Did you hear the one about the antelope who only liked to gamble in casinos? It thought there were too many cheetahs out in the wild.
In all seriousness, there are lots of good reasons to visit Ontario casinos, and only some of them have to do with their zero-tolerance policy for apex predators. From amazing entertainment venues featuring top-tier talent to a mix of world-class restaurants and grab-and-go food vendors, you’ll have as much fun off the gaming floor as you do on it.
Every Ontario casino also has a PlaySmart Centre staffed with experienced, well-trained professionals who can answer questions about games and rules as well as provide information. It never hurts to learn more.
1. OLG Stage at Fallsview Casino
You wouldn’t go to Las Vegas without taking in a show, and there’s no reason not to take one in while in Niagara Falls, either, thanks to the new $130M OLG Stage at Fallsview Casino.
It’s a world-class entertainment facility with a capacity of 5,000 and not a single bad seat in the house – the furthest chair is just 45 metres from the stage. State-of-the-art lighting and sound systems help make performances larger than life, and a connecting glass tunnel provides easy, weather-free access from the casino.
2. Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto
If bigger is indeed better, then Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto – the largest casino resort in Canada – might be the best place to play in the whole country. The draw here isn’t just one thing, it’s everything.
The just-opened resort is situated on 33 acres of prime land within the Greater Toronto Area and features a whopping 328,000 square feet of gaming space, including nearly 5,000 slot machines and 145 live table games.
The facility is also host to a 400-room luxury hotel with four-star amenities and a 5,000-seat entertainment auditorium, as well as millions of dollars’ worth of beautiful and unique art. If you’re interested in the kind of vacation where you never need to leave resort property, this is it.
3. PlaySmart Centres
The one constant you’ll find at every Ontario casino is a PlaySmart Centre. These welcoming spaces have a “coffeehouse-meets-science-centre” vibe and provide a relaxing break from the gambling floor. They’re staffed by friendly experts who can offer advice, support, and resources for both novices and practiced players on what to do if you need a little assistance reining in your gambling impulses.
Leaf through guides, watch videos, and use the interactive kiosks to learn more about your favourite games to better understand how they work and your chances of winning, so you can plan and play confidently. This is a great way to establish positive play habits you can both use during your casino visit and carry forward into the future.
You can also speak confidentially with people who understand gambling behaviours. They’ll provide insights on your play patterns and suggestions on how you can healthily address any concerns you may have.
If you have questions about gambling, PlaySmart Centres have answers.
4. Gateway Casinos & Entertainment Dining Venues
Seeing three cherries in a row on a slot machine is a thrill, but what might be even better is the food you can actually eat at Gateway Casinos & Entertainment restaurants.
Match Eatery & Public House, for example, can be found at many Gateway resorts, and offers a nice break from casino action. It’s a casual restaurant with a sports bar vibe and fancied-up pub treats, including “dirty” fries tossed in Cajun butter, car hop–style burgers, and crispy apple-cinnamon hand pies.
5. Rideau Carleton Casino and Caesars Windsor Casino Entertainment Venues
Regardless of your gambling proclivities, you’ll probably want to relax come the evening. And the Rideau Carleton and Caesars Windsor have you covered with lounge-style entertainment venues featuring live music and drinks.
The Joint, found on the second floor of the Rideau Carleton, is a cozy, atmospheric space with a central bar, VIP seating areas, and an outdoor terrace. It’s an intimate venue to take in smaller acts, and you can even book it for private events for groups of between 25 and 400 people.
Cosmos offers a similar lounge experience in a slightly larger area, with comfy chairs surrounding candlelit cocktail tables and a stage-front bar that ensures you won’t miss your favourite song when ordering refreshments. It’s a great way to sit back and unwind after a hard day wandering the casino floor.
