THUNDER BAY — Gateway Casinos and Entertainment has announced plans for the reopening of its Thunder Bay casino.
Slot machines will be in operation starting Saturday, for the first time since the casino was closed on March 16 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Table games will not be open.
Gateway said it will use a new reservation and virtual queue system to ensure safe distancing at its Thunder Bay facility and other Gateway casinos across Ontario.
Due to the government's 50-customer capacity restriction, My Club Rewards members will be eligible to enter – accompanied by one guest only – but only by making a reservation.
Members will be notified by email with details on how to make a booking.
The system will allow gamblers to schedule their play time online, check in upon arrival, and wait in their vehicles until they are cleared to enter.
CEO Tony Santo said this will enable staff to properly prepare the gaming floor for patrons, and to ensure there is no congestion at the entrance.
The Thunder Bay casino will operate from 9 a.m. to 1 a.m.
Gateway said it will be "hyper-vigilant" with respect to adhering to cleaning protocols to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Customer-provided facemasks are mandatory.
