Three northern Ontario casinos to reopen Saturday

Sudbury — Gateway Casinos has announced it will reopen Ontario gaming facilities this week, starting with some in southern Ont. on Thursday and the rest, except Casino Rama Resort, on Saturday.

Locations in Chatham, Clinton, Hanover and Woodstock will reopen Oct. 8 and all others, excluding Casino Rama Resort, will reopen Oct. 10 after being closed for nearly seven months.

New precautions put in place

All casinos are restricted to 50 guests and will only operate slot machines and limited non-gaming amenities. Table games will not be open.

The facilities will require customers to book a reservation and invited members will be notified by email on how to make one. The virtual queue system will also allow customers to check-in upon arrival and wait in their vehicles until entry.

"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," said Tony Santo, chief executive officer at Gateway Casinos, in a news release Tuesday. "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."

There are three casinos in northern Ontario: Sault Ste. Marie, Sudbury, and Thunder Bay.