Canada: Winnipeg casinos to open July 28 for fully vaccinated guests

Casinos in Winnipeg, the capital of the Canadian province of Manitoba, are set to reopen next week to fully vaccinated patrons.

Casinos were part of the second phase of reopening in Manitoba. Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries (MLL) confirmed Tuesday that McPhillips Station and Club Regent casinos and the downtown Shark Club Gaming Centre will be opening on July 28, Winnipeg Free Press reports.

All patrons will be required to show proof of COVID-19 immunization and matching valid identification. The establishments are expecting to accept out-of-province immunization records, as well as Manitoba immunization records with a QR code.

In a statement, MLL said vaccinations aren't a condition of employment for any staff at Casinos of Winnipeg. Casino staff won't have to show proof of vaccination to go to work, but the Crown corporation said it strongly recommends all employees get immunized.

Casinos were one of the few types of businesses required to remain closed under Manitoba's public health orders, even after its summer reopening plan began in June. The establishments are permitted to open under the second phase of the three-part plan, which no longer mandates any business to be shut down, as long as pandemic restrictions are followed.

The casinos will be open daily from 10 a.m. to midnight, and the Shark Club Gaming Centre will be open from noon to 10 p.m. 

Future Hard Rock Casino in Ottawa

The Rideau Carleton Casino, future site of the Hard Rock Casino in Ottawa, Ontario, will be reopening by mid-August, the casino says.

"Taking a phased approach to reopening, the first phase will be completed on or before Aug. 16, 2021. Currently, Rideau Carleton Raceway, sister property to the casino, is broadcasting its live harness racing, and welcoming spectators outdoors," a statement from the casino said, as reported by CTV News.

Casinos can reopen with 50 percent capacity under Step 3 of Ontario's reopening plan. Guest must maintain physical distance between each other and there will be impermeable barriers, such as Plexiglas, in between players and table game employees. Ottawa's temporary mandatory mask bylaw also remains in effect.

“We are very excited that the province of Ontario is on the path to a full reopening and we are working hard to welcome back our team members and guests to a safe and sound and fun environment,” said General Manager Helen MacMillan.

Some casinos in Ontario have already reopened, including the Great Canadian Gaming properties, and some Gateway casinos.