On 1 July, Elements Casino in Surrey, a member of the Great Canadian Gaming Corporation, reopened for business.
After a pause of over 16 months, casino venues across British Columbia have been given the go-ahead to reopen. Amongst the first to do so has been the Elements Casino Surrey, which began welcoming back its players on 1 July. For the time being, the property is operating under strict safety and health protocols to protect both its staff and patrons.
As the result of the ongoing pandemic, all casino venues in British Columbia had to close their doors in March 2020. However, after a lull in activity that lasted close to a year and a half, the province has finally shifted into level three of its economic recovery plan, allowing many businesses, including casinos, to reopen.
1 July Reopening
The spokesman for the Great Canadian Gaming Corporation, Chuck Keeling, stated that, overall, the reopening of the company’s casinos in British Columbia went smoothly. Keeling explained that the main challenge involved staff brushing up on old skills and getting educated about the new compulsory health and safety procedures.
Keeling added that despite the reduced capacity, the atmosphere at the casino was electric, and players were pleased to return. To curtail the spread of the virus, the Great Canadian Gaming Corporation implemented social distancing measures in the form of plexiglass barriers, enhanced sanitation, and modified table-game offerings. Visitors and staff are also required always to wear a protective mask.
According to the provincial government’s restart plan, should there be no more setbacks or obstacles, all casinos will be able to operate at their full capacity from 7 September. However, Keeling stated that the company’s casinos are happy to reopen immediately despite the reduced capacity and that it had put a significant amount of effort into reopening their business, following the announcement of the restart plan on 25 May.
General Manager of Elements Casino Surrey, Michael Worth, stated that the buffet service will remain closed but should be available from 7 September. However, there will be food and drink amenities accessible throughout the property. According to the current schedule, slot machines will be available 24/7, although table games have been limited from 10 am to 2 pm from Sunday to Thursday and 10 am to 4 pm on Fridays and Saturdays.
