Gateway Casinos across Ontario are slowly getting back to normal.
The slot machines at Cascades Casino in Chatham, Woodstock, Clinton, and Hanover will reopen to invited guests only beginning on Thursday as part of the province’s Stage 3 guidelines. Slots at Gateway sites in London, Sarnia, and Point Edward will reopen on Saturday. The restaurants at the Chatham, Point Edward, and Hanover casinos have been open since the end of July.
“We are excited to be able to re-open our Ontario properties and welcome back some of our team members and customers. The health and well-being of our employees and guests is our top priority,” said Gateway Casinos CEO Tony Santo. “We look forward to fully re-opening and welcoming more of our guests back in the future as capacities are increased and restrictions are lifted.”
Gateway Director of Communications and Public Affairs Rob Mitchell said at the end of July there were “capacity issues with a 50 person cap” that had to be resolved. However, the provincial government mandatory maximum is still 50 guests, and only slot machines will be open. Gateway said the table games will not be operational and non-gaming amenities will be very limited. All sites except Sarnia and Clinton will offer electronic table games. The properties will be open to invited My Club Rewards members only and invited members will be notified by email with details on how to make reservations.
Gateway Casinos said rigorous health and safety procedures will be in place along with a new reservation and virtual queue system to promote safe distancing. Gateway also said it is being hyper-vigilant in its cleaning protocols throughout its properties to prevent the spread of transmittable illnesses, including COVID-19. A new reservation and virtual queue system is also being used to allow guests to book their play time online, check-in upon arrival, and safely wait in their vehicles until the casino is ready for their entry.
“This system will allow our staff to properly prepare the gaming floor for our guests, and ensure there is no congestion at the entrance as they wait to enter,” said Santo. “Things may look and feel a little different around the property, but we remain committed to making your visit enjoyable.”
Alcoholic beverages will not be available on the gaming floor at this time and only Chatham, Point Edward, and Hanover will offer food and non-alcoholic beverages on the gaming floor. More re-opening information, including details on all amenities and opening hours, can be found at the individual casino websites or by following them on social media.
Gateway is promising the following health and safety protocols to keep guests and employees safe:
• Casinos will reduce seating capacities at all available games in order to comply with public health guidelines for safe distancing and allow for a minimum of six feet between guests.
• Our facilities continue to operate with the highest health & safety standards and will follow all public health officials’ guidelines to ensure that our facilities are clean, safe and healthy.
• New training given to employees to ensure their own health and safety as well as others.
• All hard surfaces and high touch areas are sanitized frequently throughout the day.
• Employee wellness will be checked at the beginning of each shift and no employee is allowed in the facility with any flu-like symptoms.
• Our team is washing hands frequently with soap and water or with an alcohol-based hand rub for at least 20 seconds.
• All areas will be deep cleaned and sanitized at least once per day with continuous cleaning throughout the day.
• We have clearly marked areas where guests queue with floor decals for their safety and convenience.
• We have added Plexiglas barriers at players club desks, guest services, cashiers, and other areas throughout the property, to protect guests and employees alike.
• We have eliminated hand-to-hand contact with guests and co-workers, meaning no handshakes, fist bumps, high-fives, etc.
• We will continue to consult with the public health officials to ensure the health and wellbeing of guests and employees.