The launch of a new casino is an exciting affair. Without exception, the company or group behind the casino will spend a seemingly endless sum of money on advertising the launch and giving sneak peeks into what it will offer.
Players eager to visit the location will also start a buzz. From asking friends if they know any new details to searching online to see if the grand opening date has been announced, casinos bring people together as they look forward to a new place to be entertained and spend—with the hopes of winning—money.
This is undoubtedly the case in Canada with the upcoming opening of a new Vegas-style casino resort in Toronto. So, what has been said about it, and what should excited gamblers expect? Let’s find out.
Casino Name
Originally referred to by players as the new Woodbine Casino, an official name has been released for this new centre for entertainment: the Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto.
While the name may be a mouthful, there is no doubt it’s a name people will remember. One main reason is that it tells precisely which gaming brand is responsible for the new mega-development.
Great Canadian Entertainment
Founded as the Great Canadian Gaming Corporation in 1982, the company behind the casino has a wealth of experience in the gambling sector. It also currently operates over 25 other destinations across the country.
The company is based in Ontario and is one of the biggest gambling operators licensed to operate in Canada. As such, there is no doubt that the new casino resort will offer the same incredible opportunities and entertainment as all the other venues overseen by the organization.
Casino Location
Anyone familiar with Toronto will probably know all about the Woodbine Casino and Woodbine Racetrack. The two are located on Rexdale Boulevard, just a few minutes from Toronto Pearson International Airport.
The location of the new casino is adjacent to the existing Woodbine Racetrack and takes up a decent 33 acres of land. While this location may seem strange, considering it is a stone’s throw away from the current Woodbine Casino, the existing casino will cease to operate once the new resort officially opens to the public.
However, if you’re a Woodbine Casino regular, there is no need to worry. Great Canadian Entertainment (GCE) has assured players that the casino will continue to operate as usual until the resort’s opening.
As for the Woodbine Racetrack, it will continue to operate as usual even after the new casino resort has opened to the public.
Gameplay
The centre of the resort will be the modern Vegas-style casino. While there is little information about what games will be available and how the casino will be laid out, there is plenty to get excited about.
For starters, slot players are in for a wild ride, with over 4,800 slot machines being installed. These will include traditional-themed penny slots and state-of-the-art machines used in some of the biggest casinos in the world.
For those who love table games, there will be an extensive selection comprising more than 145 tables. Some will be automated or electronic, while others will have a live dealer to keep you entertained while you play.
The games available at the tables will include all the regular (and most loved) games, including baccarat, blackjack, roulette, casino war, and Mississippi Stud. Strangely, there is no mention of whether or not the casino will have dedicated poker rooms.
Accommodation
Opening alongside the casino is a 400-room hotel where players (or just travellers) can check in for much-needed rest and relaxation. The hotel is said to rival some of the best Toronto hotels, with spacious rooms that have been meticulously designed to make even a single-night stay feel like a vacation.
Alongside the rooms, the hotel will offer a fitness club and a 24-hour work centre where visitors can work no matter their deadline. There is also a pool that guests can plunge into, though there is no mention of whether the pool is at ground level or on the hotel’s rooftop.
Dining
No casino resort would be complete without a complement of incredible eateries that attract players and guests with their scintillating aromas and decadent-looking meals. Thankfully, food lovers will be well catered to when the resort opens its doors.
The official announcement states that there will be eight distinct dining venues to visit and enjoy. Each promises to tantalize your tastebuds and offers everything from fine dining to gastropub menus.
Entertainment
If you’re not in the mood to gamble or eat a delicious meal, how does a concert, sporting event, or show sound? The Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto will feature a staggering 5,000-seat auditorium hosting several special entertainment events. All these will be made even better by the state-of-the-art facility and the amenities it offers.
Launch Date
After hearing about the incredible things this new Vegas-style resort offers, the number one question on everyone’s minds is, “When is it opening?” Sadly, there is no definitive launch date yet, but it is due to open in the summer of 2023.
However, the official launch date is expected to be widely publicized and promoted on the official casino resort website.
Until then, players looking to gamble in the area will still need to visit either the Woodbine Casino or the Woodbine Racetrack.
