Bingo halls and casinos in Saskatchewan, Canada reopened June 20 under Step 2 of Covid-19 regulations. Most had been closed a total of 10 months, and lost about $100 million in revenue.
At most, 150 patrons were allowed in such venues, including recreational facilities and libraries. One patron waiting in line announced that he was ready to “get back out into the world and feel a little normal again.”
Saskatchewan Gaming Commission spokeswoman Shanna Schulhauser told the Global News, “We’ve been looking forward to it for weeks.”
As the casinos gradually reopen, they’re planning to bringing back laid-off employees. Casino Regina temporarily laid off 570 employees in December, recalled 243 for the reopening, and indicated the rest could return as Step 3 begins.
Saskatoon’s City Centre Bingo laid off its entire staff of 40 people last November and suffered “severe financial losses,” according to General Manager Gordy Ouellette, who said it will probably take years to recover.
Covid protocols such as social distancing, health screening and limiting of the number of games are still in place.
