Two Winnipeg casinos set to test 24-hour gambling

Casinos trying out 24-hour gambling Two Winnipeg casinos will soon try out keep their doors open 24 hours a day. Cheryl Holmes reports it could become permanent.

Winnipeg’s two provincially run casinos are set to stay open 24-hours on Saturday and Sunday beginning Dec. 2.

It’s part of a four-month pilot project at both the Club Regent Casino and McPhillips Station Casino.

Doors will open at 10 a.m. on Friday morning and stay open until 3 a.m. Monday.

Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries said the demand comes in part from patron requests.

“What we’ve discovered is that weekends are our highest visitation and at closing time on weekends, we have about 300-400 people in the casino playing,” said Susan Olynik from Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries.

The two casinos are some of the last in the country to operate on a 24-hour basis.

MBLL said it notices an increase in traffic on weekends, with many guests still at the casino when the doors close at 3 a.m.

When the four-month pilot project is complete, results will be evaluated to determine if the extended hours will remain on an ongoing basis.

If the pilot passes, it could result in a major jackpot for Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries.

It expects a major boost in revenue -- up to $6 million each year.

The casinos will not be open on the Christmas weekend, closing at 6 p.m. on Dec. 24 until 10 a.m. on Dec. 26.

Liquor will not be served at the casinos past 2 a.m.

The casino restaurants will close, but the McDonalds locations at the casinos will stay open.

Casino closing times give addicts a break: Addictions foundation

The Addictions Foundation of Manitoba says the move could come with risks.

Not all problem gamblers come forward for help and extended hours create an opportunity for addictions.

“When the establishment closes down, then it’s almost a forced break for someone. They get to step back and once they step back, maybe they then realize, ‘It's in my interest to quit gambling for at least today,’” said Dave Grift with Addictions Foundation of Manitoba.

If anyone is concerned about their gambling habits, or the gambling behavior of others, casino staff are trained to spot red flag behavior and provide help to anyone on site.

Addictions Foundation of Manitoba also has a 24/7 confidential problem gambling helpline at 1-800-463-1554.