At the end of last week, Loto-Québec announced that casino properties in the province are now ready to restart work. The Crown corporation informed that gamblers will be allowed to return to land-based gaming properties on February 28, 2022, however, they must operate under mandatory health and safety measures and limited patron capacity.
Previously, Quebec has decided to suspend entertainment venues such as casino properties at the end of last December, due to the rising cases of the unprecedented situation. Besides casinos, Loto-Québec reported that VLTs, bingo, and Kinzo offerings at bars were also closed down. Now almost two months later they can restart work, says the Provincial Government.
Save the Date
Last Tuesday, Loto-Quebec announced that casino properties are on track to reopen on February 28, 2022. This includes Casino Montreal, Casino Charlevoix and Casino Lac-Leamy, as well as the Trois-Rivières and Quebec City gaming rooms. Additionally, the Crown corporation informed Casino de Mont-Tremblant a few days later on Thursday, March 3, 2022.
The Crown agency has also shared that with casinos, VLTs at bars and Kinzo locations will also restart work. However, every property’s working hours will vary, says Loto-Quebec. Visitors must also present vaccine passports to gain entry to the gaming properties, as well as wear a protective face mask. Employees are also required to wear masks.
On Tuesday, Minister of Health and Social Services Christian Dubé has also commented that vaccination passports and mandates will be here to stay. Also, the reopening casino properties will be allowed to function at 50% of the maximum capacity, while the opening of theatres will be happening with 100% of the guest capacity but with applicable health measures.
Statement on Last Closure
When the Crown corporation closed casino properties at the end of last year, its President and CEO of the Crown corporation, Jean-François Bergeron issued a statement. Back then he said that this closure will be different from the previous ones, as the Crown knows to react. The idea was to transfer most of its employees to customer services.
Also last year, the state-run corporation published its fiscal numbers for its second quarter of 2021-2022, which concluded on September 27, 2021. During the said quarter, the corporation informed of over CA$388 million of revenue, which is a 58% increase over the same quarter a year back. The company also shared that it was close to hitting its annual targets.
No Staff Mandatory Vaccination
Back in September last year, Mr. Bergeron revealed that the Crown organization will not require its staff members to get the jab for the virus. He insisted that in contrast to other institutions the Crown does not plan on making it mandatory for its staff to get vaccinated. Also at the time, he said that the company does not know the exact immunization rate of its staff but it is close to the province’s one of 77% from back then.
Source: “Quebec casinos to reopen on February 28, with health measures in place”, CTV News, February 11, 2022
