Okay, nobody is ever going to mistake Toronto for Las Vegas, but that doesn’t mean we don’t have plenty of high-stakes nightlife on offer here. In fact, considering our size and population, Toronto and the GTA has a pretty good number of high-quality casinos all within relatively easy reach, each with its own particular specialities and appeal.
Perhaps the one thing that’s missing here in Toronto that some other cities in Canada have is a downtown casino. There’s been plenty of plans put forward to make this happen, but proposals keep getting rejected by the Council. However, the casino scene is still set to grow around the GTA, with big plans in place to redevelop and expand Woodbine Racetrack and Great Blue Heron charity casino, and to build a new casino either at Ajax or Pickering.
For people who aren’t within easy access of the GTA, or any of the other major Canadian cities with casinos like Montreal or Vancouver, sites like Bestcasinoscanada have plenty of info about online casinos that do accept Canadian players, so if you’re in the mood for some gaming action but can’t get to one of the casinos listed here, check out the online alternatives.
But for anyone new to Toronto, or who hasn’t previously been tempted to try their luck, here we go – in no particular order, my five favourite Toronto casinos and why I rate them.
Best Casino for Slots – Casino Rama
Casino Rama has one of the best selection of slots of all the casinos in Toronto, with more than 2,500 different games to choose from. There’s plenty of table games too, like roulette, craps and blackjack, as well a great live entertainment program. Go all in and treat yourself to a stay in one of the luxury suites in the resort.
5899 Rama Road
Rama, ON L3V 6H6
Phone: 705-329-3325
Open 24/7
Best Casino for Sports Betting – Casino Niagara
The Sports Centre at Casino Niagara is one of the best places to take in all your favourite sports in comfort. In the plush lounge with 26 huge HD screens, you can make parlay bets on football, hockey, baseball and college basketball, and it’s open until 1am most days. You can also play slots and table games and, if you’re going all that way, you should at least set aside some time to check out Niagara Falls.
5705 Falls Ave
Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6T3
Phone: 1 (888) 325-5788
Open 24/7
Best Casino for Live Racing – Woodbine Racetrack
There’s a year round program of live harness and thoroughbred racing at Woodbine Racetrack, which is the venue for some of Canada’s major races (visit Ontario Racing to find out more about horse racing in the province). Set for a major revamp and expansion, there are more than 2.500 slots to play here, along with virtual table games and an electronic poker room.
555 Rexdale Boulevard
Toronto, ON M9W 5L1
Phone: 416-675-1101
Open 24/7
Best Casino for Entertainment – Fallsview Casino
There are more than 250 shows a year at Fallsview Casino, featuring big-name Canadian and international acts in a 1,500-seat theatre where you’re never far from the action. There’s also a huge selection of more than 3,000 slots, as well as table games and Canada’s biggest poker room. A lot of top casinos in Toronto for real money that operate online look up to the Fallsview Casino as a great example of entertainment concept.
6380 Fallsview Blvd
Niagara Falls, ON L2G
Phone: 1 (888) 325-5788
Open 24/7
Best Charity Casino – Great Blue Heron Casino
Great Blue Heron Casino is owned and operated by Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation, and profits go to local and national charities. Located in picturesque Port Perry, there are more than 500 slots and 60 table games to enjoy, along with a regular program of poker tournaments.
21777 Island Road
Port Perry, ON L9L 1B6
Phone: 1-905-985-4888
Open 24/7
