Casinos of Winnipeg to stay open Easter weekend for first time

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For the first time, two of Winnipeg's provincially-run casinos— Club Regent and McPhillips Station — will be open for Good Friday and Easter Sunday.

The move comes after the decision to stay open for 24 hours on weekends following a successful pilot program.

"Since introducing the extended hours on weekends, we continue to see increased traffic in both casinos. The extended hours was in response to our customers and has proven to be very successful," said Andrea Kowal, director of corporate affairs for Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries in an email.

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Both casinos will open at 10 a.m. on Friday and remain open until Monday at 3 a.m.

Kowal said the Crown corporation saw a need to be more flexible in how it does business.

"Closure days for businesses in Manitoba have diminished significantly over the years to give customers more options, particularly in the entertainment and hospitality industries," she said.

"Restaurants, movie theatres, bars and nightclubs will be open this weekend and almost all other casinos in Canada are open Easter weekend."

But not everyone sees the move as good business.

"I think it's just an increasing sense of having everyday the same, 24-hours-a-day, for the production of business and profits and the quality of life is suffering because of that," said Richard Gagnon, the Archbishop of Winnipeg.

MLL said they could not provide a projection of any revenue increases they might see over the weekend because there are too many factors, including the recent extension of weekend hours.

The archbishop said the decision puts profits ahead of people.

"Obviously it's for an increase of profits and the losers are probably the people who work in the casinos," he said. "Because a good number of those people probably have family interests and a few times throughout the year, like Christmas and Easter, these are the few time that families get together."

Kowal said staff were notified of the change in hours and that management were to address employee concerns on a case-by-case basis.

"Our staff have responded professionally and we have been able to fill all scheduling requirements for the Easter weekend," she said.

Mixed reaction among Winnipeggers

Jane Elkin, who doesn't gamble, said she thought the change would negatively affect people with addictions and be a burden on staff.

"I think it's just ridiculous. I don't see who it's for," she said. "The government can get their casino money during normal hours and employees are going to be pushed into working rather than wanting to work those days."

Elkin, who observes Passover, not Easter, said regardless of religion, the holidays are meant for families.

"I think the minimal number of people forced to work, or asked to work even if they're getting overtime on those holidays, the better," she said.

Arnold Dumlau said he feels the move to extend casino hours throughout the holidays and not allow other businesses to open is an unfair advantage.

"Many people will have nothing to do on those days and they are going to take advantage of that, saying, 'You know what? We are open, you come here because you have nowhere else to go.' I would see that as taking advantage of the situation," said Dumlau.

Many people felt the change doesn't affect them.

"I don't gamble personally, but I guess it will be good for the people who just want to go out and make some money, or lose money," said Anthony Velasco.

"Not everyone is of that religion or faith so if it's an opportunity to have the casino open … I don't think it's that much of a big deal," said Renyl Lantano.

Liquor Marts remain closed

The round-the-clock casino hours are a stark contrast to MLL's other branch, Manitoba Liquor Marts, which remain closed on both Good Friday and Easter Sunday.

"Liquor Mart hours are in sync with the retail sector in Manitoba while casino hours reflect the hospitality-entertainment business model," said Kowal.

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In Manitoba, provincial laws dictate what can and can't be open on holidays. Restaurants, pharmacies and places that involve recreation or tourism can stay open. Some smaller grocery stores can also stay open, but can only have a maximum of four people working at any one time.

Elkin says she doesn't mind having grocery stores and other retail businesses closed on holidays.

"There's a big difference between liquor stores and grocery stores where you can stock up ahead of time, and fun, where you can't," said Elkin.

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