Of course there’s a buzz in playing a few hands of online poker (find our review of the best Canadian sites here) but nothing quite beats the thrill of entering a real, live casino. The intoxicating feeling of betting a buck or two against the croupiers will never get old. From craps to roulette and quintessential blackjack, here are the best bricks-and-mortar casinos you have to visit in Canada.
Casino de Montreal – Quebec
If you’re going all-out, Casino de Montreal is where to do it. This grandiose casino is hallmarked as one of Canada’s best.
Home to over 3,000 slot machines and 100 gaming tables, this casino is a mix of high-octane and easygoing. Fun evening out with friends? Trying your luck with the big rollers? All options are possible. Plus, in true exclusivity, the Casino de Montreal was built on an island.
What Can I Play?
- No-limit Texas Hold’Em Poker tables
- Over 3,000 slot machines
- Keno (Chinese game apparently played to fund the Great Wall of China)
- Electronic games such as Interactive blackjack and touch bet roulette
- Ez Baccarat
- High Card Flush
Special features
As with any truly authentic casino, there are a range of live events on offer. From comedy acts to sultry burlesque, country music and of course boxing, Casino de Montreal gives a full-on casino experience.
And at Casino de Montreal you’re actually rewarded for an unlucky hand. Losers can get their hands on the Bad Beat jackpot — which reaches a progressive sum of $250,000.
Casino de Montreal, 1 Avenue du Casino, Montréal, QC H3C 4W7, Canada +1 514-392-2746
River Rock Casino Resort – British Columbia
On the shores of the Fraser River, River Rock Casino certainly has an impressive backdrop. The largest casino in Western Canada, River Rock takes poker seriously. With a dedicated room for poker games (there are 7 types on offer) you can play with the big dogs in the high limit VIP section and, if you win big, enjoy the winners’ circle.
What Can I Play?
- Over 1,000 slot machines
- Fortune Pai Gow
- Baccarat
- Roulette
- Craps
- Blackjack
Special Features
River Rock Casino takes pride in giving you a victory meal. Eat like a king at one of the seven on-site restaurants. And watch out for their juicy promotions. Lobster from $15? Yes, please.
Note: you’ll need two pieces of ID to enter this joint.
River Rock Casino Resort, 8811 River Rd, Richmond, BC V6X 3P8, Canada +1 604-273-1895
Caesars Windsor Hotel & Casino – Ontario
Caesars Windsor brings a dose of that Vegas swag to the area, with the advanced gaming technology and pizzazz we’ve come to love about the group. The Casino’s close proximity to the U.S. means there’s often gamblers crossing the border from Detroit, Michigan to enjoy the casino’s offerings.
And we know what they come for. The 27-storey hotel and 10,000 square-foot convention space screams luxe. Find your way around the space, which includes 14 poker tables, and dig deep – Caesars boasts the highest posted limits in Ontario and the Detroit area.
Once you’ve won on the tables, you can splash your cash in the casino boutiques, one of the five clubs and bars, or on a spa session.
What Can I Play?
- Pai Gow poker
- Baccarat
- Craps
- Roulette
- Let It Ride (a spinoff of Five Card Stud Poker)
- Titan 360™, the largest and rarest slot machine in Canada. There were only 26 made.
- Play like the pros. WSOP hosts the Deep Stack tournament every second Saturday of the month.
Special Features
Slots come with an added extra at Caesars. Using Total Touch technology, you can order your favorite cocktail right from your machine with just the touch of a button.
Caesars Windsor, 377 Riverside Dr E, Windsor, ON N9A 7H7, Canada +1 800-991-7777
Casino Niagara, Niagara Falls, Ontario
With over 95,000 ft² of space, you can roam over 1,300 slot machines and 30 table games. Nine of these are poker-specific and you’ll also find a deluxe Poker Room, so for poker fans asino Niagara doesn’t let the side down.
What Can I Play?
- Four kinds of poker; including High Card Flush, Mississippi Stud, Three Card Poker, and Five Card Bonus.
- Blackjack and Blackjack Switch
- Spanish 21
- Roulette
- Casino War
Special Features
The world-famous Niagara Falls is just down the road. We’d say that was special enough!
Casino Niagara, 5705 Falls Ave, Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6T3, Canada +1 888-325-5788
River Cree Resort & Casino, Alberta
Another casino that takes advantage of its waterside setting, River Cree Resort & Casino combines Canada’s love for hockey with gambling. The progressive jackpot climbs to $230,000 and with over 1,200 slots and 34 tables on the casino floor, you’ll find plenty of ways to play for the prize money.
What Can I Play?
- Blackjack
- Craps
- Roulette
- EZ Baccarat
- Weekly poker tournaments and promotions
Special Features
Hockey fans can suit up and play on one of the NHL-size Twin Rinks at River Cree. The home rink of the Edmonton Oilers, you might even catch the team at the craps table after practice.
River Cree Casino & Resort, 300 East Lapotac Blvd, ENOCH, AB T7X 3Y3, Canada +1 780-484-2121
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