In Ontario as in indeed in most parts of Canada and the world the casino industry has been gravely affected in the wake of the surge of COVID. With the mutation and spread of the highly contagious Omicron variant, the Ontario government ordered a shutdown of land-based casinos. This has in no small measure, caused a great loss in income. The question on the lips of many operators and players is ‘when will casinos reopen in Ontario?’ and luckily the date have been announced by the provincial government.
However, it appears the question is gaining positive and rapid responses as the government is planning a schedule to start to reopen the casinos and resume activities in full gear. In this article, we’ll look at the reopening plan for the next few weeks. However, the reopening will be cautious and gradual.
While we know Ontario Casino reopening date for 2022, stay tuned at realmoneycasinoonline.ca. We will keep you posted as soon as more info on other provinces will become available.
Phase 1: Casinos Reopen in Ontario on January 31st at 50% operation
Since the government announced the closure of all casino and sports centers on January 5, the first time it is considering reopening is January 31. The first phase of the reopening schedule is to kick off on January 31. The measure will include limits on social gatherings. To keep a reasonable physical distance, casinos are expected to admit only 10 people for indoor activities while 25 people are to maintain the outdoors.
With this in mind, casinos will only operate either at 500 people at a seating or 50 per cent seated capacity. The 50 per cent capacity rule also applies to casinos’ operations in restaurants, bars, retailers, grocery stores. However, at these food and drink venues, dance facilities are prohibited. Recreational and fitness facilities, as well as non-spectator areas, are to also operate at 50 per cent capacity.
Phase 2: February 21 - Ontario Casinos Reopen expanded
Barring an increase in the breakout of the Omicron variant, the second phase of the casino reopening is to begin on February 21. This idea is to consolidate the gains recorded in phase one. By this time, capacity at social events, including casinos, is expected to increase to 25 people for indoor activities and 100 people for outdoors.
However, the capacity limit will be lifted so long participants are able to provide proof of vaccination. The two-meter physical distance will be required but spectator capacity at various casinos and other venues and sporting events will increase by another 50 per cent capacity. Meanwhile, Indoor capacity at casinos will increase by another 25 per cent.
Phase 3: March 14
All things being equal, the final phase of the reopening schedule is expected to start on March 14. While the capacity for outdoor activities at the casinos will increase by another 50 per cent, outdoor limits will have no cap. However, casino managements across the board will be expected to enforce responsible gatherings. Proof of vaccination will be required before admittance is granted into the casinos. Capacity limits in many indoor public settings will be lifted gradually.
Casinos that will reopen in order of this schedule will have to adhere strictly to all COVID measures. What is uncertain as of writing is if the government’s reopening will sanction casinos to throw their food and beverages centers open for fans. If you’re attending games at the casinos, you may have to take caution. Of the 114 casinos in Canada, Ontario alone is home to 70, making it the province with the largest online gambling and casino presence. Some of the leading operators include Woodbine Casino, Caesars Windsor, Fallsview Casino, and Casino Rama.
Trends of 2022 COVID Stats in Ontario
As of writing, there are 984,359 cases across the province of Ontario, with 10,865 deaths and 898,589. Meanwhile, there are 4,114 people hospitalized in Ontario with COVID. Of this number, 590 patients are acutely ill and receiving specialized treatment and critical medical care. This figure shows that 46 per cent of those in hospitals tested positive for the virus but were admitted on different grounds. Whereas, 54 percent of the patients are on admission as a result of the virus.
Conclusion
With restrictions being gradually lifted across the province of Ontario, it is the belief of the government that casino operators and players will comply with the COVID protocols. Casino management will be expected to put in place measures to contain the spread of the virus. Operators are to enforce capacity limits, wearing of nose masks, and social and physical distancing. They’re to also provide hand sanitizers and wash hand basins.
Also, check our article about PokerStars opening in Ontario!
FAQ
Ontario Casino Reopening Date for land casinos is set to be January 31st at 50% capacity.
