Across 44 cities, there are 74 casinos in Ontario. A few of these establishments are owned and managed by First Nations, and many are governmental casinos. However, the most important question that many gamblers ask themselves is, ‘When will casinos reopen in Ontario Canada?’. Stay tuned because, throughout this article, we’ll give answers to this question.
Ontario Opens Casinos
Ontario casinos were temporarily closed due to COVID-19 restrictions, but they have since reopened with changes in place. The province of Ontario no longer requires proof of vaccination to enter casino floors, indoor dining establishments, and live entertainment venues. Furthermore, most of the casinos are now open 24/7 with self-parking available for guests, and capacity limits and restrictions have been lifted.
Enhanced cleaning procedures and hand sanitiser stations are provided across casino facilities, and guests are encouraged to wash their hands frequently. Although proof of vaccination and COVID-19 screening were previously required to enter any facility in the province, they are no longer necessary. However, nearly 19,000 employees were affected by the closures of Ontario’s casinos prior to the pandemic.
Ontario’s in-person gaming-related OLG outlets, such as casinos and electronic gaming centres, were temporarily closed until at least January 26, 2022 , due to concerns over the Omicron variant. However, starting on February 17, 2022, Ontario casinos were free of almost all government-imposed COVID-19 operating restrictions. This meant that players were able to enjoy their favourite games without capacity restrictions or vaccine mandates.
After a long period of closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Ontario casinos were reopening their doors to the public. The Ontario government announced that casinos could resume operations with limited capacity and safety protocols in place. This news was welcomed by the casino industry and enthusiasts alike as it provided much-needed relief for the economy.
On the other hand, the good thing about gambling online is that the pandemic had no negative effect on it. For this reason, players aged 19+ who visited the best Ontario online casino sites, were able to enjoy their games as always. Online gambling offers the convenience of playing from anywhere, but you should always play responsibly.
When Will Casinos Reopen in Ontario Canada?
If you are a player who is interested in gambling in Ontario, you may be asking yourself: ‘ When will casinos reopen in Ontario Canada?’. We’re going to tell you which of the most important casinos in the province are open. Whether it’s due to closedowns because of the pandemic or any other reasons, it’s good to know that the following establishments are open:
- Niagara Fallsview Casino
- Caesars Windsor Casinos
- Casino Rama Resort
- Casino Niagara
- Shorelines Casino Thousand Islands
- Great Blue Heron Casino
- OLG Casino Sault Ste Marie
- Starlight Casino Point Edward
- Casino Ajax
- Gateway Casinos Thunder Bay
Ontario is home to a diverse range of casinos catering to all types of players, offering everything from sit-down poker games to stadium games and casual slots. There are several iconic casinos in Ontario, like the ones mentioned above. They offer a great selection of games, upscale amenities, and easy access to entertainment and natural wonders, such as Niagara Falls.
Some casinos in Ontario offer state-of-the-art technology games, while others are scattered throughout the province and known for their slot machines. The best Ontario casinos are overseen by regulatory bodies such as the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario. If you’re wondering which casinos are open in Ontario, it’s best to check online as they may have different operating hours.
If you like playing from the comfort of home instead of travelling to a land-based casino, we recommend trying the best online casinos in Canada. However, bear in mind you must be 19+ and you should gamble responsibly. They offer a wide range of features that make them stand out. They are licensed and regulated by reputable authorities, such as the Kahnawake Gaming Commission.
They also offer a vast selection of games, including popular slot titles, table games, and live dealer games, among others. These games are provided by top software developers like Microgaming, NetEnt, and Evolution Gaming. Besides, they offer generous welcome bonuses, fast and secure payments, SSL encryption, and customer support available 24/7 through live chat, email, or phone.
Casinos Reopening in Ontario – OLG and First Nation Casinos
Which casinos are ropening in Ontario? Ontario’s provincial government maintains a monopoly on most forms of gambling, including casinos. However, the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) has partnered with several First Nations communities to operate casinos on their lands. For example, Casino Rama, located in Orillia, is owned and operated by the Chippewas of the Rama First Nation.
Other First Nations casinos in Ontario include the Great Blue Heron Casino, owned by the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation, and the Thousand Islands Casino, owned by the Mohawks of Akwesasne. These casinos provide jobs and revenue for the First Nations communities that operate them, and they offer a range of gaming options, including slots, table games, and poker.
The Ontario government has recently opened up the online gaming market to private operators, which could potentially lead to more opportunities for First Nations communities to participate in this industry. In Ontario, there are several government-operated casinos that are overseen by the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG).
The OLG is a Crown agency that is responsible for managing gaming, lotteries, and other forms of gambling in the province. There are currently four full-service casinos in Ontario that are operated by the OLG: Casino Rama Resort, Casino Niagara, Fallsview Casino Resort, and Caesars Windsor Hotel and Casino. These casinos offer a variety of gaming options.
The aforementioned casinos also feature restaurants, entertainment venues, and other amenities. In addition to these full-service casinos, the OLG also operates several smaller gaming facilities throughout the province. These include slot machine facilities, such as OLG Slots at Georgian Downs and OLG Slots at Woodbine Racetrack, as well as bingo halls and charitable gaming centres.
As obvious as it may sound, all the casinos mentioned throughout this article are subject to the gambling laws in Ontario. On the other hand, the revenues generated by these casinos and gaming facilities are used to support various government programs and initiatives, including healthcare, education, and community infrastructure projects.
Casino Safety Recommendations
With casinos reopening in Ontario, both visitors and employees are expected to follow strict health and safety guidelines, such as wearing masks and practicing social distancing. The reopening of Ontario casinos is a positive step forward in the recovery process and signals a hopeful future for the industry.
Now that we know the answer to the question ‘Are casinos open in Ontario?’, we would like to give a series of safety instructions to prevent the spreading of any diseases at casino facilities. Have a look at the safety suggestions in the chart below:
| 🧼 Wash your Hands | Wash your hands frequently and use the hand sanitizer stations located throughout the gaming floor. |
| ✋ Avoid Touching Your Face | Avoid touching your face, eyes, or mouth while playing slots, table games, or poker. |
| 🧑🤝🧑 Social Distancing | Maintain a safe distance from other players when playing in groups or at crowded tables for games like blackjack, roulette, and poker. |
| 🧍 Play Alone | Consider playing alone at slot machines or other individual games to minimize close contact with others. |
| 😷 Wear a Mask | Wear a mask when playing in crowded areas or when you are unable to maintain a safe distance from others. |
| 🤭 Cover your Mouth | Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or elbow when coughing or sneezing. |
| 🎰 Avoid Sharing Materials | Avoid sharing chips, drinks, or any other items with other players. |
| 🚫 Avoid Touching People | Avoid shaking hands or high-fives with other players or dealers. |
| ⏸️ Take a Break | Take a break from the gaming floor and find a quiet space to relax and unwind. |
| 🏠 Stay Home | Stay home if you are feeling unwell or have any flu-like symptoms. |
In conclusion, practising proper hygiene and taking precautions can greatly reduce the risk of spreading diseases at casinos. It is important to sanitize hands regularly, avoid touching one’s face, and wear a mask when possible. Furthermore, players can choose to play alone or in small groups to minimize contact with others.
As for the availability of casinos in Ontario, the province’s government maintains a monopoly on most forms of gambling, but the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) operates several full-service casinos. It’s recommended to check with the casinos directly or with OLG for the latest updates on their operations, as the situation may vary depending on current health guidelines.
Conclusion
To conclude, “What casinos are open in Ontario?” and “When will casinos reopen in Ontario Canada?” are common questions gamblers may have when planning to visit a casino in Ontario. In September 2021, casinos in Ontario were open with capacity limits and health measures in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Nonetheless, since February 2022, Ontario casinos are free of almost all government-imposed COVID-19 operating restrictions.
After a long period of closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Ontario casinos are finally reopening their doors to the public. With casinos reopening in Ontario, visitors and employees are expected to follow strict health and safety guidelines. If you’re wondering which casinos are open in Ontario today, it’s important to note that the status of casino openings can change quickly.
All in all, most casinos have reopened with strict health and safety protocols in place. Overall, the reopening of Ontario casinos is a positive step forward in the recovery process and signals a hopeful future for the industry. With these casinos open in Ontario, visitors can enjoy a fun and safe gaming experience in the province.
FAQs
This article named ‘Are Casinos in Ontario Open?’ has nearly come to an end. However, we have included some commonly asked questions to solve any doubts you may have. Keep in mind that the answers will jump to the paragraph of your interest. We hope that you find the questions helpful. See them below: