continued, “As we reopen, the health and safety of our guests and our Team Members remain our top priority. We are optimistic for the future and look forward to providing an exciting entertainment experience for our guests.”

Great Canadian Gaming Corp. says it will open 11 of its casinos the same date. They include Casino Woodbine. Great Blue Heron Casino, Casino Ajax, Elements Casino Mohawk, Elements Casino Flamboro, Elements Casino Brantford, Elements Casino Grand River, Shorelines Casino Belleville, Shorelines Casino Peterborough, Shorelines Casino Thousand Islands and Shorelines Slots at Kawartha Downs. Pickering Casino Resort will reopen at a later date.

Great Canadian previously reopened casinos in British Columbia on July 1 and two casinos in Nova Scotia on June 16.