Great Canadian Gaming Corporation, which operates 10 casinos in British Columbia including in Greater Victoria, is temporarily suspending all operations in an effort to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus.
“While there have been no cases of COVID-19 reported at Great Canadian Gaming Corporation, this measure has been deemed to be in the best interests of the public’s health,” the company said on its website.
Great Canadian operates the Elements casino in View Royal. It has six casinos in Metro Vancouver, including River Rock Casino Resort in Richmond, Hard Rock Casino in Coquitlam, Elements in Surrey, Elements in Chilliwack, Chances in Maple Ridge, and the Hastings Racecourse and Casino in Vancouver.
The company also runs casinos in Nanaimo and Dawson Creek, and a bingo hall in Esquimalt.
Great Canadian Gaming Corporation said all operations will be halted Sunday at 11:59 p.m.
Other B.C. casinos remain open.
Gateway Casinos and Entertainment, which operates 14 casinos in B.C. including the Starlight in New Westminster, Grand Villa in Burnaby and Chances in Langley, said they are closely monitoring the COVID-19 situation.
“At this time, Public Health Canada has assessed the health risk associated with COVID-19 as low for the general population and we have received no reports of any Gateway employees or guests with a confirmed case of COVID19,” the company said in a statement. “However, given the current situation, we are being hyper-vigilant in providing a safe and clean environment for customers and employees.”
The Parq casino in downtown Vancouver is also still open for business. The casino says it has enhanced its health and safety measures and is permitting gamblers to wear masks as long as “all required identification protocols are followed.”
