Gateway Casinos Begins Phased Reopening of Ontario Properties

After months of being shut down due to the pandemic, Gateway Casino Casinos has begun reopening its Ontario properties—but it’s not as simple as flipping a switch. The process is happening in phases, with a strong focus on safety and health protocols. The first to reopen was the Grand Villa Casino in Burnaby, British Columbia, on April 28th, and Ontario casinos are following suit in a more gradual manner.

A Phased Approach: What’s the Strategy?

The phased reopening allows Gateway Casino Casinos to ensure everything runs smoothly and safely. It’s not just about unlocking doors and welcoming back eager guests; it’s about creating a controlled environment where both patrons and staff feel secure.

By reopening in stages, Gateway Casino is testing and tweaking its operations at each location. This method minimizes risk and allows for adjustments based on real-time feedback. That means if there’s a snag at one location, it can be addressed without causing widespread issues across all their properties.

New Health & Safety Protocols: What You Should Expect

Walking into a Gateway Casino casino now is different from pre-pandemic visits. The company has introduced a series of health and safety protocols to protect everyone on the premises. Here’s what you can expect:

• Masks Are Mandatory: Whether you’re betting at the tables or spinning slots, wearing a mask is non-negotiable.
• Social Distancing: The casino floors have been reconfigured to maintain distance between players. Don’t expect to squeeze in next to a stranger at the blackjack table anymore.
• Limited Capacity: Fewer people are allowed inside at one time, which could mean waiting a little longer to enter.
• Increased Cleaning: Enhanced sanitation protocols are in place, with high-contact areas like game machines and tables being cleaned regularly.
• Temperature Checks: Expect to have your temperature taken at the entrance. If you’re not feeling well, it’s better to stay home.

These measures are designed to balance the desire to gamble with the need to protect public health.

What’s Open and What’s Not

As Gateway Casino continues to reopen its Ontario casinos, not all areas of the properties will be available immediately. Some restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues may remain closed or operate with limited services. However, the gaming floors, including slot machines and table games, are welcoming players back.

While the overall experience might be a bit more low-key than before, the heart of the casino—gaming—remains front and center. For those who have missed the thrill of the tables or the lights and sounds of the slots, this phased reopening is a welcome return to some form of normalcy.

Will Players Return?

It’s the big question on everyone’s mind: after months of closures and a global health crisis, will players come back in droves? The phased reopening is designed to gauge demand and manage crowds, but early signs show that many are eager to return. Casinos are, after all, a place where the promise of a win, or at least a night of entertainment, still holds strong appeal.

However, the success of these reopenings will ultimately depend on how well the new safety measures are received and whether players feel comfortable in the new environment. Gateway Casino is betting on a slow, steady comeback, with safety taking the highest priority.

Looking Forward

As the reopening progresses, more of Gateway Casino casino’s Ontario properties will become available to the public. For now, it’s all about ensuring that the process is smooth, safe, and effective. The phased approach shows that Gateway Casino is taking a measured risk, one that they hope will lead to a full-scale return to business as usual—albeit with a few pandemic-inspired changes.

In the meantime, players looking to visit one of Gateway Casino’s casinos should be prepared for a slightly different experience, one that prioritizes health and safety without losing sight of the fun that brings people to casinos in the first place.