New rules mean anyone wanting to play VLTs will be able to do so 365 days a year. The expanded hours are meant to stay in line with Manitoba's new liquor laws.

Norwood Hotel manager Dan Carlson says his hotel business needs to be full-service 24 hours a day, year-round. That includes the entertainment side of things, so Carlson says expanding the hours customers are allowed to play VLTs is win-win.

“Where people previously would have been in their rooms and not able to take part in that activity, now they're able to do that,” he said.

As of April 1, people can play VLTs from 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 a.m., seven days a week, 364 days a year. The change means VLTs are open on Good Friday, Easter Sunday, and Christmas Day.

Remembrance Day is the only exception, when the machines will only be turned on after 1:00 p.m.

The hotel association says the changes simply match up with the hours licensed establishments can now serve liquor.

“The whole intent of the changing of the liquor regulations and merger is to add some flexibility and to modernize things,”said Jim Baker of the Manitoba Hotel Association.

Steven Richardsworries the increased access to VLTs during holidays could create more addicts.“I understand the government likes to make money, I think it should be more time spent with family and not gambling addiction,” he said.

But Kayla Johnson says if someone wants to gamble on Christmas Day, they should be able to. “Well, why not? You know, who is it really hurting?”

Dan Carlson says those holidays can bring in customers from outside the hotel too.“And if people are normally not working that day and have the option of somewhere to go, now there might be an increase in business that wouldn't have been there before.”

Legions will continue the practice of not operating VLTs on Remembrance Day.

- With a report by Jeff Keele