Gambling in Ontario Returns as More Casinos Reopen Friday

Great news is coming from Ontario, Canada. The province is finally getting back to its normal state and the number of COVID-19 cases has been on the decline recently. Because progress is being made, casinos will be able to reopen and provide the residents with gambling services starting this Friday.

This is a part of Phase Three in Ontario’s Reopening Plan that was initially formed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Premier of Ontario, Doug Ford, stated that all of the required standards have been met and Ontario will be able to take the next step toward giving people their freedom.

What This Means for Ontario’s Casinos

Casinos in Ontario have finally received the green light from the Great Canadian Gaming Corporation (GCGC). Starting Friday, they can open their doors and provide customers with on-site gambling services.

However, there will need to adhere to a couple of rules. In order to make sure that the guests are two meters apart (roughly six feet), the properties will not be able to operate as they used to, as they can accommodate only 50% of their total capacity for the time being. It’s hoped that capacity limitations will be raised in the near future.

Great Canadian Casinos That Are Opening On Friday

There will be a total of 11 GCGC venues that will reopen on July 16. Terrence Doyle, the interim CEO of GCGC, stated that he is extremely thankful for the hard work and patience that their entire team had in the last year and a half. He added that he is ready to have the workers back to work.

These developments are especially important to the entity, as it had massive losses in 2020. As for the venues, the full list of casino facilities that are set to open on Friday includes Shorelines Slots (Kawartha Downs), Great Blue Heron Casino, Elements Casino Brantford, Shorelines Casino Belleville, Shorelines Casino Thousand Islands, Elements Casino Grand Rivers, Casino Ajax, Casino Woodbine, Elements Casino Grand Flamboro, Shorelines Casino Peterborough, and Elements Casino Mohawk.

These 11 venues will be able to offer customers various gambling services. As for the two harness tracks that are owned by Great Canadian, Flamboro Downs is closed as of now, but it will likely open its doors in September. As for Georgian Downs, the racetrack is open, but presence by live spectators is not allowed.

Other Casinos Are Opening As Well

What’s even better about Phase Three and opening up gambling facilities in Ontario is the fact that other venues, such as Fallsview Casino Resort and Casino Niagara, are planning to open up soon, as well. These two facilities are under the ownership of the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corp. and in a tweet, the entity stated that the new rules are being taken into consideration. Hence, a date on which the venues will open their doors will come soon. Casino Windsor is also worth a mention. This venue plans to open up shop on Tuesday.