British Columbia’s decision to delay the reopening of casinos throughout the COVID-19 pandemic has continued to attract significant attention and debate. While other Canadian provinces began allowing casinos to operate under public health restrictions as early as mid-2020, British Columbia remained committed to caution. This strategy extended casino closures well into 2021 and had far-reaching implications for workers, municipal finances and the broader entertainment sector.
Many Canadians turned to digital gambling alternatives during the extended closure, with features such as fast payouts, free spins and instant access drawing in a wide audience. According to iGaming writer Andjelija Blagojevic, the latest Canadian launches provided streamlined experiences, generous welcome bonuses and convenient access for those seeking entertainment during restrictions. These virtual offerings maintained public interest in gambling while physical venues remained inaccessible.
Casinos in British Columbia were closed in March 2020, with no specific timeline for reopening. Other provinces such as Alberta and Ontario announced phased plans that allowed gambling venues to reopen with limited capacity, mandatory health protocols and altered floor layouts. Despite mounting pressure from industry representatives and municipal officials, B.C.’s provincial government did not adjust its approach.
Health authorities maintained that casino environments posed a distinct challenge due to prolonged indoor activity, close contact among patrons and the high-touch surfaces involved in gaming operations. Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry emphasized that these venues could significantly contribute to infections without stringent mitigation strategies. The absence of detailed reopening criteria further complicated recovery efforts for businesses and workers.
More than 10,000 employees in British Columbia’s casino industry remained unable to return to work for over a year following the initial pandemic-related closures in March 2020. This extended disruption left a significant portion of the workforce with uncertainty on when or how their jobs would return.
Many individuals who had spent years building careers in the gaming sector were forced to seek temporary employment in alternative fields such as food delivery, warehouse operations or customer service roles in industries deemed essential. Others, facing prolonged joblessness and dwindling financial reserves, chose to leave the industry entirely in search of more stable job opportunities.
Municipal leaders voiced concerns regarding the financial consequences of prolonged closures. Cities such as North Vancouver and Burnaby reported substantial revenue losses linked to the absence of gaming-related funds. These revenues typically support community programs, infrastructure maintenance and emergency services. Mayors and councillors urged the provincial government to provide a clear reopening framework to mitigate the impact on local budgets.
Casinos were eventually permitted to reopen on July 1, 2021, as part of Step 3 of the province’s restart plan. Reopening procedures included reduced capacity, increased sanitation and mandatory health and safety training for staff. Many venues reconfigured their gaming floors, removed certain table games and implemented physical distancing measures. Although these steps enabled a return to operations, the extended closure had already resulted in lasting disruptions to staffing and public confidence.
Compared to other provinces, British Columbia adopted one of the most conservative reopening policies. Alberta reopened casinos in June 2020 with limited attendance and enhanced safety protocols. Ontario allowed select facilities to operate under a phased system that restricted specific gaming options. Quebec adjusted casino access based on regional case trends. These provinces experienced varying degrees of success but consistently offered clearer guidance and earlier timelines for industry stakeholders.
The prolonged closure in British Columbia caused widespread financial hardship. Workers reported delayed rent payments, mounting debt and uncertainty about their employment status. Community groups that depend on casino revenues faced cuts or temporary shutdowns. The economic cost, though difficult to quantify in full, remains significant.
Questions continue to surface regarding the provincial government’s handling of casino closures. Concerns include whether a more balanced approach could have maintained safety while limiting economic damage and whether clearer communication would have alleviated public anxiety. Proponents of the province’s cautious strategy cite relatively stable infection rates as evidence of successful prevention, while critics argue that the measures disproportionately harmed working-class communities.
On the North Shore and throughout Metro Vancouver, the impact on hospitality and gaming sector employees was acute. Many faced prolonged unemployment without adequate support. Industry experts observed a notable decrease in trained personnel returning to casinos upon reopening, which further delayed the resumption of full-scale operations.
The casino sector has long played a vital role in supporting local economies and employment.
Extended closures disrupted not only direct operations but also related industries such as food services, security, transportation and tourism. The absence of casino-related activity placed additional stress on sectors already weakened by broader pandemic measures.
Future public health crises may benefit from a review of British Columbia’s approach. Greater transparency, clear benchmarks for reopening and improved communication between provincial authorities and industry representatives could enhance resilience and preparedness. Public confidence in the province’s handling of gaming restrictions may also depend on an honest assessment of the benefits and costs of such measures.
British Columbia’s decision to delay the reopening of casinos reflected a prioritization of public health above economic concerns. The long-term consequences of this strategy will continue to unfold in the months and years ahead. Whether this approach preserved health outcomes at the expense of livelihoods remains a central question for policymakers, industry leaders and affected communities alike.
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