Casinos are still not yet open to the public in Ontario despite being one of the businesses permitted to resume operations in the 24 regions entering Stage 3 today.

The province released a new framework document at the beginning of this week which outlines everything that is and isn't allowed to happen under Stage 3, and it specifies that casinos are technically allowed to open — although table games at casinos and gaming establishments are not.

In Stage 3, nearly all business will reopen including:
✅Dine-in restaurants and bars
✅Gyms
✅Most personal care services
✅Live shows and movie theatres
✅Casinos
✅Recreational facilities
✅Team sports and events
✅Guide and tour services pic.twitter.com/ug5Y1PRmr7

— Doug Ford (@fordnation) July 14, 2020

The document also notes that indoor gathering limits apply for casinos, meaning a maximum of 50 people — subject to physical distancing of at least two metres with people from outside their households or social circles — are allowed to be inside a casino at any given time.

Dec 13, 2020 - OLG Casino Sault Ste. Marie with 430+ slot machines plus table games including Texas Hold'em Poker and more! Enjoy our full service Getaway restaurant. Mon to Wed 9am to 2 am and 24. Oct 07, 2020 This includes the Sault Ste. Starting this Saturday, Gateway Casinos Sault Ste. Marie will operate from 9 a.m. Daily with a capacity limit of 50 patrons. In 1984, the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians Board of Directors voted to open Kewadin Casinos. Initial casinos in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Kewadin Casinos opened its Sault Ste. Marie property in November 1985, originally as a one-room blackjack house. In 1987, Kewadin Casinos opened Kewadin Shores Casino.

Rob Mitchell, the director of communications and public affairs for
Gateway Casinos & Entertainment Limited, told blogTO there are currently no set reopening dates for any Gateway locations, including:

• Casino Rama - Orillia
• Gateway Casinos - Innisfil
• Gateway Casinos - Sault Ste. Marie
• Gateway Casinos - Sudbury
• Gateway Casinos - Thunder Bay
• Gateway Casinos - Clinton
• Gateway Casinos - London
• Gateway Casinos - Sarnia
• Gateway Casinos - Woodstock

'Any plans for re-opening must be independently reviewed by a health and safety subject matter expert and submitted to the regulator, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO),' Mitchell said.

This is the reason why casinos across the province are not reopening their doors on the first day of Stage 3, but Mitchell did confirm that they've already developed extensive health and safety plans for each site, which includes two metres of physical distancing, rigorous cleaning and sanitation measures, and the mandatory use of masks or face coverings for all individuals entering the gaming sites.

Other Ontario casinos and gaming locations have also yet to publicly announce formal reopening dates, but it's likely only a matter of time before the AGCO approves their reopening plans and Ontarians are free to gamble once more.

Gateway Casinos Sault Ste. Marie Re-Opening Information

Due to 50-customer capacity limitations, we are only able to re-open our doors to our My Club Rewards members by invitation only at this time. This invite only access will begin on Saturday, October 10 at 9am. We want to thank our customers and employees for your support and patience during these challenging times as we work diligently to safely return to operations.

The health and safety of our employees and customers is always our highest priority at Gateway. We are collaborating with provincial health officials and consultants to ensure we have enhanced sanitation and safe-distancing measures in place, along with work procedures, practices and equipment appropriate for our industry.

Maintaining a clean environment is a year-round priority and it is regular practice to clean all hard surfaces, such as doors and tables. Under the current environment, we are being hyper-vigilant in our cleaning protocols throughout our properties to prevent the spread of transmittable illnesses, including COVID-19.

Things may look and feel a little different around the property, but we remain committed to making your visit enjoyable. Here are some changes you can expect:

The health and wellbeing of our guests and employees is our top priority

• Casinos will reduce seating capacities at all available games in order to comply with public health guidelines for safe distancing and allow for minimum of six feet between guests.
• Our facilities continue to operate with the highest health & safety standards and will follow all public health officials’ guidelines to ensure that our facilities are clean, safe and healthy.
• New training given to employees to ensure their own health and safety as well as others.
• All hard surfaces and high touch areas are sanitized frequently throughout the day.
• Employee wellness will be checked at the beginning of each shift and no employee is allowed in the facility with any flu-like symptoms.
• Our team are washing their hands frequently with soap and water or with an alcohol-based hand rub for at least 20 seconds.
• All areas will be deep cleaned and sanitized at least once per day with continuous cleaning throughout the day.
• We have clearly marked areas where guests queue with floor decals for your safety and convenience.
• We have added Plexiglas barriers at players club desks, guest services, cashiers, and other areas throughout the property, to protect guests and employees alike.
• We have eliminated hand-to-hand contact with guests and co-workers (no handshakes, fist bumps, high-fives, etc.)
• We will continue to consult with the public health officials to ensure the health and wellbeing of our guests and employees.

• ADVANCED RESERVATIONS: We are requiring reservations to ensure entry to the site at a specific time. Details for reservations will be provided directly to invited guests.

Sault Ste Marie Ontario Casino

• VIRTUAL QUEUEING: Invited guests are requested to have a valid cell phone to enter the virtual line up, even with reservations.
• All guests will be asked to stay in their car until time to enter the building.

Sault Ste Marie Casino Open Today

• Entry is limited to invited My Club Rewards members and one guest only.
• Guests will enter through the main casino entrance only.
• Casino occupancy will be 50-person maximum at any one time.
• Self-provided face masks are required.
• Plexiglas barriers will be at security.

• All promotions are suspended while we are operating at a 50-person maximum capacity.

Sault Ste Marie Casino Opening

• All machines will be disinfected regularly, including attendants offering to sanitize machines for guests as they play.
• Congregations or crowds of guests will be dispersed in order to follow social distancing guidelines.
• Hand sanitizer stations are readily available throughout the gaming floor.

Kewadin Casino Sault Ste Marie

• If you had a slot ticket that expired during the closure, it is redeemable at the cashier.
• We have rearranged banks and available slot machines to allow for social distancing. We will be removing chairs to create distance when appropriate.

• Due to provincial requirements, live table games will not be offered, but electronic table games are available with appropriate distancing of terminals.

Sault Ste Marie Casino Open Christmas Day

• Food and beverage will not be available at this site upon opening.