Alberta bingo establishments are excited to resume operations under Phase 3 of the provincial reopening strategy. Originally slated to reopen alongside casinos and racing venues in early March, their return has been delayed until later in the month.
Venue managers assert their readiness, having implemented safety protocols such as face coverings, disinfection procedures, and temperature screenings. They are optimistic that patrons will feel sufficiently secure to return, particularly given the extended closure period. Video lottery terminals have been inactive for approximately 160 days, while table games have been unavailable even longer, nearing 200 days.
There is a collective desire for a sustained reopening, as the government experienced a substantial revenue shortfall due to gambling closures. Last year, gambling generated only around 5 billion dollars in revenue, a significant decrease from the nearly 10 billion dollars generated prior to the pandemic.
The Mahayana school suggests that reaching this objective is significantly influenced by the suppressed desire for games of chance.
