Casino hotspots across some parts of Ontario remain closed nearly six months after the beginning of lockdown. Casino operators such as Great Canadian Gaming seek ways in which they could discuss the subject of reopening with the government and come up with more favorable conditions and protocols. Right now the in-person gaming cap is set at 50 individuals at all times.
Elements Casino Brantford is one of the locations still closed for business but the employees associated with it want to see a change in the foreseeable future. Cary MacMillan, of Unifor Local 504, confirmed that Great Canadian Gaming has introduced a reopening plan to the government and it is currently reviewed by the officials.
Reopening Plans
In this particular situation, there are about 500 individuals seeking an opportunity to get back to work as soon as possible and see all safety measures introduced to the casino floor. This will provide them and their families with the reliable income they need during these trying times. For nearly six months these people have remained home since they had been laid off.
The labor union representing them has been working with the casino operator in order to guarantee them continuous benefits payments throughout these months. They want to return to their daily work and help the city coffers with healthy gaming revenue allocations. It could be recalled that Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation greenlighted in-person gaming as part of the third stage of the provincial reopening plan.
However, one of the conditions was that venues have to maintain a player limit of 50 individuals allowed to gamble at all times. For many casino locations, such as Caesars Windsor this is not a viable option for reopening, as its operation would not be sustainable in the long run. Unifor local 444 President Dave Cassidy recently unveiled that Great Canadian Gaming is pondering with the idea of introducing special pods within the casino area of the hotspot.
Unionized Workers
These pods would allow the casino venue to relaunch operation at 6-percent capacity and welcome up to 600 individuals at all times. This is a surge from the initially allowed 50 players and that could eventually enable the safe reopening with all safety protocols intact. It should be taken into account that the casino venue is designed in a way that handles up to 10,000 players.
Such an approach might be the right way to go for other casinos across Ontario and the casino operators want a direct dialogue with the government, so all concerns could be addressed. Paul Burns, president and CEO of the Canadian Gaming Association, also made it clear that the reopening plan local casinos aim to implement has been developed for months now and it is a well-rounded one.
He also pointed out that the casino management of many venues is ready to explain everything surrounding the projected daily operation over the upcoming months and all the ways in which it could be optimized and mutually beneficial for all parties involved.
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