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B.C. casinos set to re-open for gamblers on Canada Day

Players are being allowed back into B.C. casinos, but still with some COVID-19 safety measures in place
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The province's casinos will re-open to players on July 1, as part of the government's Step 3 of the re-start plan | Photo: BCLC

In two days, B.C.’s casinos will be re-opening to the public, as part of the province’s move into “Step 3” of the pandemic recovery.

This Thursday, July 1, casinos across the region will be allowed to have players walk through the doors for the first time in more than 15 months.

That includes the likes of the River Rock in Richmond, Starlight in New Westminster, Grand Villa in Burnaby and Parq in Vancouver.

Casinos and community gaming centres, which have been closed since March 16, 2020, will now re-open this week, although players will still see some changes.

Those changes include reduced capacity, physical distancing measures, new table-game procedures, enhanced sanitation and mandatory face coverings.

“As gambling facilities across B.C. prepare to welcome guests back on July 1, the health and safety of our players, employees and communities are our top priority,” said Lynda Cavanaugh, interim president and CEO of BCLC.

“Together with our casino service providers and thousands of industry employees, we’ve been working hard behind the scenes to provide an exceptional entertainment experience for our players when they’re ready to return.”

GameSense Advisors will also return to casinos across B.C., with a remit to supporting players with “informed decision-making and positive play.”

Richmond News