Ontario casinos announce reopening

The Ontario Government is planning to lift Covid restrictions on January 31.

Canada.- The Ontario government has announced its plans to lift Covid-19 restrictions. Casinos will be permitted to reopen at 50 per cent capacity on January 31 while sports venues can raise their capacity to 50 per cent from February 21. The government aims to remove all capacity limits by March 14. 

Duncan Hannay, president and CEO of the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG), said: “OLG is happy the Province’s popular gaming facilities will once again reopen to provide world-class entertainment, dining options and other amenities to adult Ontarians in a safe and secure environment.

“In partnership with our service providers, OLG is proud to contribute to the re-opening of the economy with health and safety as a top priority.”

Proof of Covid vaccination and masks will be mandatory when entering casinos and sports venues in the province. No end date has been announced for these measures.

The Rideau Carleton Casino announced on its website that its slot games will be available 24/7, starting at 9am on January 31 as part of its first round of a phased reopening, which will also include Mr Lucky restaurant, which will open 8am to 2am.

Vaccinations must be completed 14 days prior to the date of entry, the casino added, and a QR code must be presented.

Casinos in Ontario closed on January 5 due to the rise in cases of Covid-19. 

See also: Responsible Gambling Council launched awareness campaign for Ontario residents