On the surface, the casinos of Ontario and Quebec are similar to their U.S. cousins· but underneath, there are some significant differences

By Roger Gros 

American gamblers have always looked west towards Las Vegas, east towards Atlantic City, or south towards the Caribbean (and, lately, Mississippi) when planning a casino trip. But now that major casinos have become established in Canada, American gamblers have begun looking north.

Although Casino Montreal and Casino Windsor werenât the first Canadian casinos (small gaming halls in Alberta and Manitoba preceded these large eastern projects), they were the first to be influenced by what has come to be known as the ãLas Vegasä experience. And now that Casino Rama, Casino de Hull and Casino Niagara have joined the fold, the gaming halls of Ontario and Quebec can now be included in discussions of great North American casino destinations.

A gaming trip to the ãGreat White Northä is accomplished quite easily for those on the East Coast. Once in Quebec or Ontario, Canadaâs efficient federal highways make driving between the casinos fast and comfortable.

But once you get there, youâll notice a few things that seem a little· different. And those differences will either make or break the trip, depending upon what, and how, you like to play (craps players shouldnât even approach the border). Either way, the experience will be a most enlightening one.

The European Flair

Montreal is barely an hourâs flight north of New York City, but it might as well be the other side of the Atlantic from a cultural perspective. The fact that its residents speak French first and English second gives the city a unique European ambiance that simply doesnât exist elsewhere in North America. And thatâs just the beginning.

Casino Montreal is located on an island in the St. Lawrence River, separated from the downtown and historic districts, and right in the heart of Expo Î67âs French pavilion. The casino now includes the adjacent former Quebec pavilion, making it one of the largest casinos north of the border.

The approach to Casino Montreal is one of the most dramatic in gaming. The soaring spires of the building give visitors just a hint of what to expect withina truly unique casino experience unmatched anywhere else in North America.

Emerging from the 3,000 space underground parking lot brings visitors to the base of the grand building. The grand spires reveal a majestic, multi-leveled, five-story palladium. Each level contains different games, staggered table minimums, and a variety of amenities.

More than 100 table games are scattered throughout the casino, with blackjack, baccarat, roulette and several specialty games available. At least 2,700 slot machines are offered, ranging from modern IGT devices to old machines that have been all but forgotten in todayâs high-tech casino environment.

One of the unique games at Casino Montreal is the Sega Royal Ascot racing game. Anyone who has played the ãDerbyä game in American casinos will love Royal Ascot. Surrounding a 20-ft. oval are 23 betting positions that allow players to wager on the mechanical horse race. Although the game is little more than a glorified slot machine, the ambiance of the game, located high atop the casino, makes it feel like a close cousin to a race track.

Vincent Trudel, president of Societe des Casinos du Quebec Inc. (a subsidiary of Loto Quebec, which operates the provincially-owned casinos), says casino executives are continually evaluating the desires of the slot players.

ãWe are committed to offering the most modern machines here,ä says Trudel. ãWe try to accommodate all players and gaming budgets.ä

Those gaming budgets extend to the ultra-high roller, says Trudel. Although the Quebec casinos are prevented from offering casino credit, Trudel says high players havenât been dissuaded.

But New Yorker Jesse Bolton says Casino Montreal wasnât the main reason she visited the city.

ãWe love to come up here to soak up the atmosphere,ä she says. ãIt feels like weâre in France. The casino has the same feeling, so we like to spend a few hours here.ä

While Casino Montreal does not have a hotel, the staff has access to more than 20,000 first-class hotel rooms in the Montreal area, including many hotels that are at least equal and often superior to any rooms available in Las Vegas or Atlantic City.

Comps are readily available for players, despite the lack of a hotel. The Nuances restaurant offers a wonderful gourmet menu. A buffet, a coffee shop and an Italian bistro complete the offerings at the casino. Better yet, Montreal is known for its many world-class restaurants, and reservations in non-casino restaurants are frequently made for big players.

Outside of Montreal, the province operates two other casinos, both markedly different from Casino Montreal.

Casino de Hull is built on the shore of a lake, just minutes from Ottawaâs Parliament Hill. The striking building is included in an open-air, park-like setting that includes such attractions as museums, art galleries, theaters and festivals.

No hotel is connected to Casino de Hull, but access to all the hospitality of the nationâs capital is available. With over 1,200 slot machines, 45 table games, keno and a Royal Ascot pit, along with two restaurants and a snack bar, Casino de Hull offers the complete gaming experience to its customers.

Casino de Charlevoix is an oasis nestled in one of Quebecâs favorite vacation regions. Charlevoix is a region of rare beauty that offers visitors a wide selection of leisure activities, including skiing, dog sledding, snowmobiling, whale watching, horseback riding, watersports and golf.

With only 15 gaming tables and 300 slot machines, the intimate casino brings players European ambiance found nowhere else in North America.

Dress nice, but save the tip

Players will certainly notice that Quebecâs casinos have a dress code. While not as strict as some European casinos, the casinos of Quebec do not allow cut-off shirts or shorts, tank-tops or camisoles, jogging outfits, beachwear, motorcycle boots or ãclothing associated with violence.ä

The Quebec casinos also feature limited operating hours. All casinos close for at least four hours a day. Check operating hours before you decide to gamble.

Like all Canadian casinos, Quebec gaming houses use only Canadian money. That means a very favorable exchange rate (about US$.75 to every Canadian dollar). It also makes shopping in Canada very enjoyable. But the best part is that no tax is taken off Canadian jackpots. Every cent is passed on to the player. American players who win more than $10,000 are required to report it at the border.

Players who want to drink adult beverages while they gamble will have to decide which of the two is more important. All Quebec casinos prohibit alcoholic beverages at slot machines and table games, although some very comfortable bars and lounges surround the gaming areas. Of course, non-alcoholic beverages are readily available throughout the casino.

Although credit is not issued, ATM machines, wire transfers and cash deposits allow foreign players to feel right at home with their money.

ãThe province decided early on that they did not want to encourage irresponsible gambling, and that a credit prohibition would serve that purpose,ä says Trudel. ãIt would be easier to attract American players if we were permitted to offer that, but I donât see it changing in the near future.ä

Dealers at Quebecâs casinos are not permitted to accept gratuities. Instead, they are provided with a wage that enables them to live comfortably without having to rely on tips, although bonuses are passed out at the end of a successful fiscal year.

ãSome people ask me how I can get them to give good customer service if they canât be rewarded with a tip,ä says Trudel. ãIâve found that the response is more genuine and caring when they know that there is no reward from a particular customer, but from the company at the end of the year. It has worked very well for us, and I believe the dealers appreciate it.ä

Most noticeably, Canadian casinos are prohibited from offering dice games, so craps is out. The prohibition dates from the 1600s, when the King of England blamed his troops for losing a battle because they were more interested in playing dice. A move is on in the federal government to get the ban rescinded, but donât expect to seven-out in a Canadian casino anytime soon.

Windsor Wonder (story continued...)