Chances Casino Salmon Arm is about to make its gaming return as the casino facility is about to relaunch operations for the first time in the last 15 months. The property will officially reopen its doors on July 1, at 11 a.m. and it will be operating under a limited capacity. The reopening is possible after the province advanced into Stage 3 of its Restart Plan.
All gambling halls and casinos in British Columbia ceased operations with the beginning of the unprecedented situation in March 2020. And for the last 15 months, they have remained non-operational ever since, leaving thousands of casino workers with no occupation during the lockdown and gambling fans with no in-person gambling.
Welcoming Fans Back
The owner of Chances Casino Salmon Arm, Berezan Hospitality Group recently revealed that the gaming hotspot will be reopening doors for its eager patrons. Starting from July 1, at 11 a.m. the property will be operating at 60% of its regular capacity, and restaurant and patios areas will be currently at 50% of their usual volume. At the current time, bingo offerings will not be available.
President of the company Troy Bilodeau stated the team is extremely happy to restart operations and the casino has already had in place the mandatory health and safety measures. Mr. Bilodeau said that patrons are required to wear a protective face mask among comply with several other health and safety rules in order to protect both themselves and staff members.
Mr. Bilodeau said that the property’s dining facilities will reopen as well at reduced capacity and business hours. The president has also stated that as the provincial restart plan progresses the casino will also be revisiting its protocols, operational hours, food amenities, and potential return to full capacity once it is safer to do so.
One More Reopening
Berezan Hospitality Group’s other casino property in British Columbia will be also making its return, as Chances Casino Castlegar also reopens doors on the same day. This is the first time that the property will be reopening its doors since the beginning of the unprecedented situation in March last year. Similarly, to the other casino, guests at this one will also be required to wear a protective mask and comply with health and safety protocols.
Bingo Reopening
One gaming property in the province that has already restarted operations is the Chances Casino Signal Point in Williams Lake. The Gateway Casinos & Entertainment property has reopened its bingo offerings a few weeks ago on June 17, 2021. However, currently, the bingo services are in a limited capacity as they are available from Thursdays to Saturdays only starting at 6 p.m.
Video Statement
The lengthy casino closure in B.C. has had almost devastating effects on the almost 3,000 casino workers. New Westminster Starlight Casino staff members took part in a heartfelt video called “Don’t Forget about Casino Workers”, where several workers shared their financial struggles during the lockdown hours and waiting to return to their positions.
Source: Wickett, Martha “Chances in Salmon Arm to open doors on July 1”, Salmon Arm Observer, June 28, 2021
