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The Magazine for the Gaming Enthusiasts |
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OH, CANADA: |
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Ten years ago, when gaming was just spreading its roots from Nevada and Atlantic City, the growth of the industry did not go unnoticed north of the border. At the time, Canada hosted only a few small charity casinos and scattered video lottery terminals. Since that time, and especially in the last decade, Canada has developed a flourishing gaming culture that is significantly different from its neighbors to the south, but comfortably familiar at the same time. While all the country's provinces have some sort of gaming, three÷Quebec, Ontario and Nova Scotia÷have the kinds of American-style resorts that are attractive to visitors. Unlike the gaming industry in the United States, however, Canada's casinos are owned by the provincial governments. As government operations, they sometimes have a decided bureaucratic bent, and the games and slots are sometimes just as unusual. But when the favorable exchange rate and the tax-free jackpots are considered, Canadian casinos can be truly player-friendly. As for the similarities, they offer the thrill of games such as slots, blackjack, baccarat and roulette. There are significant differences, though. You won't find a craps table, the best rules or highest slot payouts. Instead, there are a variety of warm and welcoming casinos that make players feel right at home. |
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Casino de Hull is in the western part of the province, across the river from Ottawa. Like Casino Montreal, the ultra-modern building includes all the expected amenities. In addition, the charming city of Hull offers many delights for the tourist. A smaller casino in the "cottage country," Casino Charlevoix, is a quaint gaming hall that recalls Canada's European heritage and is connected to a small hotel. Quebec's casinos are a tad formal, with dress codes, opening and closing times and strict limits on credit. Casino Rama, Ontario's only First Nation (Indian) casino, is located in Orilla, about 90 minutes northeast of Toronto and operated by Carnival Hotels & Casinos. As with America's tribal casinos, Casino Rama has proven to be a big success and a significant revenue generator for the province's tribes. Casino Niagara, located directly across the Rainbow Bridge from Niagara Falls, N.Y., has established itself as the second most popular tourist attraction in Niagara Falls, Ontario. The three-level casino is capped by a high-rollers club that overlooks the falls. In eastern Canada, Nova Scotia's only casino is operated by Caesars World. The Sheraton Halifax Hotel is a unique urban resort in the heart of downtown Halifax, with access to more than 130 shops, boutiques, entertainment and restaurants. The hotel includes 351 guest rooms and suites, and the casino features all the most popular tables and slots. A permanent facility is scheduled to open next year. The Canadian gaming experience is unlike the one you'll find in the United States, but the differences are charming and definitely worth the trip. |
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Timeline - Slots: A Decade - Tables: Recapturing - Canada: Gaming - Spotlight - |
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Quebec was the first province to go gaming with the opening of Casino Montreal in 1992. Located in the French pavilion at the site of Expo '67, the soaring five-story steel-and-glass structure fits well in this spectacular setting. Underground parking keeps the scenery pristine. The casino is complete with everything but a hotel.