Great Canadian Gaming Corporation remains flexible regardless of the constantly changing situation, as it recently became clear. The casino operator recently made it clear that it will have to temporarily close Elements Casino Mohawk and Elements Casino Flamboro, both located in Ontario. The announcement aligns with the health recommendations of Ontario’s government.
The unprecedented situation has taken its toll on the Canadian gambling field and casino operators remain as flexible as possible over this dynamically changing year. Ontario’s provincial government recently made it clear that some businesses will have to introduce new restrictions to their operation over the upcoming weeks, in order to protect the health of both their customers and staff. Casino locations are also among these venues.
Ontario Casinos
Up until this point, casino venues were allowed to welcome up to 50 individuals at all times, in order to promote physical distancing and keep all players healthy and enjoying the gaming offerings. This was already considered tough on the casino operators, which relaunched daily operation without projections for substantial revenue in the upcoming months.
Now it became clear that further restrictions will have to be introduced by the venues, eventually calling for action. In response, Great Canadian Gaming Corporation announced it will have to temporarily suspend gaming operation at two of its gaming hotspots. Elements Casino Flamboro in Hamilton and Elements Casino Mohawk in Milton will have to close for business indefinitely. This change will come in effect on November 15, 2020, at 11:59 p.m. EST.
For the time being, no timeline for their reopening has been publicly issued. It should be noted that the two casinos were among the Great Canadian Gaming locations which relaunched operation on September 28 following months of lockdown. The casino operator is willing to collaborate with the province of Ontario and act accordingly. It could be recalled that last week saw yet another announcement coming from it.
Elements Casino
Great Canadian Gaming Corporation had been preparing for the official reopening of one of its casino hotspots but there was a change of plans. Casino Woodbine did not return to its daily operation on November 14, as it was previously announced, as the unprecedented situation calls for more caution. The venue adjacent to Woodbine Racetrack will remain closed for business until further notice.
The gaming hotspot suspended its operation on October 9 following several weeks of gaming on its premises and it was supposed to relaunch operation on November 14. In-person gambling continues in the New Brunswick and Nova Scotia gaming properties managed by the casino leader. While in-person gaming remains largely influenced by the situation on a provincial level, the casino leader recently announced it has entered a definitive agreement for its acquisition.
The casino operator is going to be acquired by Apollo Global Management, Inc. striving to improve its gambling and hospitality potential. The acquisition will amount to some CA$3.3 billion in Great Canadian Gaming common stock. Apollo Global Management has offered CA$39 per share but minority shareholders were quick to express their opposition.