Quebec, B.C. Follow Manitoba by Mandating Proof of Vaccination for Casino Entry

In September, Quebec and additional Canadian provinces will implement new regulations requiring individuals to provide proof of vaccination to enter casinos or gaming areas. These changes are meant to protect people from the transmission of COVID-19, as establishments including casinos, bingo halls, restaurants, gyms, and sports venues may pose a higher risk of the virus. In order to gain admittance, customers must present an electronic record of vaccination in the form of a QR code. There will be leniency from Sept. 1-15, however, penalties will be enforced after the 15th. Inspectors will be making sure that businesses are following the regulations and citizens can report businesses that are not verifying the codes. Non-compliance could lead to the closure of the business.

Beginning Sept. 13, British Columbia will introduce its own vaccine card, which permits visitors to enter non-essential businesses like casinos with proof of having received their first dose of vaccine. However, by Oct. 24, full vaccination seven days after receiving both doses will be required. The enforcement of this mandate will be similar to how the province asks servers to ask for ID before serving alcohol. For those living in another province or country, a combination of printed proof of vaccination and identification of residence will be needed when entering B.C. businesses. Dr. Bonnie Henry reiterated that it is up to each business to make the decision if a vaccine is mandatory for their employees. Moreover, B.C. will offer assistance to businesses struggling to manage the new demand.

B.C. and Quebec are to follow in Manitoba’s footsteps, by mandating that residents must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before they can enter casinos. Manitoba casinos are currently allowed to open at half capacity, but non-vaccinated individuals are prohibited from entry. In Manitoba, it is strongly recommended for casino staff to be vaccinated, however it is not compulsory. With this measure, governments are attempting to dodge earlier pandemic closures, as well as motivating the unvaccinated to get their shots.
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Canada has already taken steps to require proof of vaccination for certain events. Though they are the only Canadian jurisdictions to enact this measure so far, other areas of the world have followed suit. In the United States, New York and California have both implemented such requirements. Furthermore, U.S. casinos have also begun their own vaccine passport initiatives. For example, Harrah’s New Orleans, a casino operated by Caesars, became the first U.S. casino to require either a proof of vaccination or negative COVID-19 test to enter the property. Additionally, in August MGM Resorts announced that all new hires at their U.S. properties after August 30 will be required to show proof that they are fully vaccinated against the virus. Salaried employees who do not work primarily from home will be required to show proof by October 1.

The company had already declared it would require its Las Vegas personnel who do not have evidence of vaccination to foot the bill for frequent testing. In the meantime, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City recently rolled out its new “Rock Your Shot” program, designed to motivate staff to get the COVID-19 vaccine by offering a $100 gift card to fully vaccinated employees plus the chance to win grand prizes such as $50,000 in cash, a 2021 Jeep Cherokee, 15 prizes of $15,000 each, and more.