The Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority has announced it will be temporarily increasing the VLT commissions paid out to bars and restaurants due to the strain of COVID-19.
Beginning on July 6, commission payouts to VLT sites will increase from 15 per cent to 25 per cent and will remain in effect until Jan. 3, 2021.
These commission payouts compensate site contractors for space to house VLTS, as well as electrical service and general daily maintenance including paying out prizes, emptying cashboxes, and cleaning machines.
The province shut down the provincial VLT network near the end of March, to follow public health orders limiting the potential spread of COVID-19. With today marking the reopening of the VLT network, the announcement is meant to help site contractors mitigate any losses caused by the shutdown.
“Saskatchewan’s tourism and hospitality sector has a reputation for creating jobs and is an important contributor to the provincial economy,” said Minister Responsible for SLGA Gene Makowsky, in a press release. “The industry has been hit hard by the global pandemic and this temporary measure will provide additional revenues that will help hotel bars and restaurants maintain their operations.”
New cleaning procedures and physical distancing guidelines also come into play beginning today.
SLGA shared that there are approximately 4,200 VLTS operating in the province, located at 569 different sites. In the 2019-20 fiscal year, net income from VLTS was $155.3 million and site revenues were $32.5 million.
