Ontario really led the way in developing the casino culture for Canada, with the market in Toronto being among the first provinces to really set the scene for both internet and physical casino gaming.
The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) is responsible for the market in Toronto. Developing strong rules about the promotion of responsible gambling that protects vulnerable people (like young people and those who are self-excluded) as well as ensuring that games have integrity and fairness.
While much of the discussion around casinos in modern times relates to online slots and other forms of online gambling – something which is now more accessible in Toronto than it ever has been before – there is still a real passion for visiting brick-and-mortar casinos.
While the United States of America have obviously got the biggest share of the global casino tourism market (with locations like Atlantic City and Las Vegas topping many bucket lists, for example), other nations are seeing a rise – from the Middle East to Asia, and even in Europe.
While Toronto might not boast a casino offering like The Strip, there are plenty of casino resorts to choose from.
Woodbine
Built around the Woodbine Racetrack which has been thrilling racegoers since 1881, the casino resort of Woodbine was launched back in 1996. With rooms and restaurants as well as entertainment and the casino, the Woodbine is a destination for many.
Boasting the largest number of gaming options of any casino in the whole of Canada, Woodbine is impressively large – with more than 4,800 slot machines, 175 table games with experienced dealers, and a specific section designed for the high-limit gamer.
The integrated hotel has 400 well-appointed rooms, and you can choose to be entertained by playing casino games or by going to the onsite theatre to watch comedy acts, music, or even sports events like boxing.
The sheer choice in this resort makes it stand out – and nowhere is that more obvious than in the variety of eating options. You can choose noodles, steak, or even a gastropub offering.
Great Blue Heron Casino
While this might be outside the Toronto city limits, it is worth a mention – if only for the good it does for the community.
The Great Blue Heron Casino is owned and operated by the First Nations tribe of Scugog Island – and the profits are shared with the owners and local charities. The First Nations are an integral part of the theme throughout the venue, including the iconic red, blue, and cream-coloured roof.
It is obviously much smaller than the Woodbine, but still perfectly formed. When it opened in 1997, there was a 650-seat Bingo Hall that proved popular alongside the usual table games, but when it was refurbished at the turn of the century, the addition of rooms and restaurants saw the end of the Bingo side.
You’ll find more than 500 slot machines here, 20 live table games, and many e-table games (which blend both the live casino experience with the convenience of online play). There are a couple of restaurants as well as a pet-friendly hotel onsite with a fitness centre and business areas.
Pickering Casino Resort
This purpose-built casino offers Vegas-style gaming with sweeping views of both the city and the lake. You can take your pick from the 2,200+ slot machines, sit at one of the 90+ table games, or take part in some e-table gaming, depending on your preference.
Another Toronto casino that offers a wealth of entertainment opportunities, this time with The Arena as the perfect venue for sporting events, music, and comedy too. Touring musicians flock to The Arena, from the pop stars to heavy metal gods.
Of course, the restaurants are as varied as you would expect from a resort – do you want some seafood, some steak, a pizza – or just a cup of Starbucks coffee? All are on hand for you to choose from.
What Does This Mean for Tourism in Toronto?
Toronto is well established as a tourist destination in Canada. From the coffee culture to the museums, not to mention the wondrous Niagara Falls – and now the resorts that offer entertainment in so many ways.
Toronto is the home of many media outlets and TV stations, and the movie industry would not be where it is today if not for the impact of Canada and Toronto in particular with a range of events taking place across the city. Movie buffs head to the city to catch a glimpse of Hollywood’s brightest stars, while the CN Tower is both an engineering marvel and the tallest freestanding structure outside of Asia.
You can’t mention Canada without considering the national sport – Ice Hockey. Toronto is home to the ice hockey Hall of Fame – a must visit for any sports buff.
With all this to see and do, the casino resorts are another boost to the tourism economy in Toronto and in Canada as a whole.
