New York is “The City That Never Sleeps” and Las Vegas is the spiritual home to casino gaming, but Toronto isn’t far behind on either account. The Canadian metropolis is a thriving hub of activity day and night. It is also home to some of the best land-based casinos not only on the North American continent, but on the planet.
Whether you’re a seasoned poker player with a penchant for roulette and blackjack or an avid player of the fishin’ frenzy slot, Toronto has you covered. Unsure where to start? Read on for our guide to some of the best casinos in the city.
Grandstand Casino
555 Rexdale Boulevard, Etobicoke
Situated just a 20-minute drive from central Toronto is The Grandstand Casino (formerly known as The Woodbine Casino). The Grandstand is your stereotypical casino, the type that you could imagine Robert De Niro’s character Sam “Ace” Rothstein walking around.
It’s lively, it’s garish and it’s bombastic. It also has plenty to offer in terms of facilities, with a huge amount of table games and slot terminals. Aside from the gaming, there is a 400-room luxury hotel adjoined to the casino and a multitude of dining options for hungry gamers to choose from.
Who is it for? The Grandstand is a casino for people who love the classic image of 1980s and 1990s Las Vegas casinos. Casino gaming and fun are the sole aims of The Grandstand, which means that those accustomed to luxurious, relaxing settings might not feel as at home here as they would elsewhere.
Casino Niagara
5705 Falls Avenue, Niagara Falls
It might be an hour’s drive out of Toronto, but when are we ever going to be able to write an article on the best casinos at stunning Canadian tourist destinations? Answer: Never. So indulge us with this one (and a later entry), because they are worth mentioning.
The Casino Niagara opened its doors just a few weeks before Christmas in 1996 and has been drawing in tourists and locals alike ever since. Inside there are over 1,300 slot machines to enjoy and well over 40 games. With a designated sportsbook area and a thriving poker scene, Casino Niagara has so much to offer.
Who is it for? It’s hard not to say tourists, but in truth that is who will get the most benefit out of visiting Casino Niagara because, as you’ve probably guessed by the name, it’s a stone’s throw from the Niagara Falls.
If you like luxurious casino gambling and have visited the falls one too many times, there’s still plenty to enjoy about this venue.
Fallsview Casino Resort
6380 Fallsview Boulevard, Niagara Falls
Okay, if you thought our description of Casino Niagara sounded impressive, wait until you hear about this venue, and see the video below that shows the view! Built on a cliff overlooking Horseshoe Falls, patrons of the Fallsview Casino Resort probably have the best view in global gambling.
When they manage to step back from the windows and turn their attention to the casino itself, they will be greeted with over 3,300 slot machines and 130 gaming tables. If that’s not enough, there are 372 luxury hotel rooms to relax in, luxury shops to peruse, a world-class gym to avail of and a 5,000 square foot entertainment complex that hosts musicians and acts from across the globe.
Sounds impressive? It should do, Fallsview Casino Resort was opened in June 2004 at a reported cost of $1 billion!
Who is it for? Anyone who wants to gamble in luxury and indulge in one of the most spectacular views they’ll ever see!
Great Canadian Toronto
1133 Queen’s Plate Drive
Just a short drive from Pearson Airport you’ll find the Great Canadian Toronto casino, which is the largest gambling facility in the city centre. It has 400 business class hotel rooms, multiple meeting areas and a host of comfortable relaxation areas.
The resort also features a number of stunning artwork pieces, with over $5 million invested in unique, one-of-a-kind art for guests to enjoy. Beyond the walls, there is a 250,000 square foot green roof with solar panels to offset the building’s carbon footprint.
When it comes to gambling, there are a huge selection of slot machines and table games to enjoy in an altogether more relaxed and refined atmosphere than the other venues on the list.
Who is it for? People who want to step away from the hustle and bustle of their hectic lifestyles and relax in comfort.