Canada

Barona Resort & Casino to Begin Phased Re-Opening Today, May 27, 2020

Published

6 years ago

May 27, 2020

After a two-month closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Barona Resort & Casino will begin to re-open to the public in phases at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, May 27, 2020. In response to the pandemic, Barona Resort & Casino closed in mid-March to protect the health and safety of its players, staff, Tribal members and surrounding community.

Barona has always had the highest standards for cleanliness and is known for its dedication to the guiding principle of always being Clean, Polite and Honest. With that as the foundation, Barona Resort & Casino’s phased re-opening is centered on a robust Barona Cares Health and Safety Plan which includes increased and continuous disinfecting and cleaning protocols, limiting capacity, social distancing policies, required facial coverings for all staff and players, infrared temperature checks, health and hygiene reminders property-wide, and the entire casino is non-smoking.

“Our first concern is always the health and wellness of Barona’s Tribal elders and Tribal community along with all of our staff, our players and surrounding community,” said Chairman Edwin “Thorpe” Romero, Barona Band of Mission Indians. “We consider ourselves one big family and our goal is to ensure the wellbeing of our friends and family as we slowly begin to welcome players back to Barona. We want them to have fun but most importantly we want them to feel safe and protected.”

At the onset of the pandemic, Barona established a Barona Cares Task Force to coordinate the casino’s closure, as well as to develop a phased plan for the re-opening that focuses on significant public health measures to ensure the safety and cleanliness of Barona Resort & Casino.

“Over the years, Barona has received many accolades throughout the gaming industry and most importantly from our players as being the cleanest and safest casino,” said Rick Salinas, general manager, Barona Resort & Casino. “We have spent the past two months developing a thoughtful plan which enhances our already robust standards and addresses the COVID-19 pandemic in accordance with all of the applicable guidelines.”

With the well-being of the casino’s players, staff and Tribal community as the top priority, the first phase of the plan includes the following guidelines:

Temperature screenings using infrared thermometers and wellness checks will be required for all players and staff inside their vehicle as they arrive on property. Anyone with a temperature above 100 or other symptoms will be politely asked to leave the property and seek medical advice;

Players and staff will be required to sanitize their hands before entering the casino or hotel;

Face coverings will be required for all players and staff;

The entire casino will be non-smoking, and Barona’s triple-stage air filtration system will continuously disinfect the air and kill 99% of germs and viruses using germicidal UVC light technology;

No one under 18 will be allowed on property;

Every other slot machine will be turned off and chairs will be removed. Slot machines and chairs will be disinfected after each player;

Table games have been reduced and will be limited to three players per table to ensure social distancing. Disinfecting dice, table game rails, and chairs after every player; and touchless wagering at table games which means players never touch the chips;

Enhanced disinfecting protocols and increased sanitizing throughout the casino around the clock, especially at high touch point areas. Barona will only use disinfectants that are effective against viruses and meet or exceed CDC and OSHA guidelines;

All staff members will be required to attend PPE/COVID-19 training;

Social distancing policies, signage and floor markers throughout the casino and entire property;

Plexiglass dividers have been installed property wide in areas where appropriate between players and staff including Club Barona booths, cashier cage, all point-of-service stations in the food court, Sage Café, hotel check-in, various back of the house areas, among others;

Health and hygiene reminders placed throughout the property and back of the house reminding staff and players to social distance, wear their face coverings properly, wash hands frequently and remember not to touch their face. All staff will be required to wash their hands before and after breaks and continuously wash or sanitize their hands during their shift;

Increased availability of disinfecting wipes and hand sanitizer stations throughout the entire property; and

A phased re-opening of restaurants will begin in the first phase. The buffet will remain closed.

Every Barona staff member has been trained with the new added responsibility of helping to make sure everyone is following the health and safety measures. Even the beloved Barona Party People will be responsible for reminding players to wear their face coverings, follow social distancing policies and to remember to wash or sanitize their hands frequently and not touch their face.

During the first phase, Barona will begin opening restaurants in a phased approach starting with Sage Café and the food court. Sage Café will open with reduced capacity, disposable placemat menus and continual disinfecting measures. With plexiglass dividers at the counters, the food court will package all food in to-go containers, there will be no self-service beverage stations and tables will be reduced by 50 percent for socially distanced seating. Gameside dining will be available at slot machines but not table games.

The hotel will re-open in phases starting at approximately 35 percent capacity, but the pool, spa and fitness center will remain closed.

The Barona Creek Golf Club, Pro Shop and snack bar will remain closed with a planned reopening in mid-June.

Additional features that will remain closed for the safety of staff and players include the poker room, buffet, valet services, gift shop, car wash, Barona Oaks Steakhouse, Italian Cucina, and Plaza Grill as well as the wedding chapel and events center. Barona’s bussing program has also been discontinued until further notice.

For additional details about the re-opening plan, visit www.barona.com.

About Barona Resort & Casino:

Named “Best Casino Outside of Las Vegas” by USA TODAY in the 2019 10Best and Best Casino, Loosest Slots and Best Buffet for nine consecutive years in the San Diego Union-Tribune Best of Readers Poll, Barona Resort & Casino is the ultimate gaming entertainment destination. For information, visit www.barona.com or call toll free 888-7-BARONA.

SOURCE Barona Resort & Casino

Canada

Gaming Corps takes flight in Ontario with High Flyer Casino partnership

Published

1 day ago

February 10, 2026

Wladimir P.

gaming-corps-takes-flight-in-ontario-with-high-flyer-casino-partnership

Gaming Corps, the Sweden-based publicly listed game development studio, has secured a new content partnership with High Flyer Casino, an AGCO-licensed online gaming operator in Ontario, Canada. The agreement marks another strategic step forward for Gaming Corps as it continues to grow its footprint in one of North America’s most competitive regulated iGaming markets.

As part of the deal, a curated selection of Gaming Corps’ slot titles will be made available to High Flyer Casino players across Ontario. The initial launch includes 3 Pigs of the Caribbean, a swashbuckling instalment from the well-known 3 Pigs franchise, alongside Savannah Stacks, a high-volatility slot inspired by the thrills of a safari adventure.

High Flyer Casino has established itself as a slots-focused operator with a strong reputation for value-driven, mobile-first gaming experiences tailored to Canadian players. Operated by Ellipse Entertainment Limited, the company draws on more than 25 years of industry expertise and offers a diverse portfolio that features over 100 exclusive games. Its offering is further enhanced by the proprietary Reel Jackpot brand, popular Money Spinner titles, and a wide range of progressive slots.

Commenting on the partnership, Adam Pentecost, Chief Revenue Officer at Gaming Corps, said:
“High Flyer Casino has carved out a clear position in Ontario with a focused slots strategy and a strong understanding of what local players are looking for. Bringing our most recognisable titles to their platform allows us to reach a highly engaged audience in a market that continues to set the pace in North America. This agreement represents another meaningful step in expanding our distribution with operators who value distinctive content and long-term portfolio growth.”

Man Mac, Head of Marketing at High Flyer Casino, added:
“At High Flyer Casino, we are building a slot lineup that blends proven player appeal with unique and memorable gaming experiences. Gaming Corps’ portfolio fits perfectly with that approach, delivering polished, entertaining games that are full of personality.”

The post Gaming Corps takes flight in Ontario with High Flyer Casino partnership appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Canada

CasinoCanada and GG.BET Forge Strategic Alliance

Published

1 day ago

February 10, 2026

Wladimir P.

casinocanada-and-gg.bet-forge-strategic-alliance

CasinoCanada is delighted to reveal a collaboration with GG.BET, a prominent global platform for esports and sports betting. This partnership will broaden GG.BET’s footprint in important regional markets and deliver focused, captivating content for fans of esports and sports wagering.

In this partnership, CasinoCanada will team up with GG.BET to create tailored reviews and SEO-focused content for local audiences. This initiative will enhance GG.BET’s exposure and provide players with trustworthy information and a smooth user experience.

CasinoCanada is an online gaming guide run by SEOBROTHERS.

Eugene Ravdin, Head of PR at SEOBROTHERS, commented: “GG.BET is a pioneering force in the esports betting space, combining innovation with deep industry knowledge. Partnering with CasinoCanada aligns perfectly with our goal to support platforms that prioritise player engagement and responsible growth. Together, we look forward to delivering valuable content that resonates with esports and sports fans alike and contributes to the sustained success of GG.BET.”

GG.BET is a global wagering platform created by esports specialists to provide an exceptional esports betting experience along with a variety of conventional sports betting choices. The platform provides over 30 esports categories, featuring both console and mobile games, along with more than 40 conventional sports.

GG.BET additionally offers AI-driven virtual sports, including virtual leagues for football, basketball, and tennis. The platform improves user interaction with a tailored feed and a customizable gaming avatar that develops as players progress through GG.Leagues stages. GG.BET emphasizes player safety and client support, upholding strict standards in data security and user assistance.

GG.BET fosters esports growth through collaborations with teams and sponsorships of prominent tournaments, such as BLAST Premier (CS2), PGL Major, and Dota 2’s The International. Since 2020, GG.BET has partnered with NAVI and Team Vitality’s CS2 lineup.

The brand has gained international acclaim, securing the Best Esports Operator title at the EGR Operator Awards 2023 as well as the SiGMA Europe Awards 2023. This achievement persisted with the Esports Operator of the Year accolade at the EGR Global Operator Awards 2024, succeeded by Operator of the Year for Central and Eastern Europe at the EGR Global Europe Awards 2025.

Serhii, Head of Affiliates at GG.BET, added: “We’re pleased to launch our partnership with CasinoCanada. Their strong regional expertise and engaged audience make them a valuable partner for us. We see great potential in this cooperation to strengthen GG.BET’s presence in the region and build long-term growth together.”

The post CasinoCanada and GG.BET Forge Strategic Alliance appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

AGLC

Continent 8 set to back Alberta’s iGaming operators and suppliers

Published

1 day ago

February 10, 2026

Wladimir P.

continent-8-set-to-back-alberta’s-igaming-operators-and-suppliers

Continent 8 Technologies, a premier provider of advanced managed IT solutions tailored for the worldwide iGaming and online sports betting sector, announces its official launch in Alberta, Canada. This growth comes after the province unveiled its competitive iGaming regulatory framework and the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission (AGLC) issued comprehensive hosting and security requirements, representing another important milestone in Continent 8’s enduring dedication to the North American market.

With established operations in Ontario – where the company effectively introduced its Public Cloud solution in Toronto in direct response to the province’s launch of its iGaming market in 2022 – Continent 8 brings to Alberta the same level of regulatory insight, technical expertise, and customer-focused innovation that has positioned it as a reliable partner throughout Canada.

Alberta’s iGaming regulations outline specific hosting and data management responsibilities for suppliers and operators. For instance, every data centre utilized by licensees must obtain AGLC approval, which includes data residency, cross-border transfers, and encryption key management.

The province requires fully operational disaster recovery infrastructure and unalterable, encrypted backups, along with stringent conditions for quarterly testing and offsite storage—fields where Continent 8’s expertise offers instant benefits.

Besides hosting requirements, Alberta implements some of the most thorough security standards in the nation, such as mandatory MFA, compliance with SOC 2 and ISO 27001, yearly penetration testing, and extensive log retention mandates.

“Our heritage means we understand the rigorous regulatory expectations, and the operational challenges operators and suppliers face when entering new markets,” said Michael Tobin, CEO and Founder of Continent 8 Technologies. “Alberta’s standards are comprehensive, particularly around disaster recovery, backups, and security. We have built our solutions so customers can meet these requirements confidently from day one. We are excited to support customers as Alberta opens its market and continues Canada’s growth story.”

The post Continent 8 set to back Alberta’s iGaming operators and suppliers appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.