The Canadian gambling industry began in 1972 with the legalization of land-based casinos. In the years since, tremendous strides have been made with an estimated 80 world-class casinos now peppered across the Canadian landscape. 

Each Canadian province (there are 10 provinces) is responsible for licensing casinos in its territory. Based on Canadian gambling legislation, the legal gambling age in Canada is 19. Players are required to be at least 19 to enter land-based casinos across Canada, except in Québec, Alberta, and Manitoba.

With 10 provinces and dozens of casinos across Canada, it's no mean feat narrowing the list down to just 5 casinos. Canadian players enjoy the luxurious trappings of stately casinos, many of which are located within close proximity to major Canadian cities. The increasing liberalization of Canadian gambling legislation means that many players are able to experience world-class entertainment in Maple country. 

Many of the resorts we have reviewed are resplendent entertainment enclaves featuring lavish trappings such as spas, jacuzzis, spectacular restaurants, luxurious hotels, and world-class gaming facilities. These dream destinations are the envy of operators the world over. Add in Canada's distinctive charm and fascinating history, and it's a recipe for success. We begin our exploration with the glittering Caesars Windsor Hotel & Casino, in Ontario.

Caesars Windsor Hotel & Casino, Ontario

Anyone who knows the Caesar's brand understands that it's all about excellence. This prestigious land-based casino in the heart of Ontario features everything casino aficionados are looking for. A dazzling selection of slot machine games, card games, and table games awaits players. Plus, there are many ritzy games of craps and roulette to enjoy too. 

Slot games include the spectacular Titan 360, weighing in at 5800 lbs and standing 10 feet tall. It's amazing to think that just 26 of these Titan 360 start machine games have ever been built, and Caesar's Windsor hosts one of them. There are many enticing progressive jackpots waiting for players, including the Tournament Bad Beat Poker, Bad Beat Poker, Hotshots, Red Hot Jackpots, Silver & Gold, and Nexus Progressive.

Poker games are a dime a dozen, and include many exciting tournaments in the poker room. Hours run from 10 AM to 6 AM, from Tuesday through Thursday, and 24 hours from Friday 10 AM through Tuesday at 6 AM. Caesars Windsor Poker Near Me features Nightly Tournaments, and the prestigious Ladies Showcase, where big prizes are up for grabs.

Casino games are equally enticing, with high roller bet selections on Baccarat, Pai Gow, Blackjack, Roulette, and Craps. The table game selection covers a broad variety of world-class games such as American Roulette with the 00, Let It Ride, Caribbean Stud Poker, and casino blackjack games. The new Blazing 7’s jackpot begins at $10,000 and rapidly grows, thanks to 2 dozen linked blackjack games fuelling the jackpot.

A generous loyalty rewards program, wild promotions, and mega-money jackpots are par for the course at Caesars Windsor Hotel & Casino. Plus, there are 758 hotel rooms and suites, a 10,000 ft.² atrium, and a beautiful spa to accommodate players. Add in 14 tables at the poker room, dozens of slot machine games and table games, and you're in the hunt for a great time.

River Rock Casino Resort in British Columbia

Located at 8811 River Road, Richmond British Columbia, this Canadian casino is the bees knees. It features lavish accommodations, including guest rooms and luxury hotel suites, amazing recreational facilities, a swimming pool, and various concierge services and amenities. The River Rock Show Theatre showcases world-class performers on site for guests and visitors alike. With several dining facilities available, including the Food Court, Buffet Dining, Curve Lounge, Sea Harbor, and Tramonto, there's never a shortage of titillating culinary delights.

The casino is a hive of activity, with Poker, Slots, Table Games, Racebook, Encore Rewards, and High Limit Gaming options available. Poker games include Pot Limit Omaha (PLO), Fortune Pai Gow, Ultimate Texas Hold’em, Texas Hold’em, and various 3 & 4 card poker games. The poker room is operational 7 days a week, from 11 AM through 3 AM. Low limit and no limit games are available, with blinds beginning at just $30.

Slot machine games are the stars of the show at this casino. There are 1200+ slots to choose from, making this one of the biggest casinos in Canada. Slots can be enjoyed throughout the casino, including the Prive Slots which includes $1 slot machine games and 24/7 VIP hosts to assist you during your entertainment experience. The Jade Room is a roped-off section for high-limit slot machine players. This is where exceptional service and exclusive games await players, with invitations to special events, extravaganzas, and red carpet attractions.

Table games are always a popular choice for players at River Rock Casino resort in British Columbia. There are 114+ tables, including all the hottest attractions. Games like Baccarat, Blackjack, Roulette, Fortune Pai Gow, Texas Hold’em, and 7 variants of Poker are yours to enjoy. The VIP privilege games are available too, with Multiple Squares Blackjack starting at $50, and other games like Craps and Baccarat variants ready to be enjoyed. By the way, this casino is 70,000 ft.², and it features over 900 slot machine games and a 260-seat buffet. With 202 rooms in the all-suite hotel, this establishment is an instant hit with fans.

Casino Niagara in Ontario

Here's a fun fact about Casino Niagara in Ontario: it features 95,000 ft.² of gaming floor space. Within this gargantuan arena, players will find a fabulous selection of slot machine games and table games. There are 2 floors of slot games for players, including Penny slots and $5 slot machine games. And when it comes to table games, players have 40 tables to choose from. These include Poker, Mississippi Stud, Roulette, Blackjack, High Card Flush, and many new games too.

The Bad Beat Jackpot qualifying hand requires players to have Four of a Kind or better, a Straight Flush, or a Royal Flush immediately after the jackpot has been awarded. Poker games such as Nexus Progressive, Mississippi Stud, Three Card Poker, and High Card Flush await players. Table games like Spanish 21, Casino War, Roulette, Blackjack, and Blackjack Switch are yours to enjoy. This casino also features the Market Buffet, an all-you-can-eat restaurant filled with mouthwatering attractions.

The true stars of the show are the slots games. Casino Niagara piles on the fun with 1300+ video poker machines, and slot machine games. There are also 350+ progressive slot machine games on both levels at the casino. Some of the most exciting slot games include Lightning Link, James Bond Thunderball, All Star Poker II, Rumble Rumble, and the Dragon Link series of games. For those who enjoy sports betting on professional football, baseball, basketball, hockey, soccer, et al there are 26 HDTV screens for your pleasure. 

You may want to check out the ‘Yuk Yuk’ comedy club at the casino, since there are spectacular entertainers in attendance. This casino is frequent by US and Canadian players, and it offers an unbeatable view of the spectacular Niagara Falls.

Casino de Montréal in Québec  

Casino De Montréal in Québec is best described in one word: extraordinary. This world-class venue is home to the illustrious Cabaret Du Casino, where amazing shows take place. This venue offers musical performances, lunches and dinners, and boxing par excellence. Patrons 18+ are permitted into the casino and its many tailored events, and multi-functional halls. The games are as varied as the players themselves. Every type of game is showcased in grand style, including poker, blackjack, baccarat, roulette, keno, slot machines, other table games, and Lotto Québec.

Slot machine games include jackpot-rich attractions from as little as $0.0. In a venue known as The Zone there are 3000+ slots available to players at Casino de Montréal in Québec. Examples of popular slots include Power Bucks, Cash Spin, Grand Prix, Michael Jackson King of Pop, Quick Hits Wild Red Jackpot, Quick Hits Wild Blue Jackpot, and Piments Forts. When it comes to poker games, players are never wanting for variety. There are 20+ poker tables in the casino, with grand prizes totalling $1 million.

Popular card games like blackjack are yours to enjoy. The Zone hosts the blackjack games, which begin at $10, with a maximum of 7 players per table. The most popular progressive jackpot blackjack game is Blazing 7’s, with a jackpot payout beginning at $77,777. It's possible to compete for this with a bet of just $5. Roulette games require a minimum casino bet of $2.50, and there are 9 max players per table. Two variants of the game are available to players, including single zero roulette and 00 roulette. 

For the poker fans out there, Texas Hold'em is the name of the game. The minimum casino bet is $1/$2, and the current Bad Beat Jackpot is hovering around $374,000, with the tournament Bad Beat Jackpot at around $18,750. These numbers change as more players compete – the sky's the limit. With some 100 gaming tables at the casino, 18 poker tables, and an Elite Casino Privileges Club, it's no wonder that this French-themed enclave is the talk of the town.

The River Cree Resort & Casino in Alberta

The River Cree Resort & Casino is one of Edmonton's finest establishments. There are some 40 exciting table games and 1350+ slot machine games for players to enjoy. One of the latest additions to this casino is “Embers”, complete with 14 table games and 405 slot machine games. The entertainment options are deliriously exciting, including 945 slot machines on the main floor, table games like EZ Baccarat, Panda 8, and Dragon 7, and Craps. There are 11 high limit table games for players, including an Onyx Lounge with upscale service and a full bar for patrons.

There is also a fabulous poker pit which runs from 11 AM to 3 AM daily, with table game hours between 10 AM and 3 AM daily. Texas Hold’em is the name of the game, and a wide range of buy-ins are accommodated. Horserace betting with championship events like the Queen's Plate, Breeders Cup, and Triple Crown are possible with on-site betting options. The hotel features 249 rooms snugly located at the Edmonton Marriott in River Cree. Dining options include the upscale Sage, Kitchen Buffet Bistro, or the Centre Bar.  Wild entertainment, fine dining, and service excellence are assured at the River Cree Resort & Casino in Alberta. 

With digital marketing strategies in his blood Louis Wheeler has traveled around the world, exploring gambling cultures and gaining experience in casino games from 2003. If you are in a casino anywhere around the planet, you may find him right next to you, playing blackjack, roulette or texas hold'em.