Canada has become a heaven for gamblers over the years, with many top casinos operating on its territory. In fact, there are more than two dozen land-based casinos scattered across the province of Ontario alone, each offering its unique take on entertainment, hospitality, gaming variety, and more. Here’s the list of the best casinos close to Toronto, Ottawa, London, and other major cities in southern Ontario.
Best Casinos in Ontario, Canada
- Caesars Windsor (Windsor)
- Gateway Casino & Entertainment Makepeace (Ottawa)
- Great Blue Heron Casino (Port Colborne)
- Kawartha Downs Gaming (Sophiasburg)
- Elements Casino Flamboro (Waterdown)
- Clarenville Inn Casino & Convention Centre (Clarenville)
- Rideau Carleton Raceway Casino (Ottawa)
- Kettle Lakes Casino & Resort (Brinston)
- Scotia Gaming Centre (Halifax)
- Niagara Fallsview Casino Resort (Niagara Falls)
- Shorelines Slots at Kawartha Downs (Baldy Mill Village)
- Niagara Casino and Resort (Niagara Falls)
- Horseshoe Fallview Rochester (Niagara Falls)
- Elements Casino Grand River (Petersborough)
- Elements Casino Brantford (Brantford)
- Elements Casino Kamloops (Kamloops)
- Elements Casino Stellat'ony (Penticton)
- Elements Casino Surrey (Surrey)
- OLG Slots at Kempton (Kemptville)
- Georgian Downs Slot Machine Casino (Innisfil)
- Cliffside Casino River Cree Resort (Edmonton)
- OLG Slots at Rockwood (Rockwood)
- OLG Slots at Sudbury (Sudbury)
- OLG Slots at Thornhill (Thornhill)
- OLG Slots at Wasaga Beach (Clearview)
- Elements Casino Moose Jaw (Moose Jaw)
- Great Canadian Casino & Hotel London (London)
- Great Canadian Casino & Resort (Element Town), (Aldergrove)
- Shorelines Casino Peterborough (Peterborough)
- Elements Casino Saskatoon (Saskatoon)
Caesars Windsor
Located on the waterfront in downtown Windsor, this spectacular casino hotel spreads across 105,000 square feet and is home to more than 2,500 slot machines and video poker machines as well as 98 table games where you can play , roulette, baccarat, and other games against the dealer. This makes it the largest casino in southwestern Ontario and one of the biggest in Canada.
The poker room features 16 tables, while the high-limit room offers some of the most thrilling betting experiences in the region. If you like sports wagering, you will be happy to learn that the casino also operates a full-service .
On top of all the gaming options, guests can enjoy numerous restaurants, bars, lounges, live entertainment shows, and much more.
Gateway Casino & Entertainment Makepeace
This modern casino in Ottawa features nearly 500 of the latest slot machines, electronic roulette terminals, and gaming tables where you can play blackjack, roulette, and other popular games. The restaurant/bar area offers plenty of food and drink options plus free Wi-Fi.
What sets this venue apart from other casinos in Ontario is its incredible racebook section with non-stop action, live tellers, self-serve kiosks, private booths, and massive TV screens displaying horse races from around the world.
no deposit casino free bonusOther amenities include a dedicated poker room with frequent tournaments, a high-roller VIP lounge, and regular live entertainment events.
Great Blue Heron Casino
Perched on the banks of Lake Erie, this large casino is run by the Six Nations of the Grand River. It boasts nearly 1,000 slot machines, electronic keno, and keno lounge, table games, a poker room, high-stakes gaming areas, etc. There is even an off-track .
The property also includes a bingo hall operated by the Haudenosaunee Community Bingo, which is open to everyone 18+. Those looking for other forms of entertainment will be pleased to know there is a convention center hosting various concerts, trade fairs, conventions, banquets, and other kinds of gatherings.
Additionally, there are many good dining spots serving classic American dishes along with snacks, sandwiches, soups, salads, desserts, coffee, beer, wine, cocktails, etc.
Kawartha Downs Gaming
This harness racing track and casino located between Peterborough and Cambridge was originally built in 1956 but has since been renovated and expanded several times. Today, it features daily live racing along with 550 slot machines, simulcast racing from dozens of other tracks, dining options, and more.
Live racing takes place from April through October, attracting both professional drivers and their horses as well as casual bettors who come to wager on their favorite contenders. Other than that, punters can place bets on races from around the globe at the self-service kiosks or place phone calls to the in-house mutuel clerks.
Rideau Carleton Raceway Casino
Ontario’s largest racino (racing + casino) is located in the city of Ottawa and covers an area of almost 400,000 square feet. It features 2,071 slot machines, electronic games, and keno stations as well as several restaurants, bars, lounges, a comedy club, a concert venue, etc.
For many years, this was the only commercial cardroom in Ontario and probably the busiest poker room in Canada. However, the government shut it down in early 2012, citing various violations including money laundering. Although the poker room has never reopened, players can still participate in various live events held in the Ottawa area.
The racetrack hosts live harness racing meetings from May through October, with dozens of races per night. Visitors can watch them live or bet on other races from various tracks in North America.
Kettle Lakes Casino & Resort
This small casino attached to the Travelodge hotel in Brinston offers 250 slot machines and video poker terminals, live racing odds, simulcast races from Woodbine, Kawartha Downs, Rideau Carleton, Fort Erie, and other tracks, a licensed sports book, and a lounge area with big-screen TVs.
The property also houses a 52-room hotel with free breakfast, high-speed internet, cable TV, air conditioning, pets allowed, etc. Additionally, there are three restaurants within walking distance, offering Italian, Chinese, and fast food.
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Run by Atlantic Lottery Corporation, this casino inside the Crown Plaza Tower Hotel features 120 slot machines and classic casino table games such as blackjack, roulette, craps, and baccarat. A full-service , operated by Playtime Players Club, is located just downstairs from the casino.
Various shops, attractions, eateries, parks, and the Halifax Waterfront are just a short walk away.
Other Casinos in Ontario Worth Trying
Our list of the best casinos near Toronto, Ottawa, and other major cities in Ontario continues with some honorable mentions you may want to explore the next time you go gambling.
Niagara Fallsview Casino Resort – Located on the Canadian side of the famous waterfall, this luxurious resort spans 105,000 square feet and boasts 3,000 slots and digital games, 100 table games, a high-limit room, a poker room, non-stop action, and panoramic views of Niagara Falls. Other features include award-winning restaurants, lounges, bars, elite spas, fitness centers, indoor pools, hot tubs, saunas, steam rooms, gift shops, conference facilities, live entertainment venues, etc.
Shorelines Slots at Kawartha Downs – This establishment in Baldy Mill Village focuses mostly on electronic gaming machines, allowing players to switch horses mid-race, pre-select their horses in advance, and view instant results. In addition to live racing from June through October, visitors can watch simulcasts from 30 tracks across North America and place their bets via self-service kiosks or mutuel tellers.
Niagara Casino and Resort – Operated by Caesars Entertainment, this facility across the street from Fallsview offers more than 1,500 slot machines and video poker machines, 40 table games, a high-stakes casino, a poker room, live entertainment, gourmet dining, elegant accommodations, spa services, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, etc.
Best Slots to Play with a No Deposit Bonus – The Emporium Casino BlogElements Casino Flamboro – Previously known as Horseshoe Slots, this location features hundreds of slot machines, live racing odds, simulcast races, a dedicated bingo area, lounge with large-screen TVs, and dining options.
Clarenville Inn Casino & Convention Centre – This casino in Newfoundland & Labrador features 300 slot machines, electronic keno, live racing odds, simulcast races, a lounge with big-screen TVs, pub fare, live music, etc. Nearby attractions include Ice Palace Amusement Park, golf courses, beaches, hiking trails, whale watching tours, etc.
Rideau Carleton Raceway Casino – Located in Ottawa, this casino encompasses over 260,000 square feet and consists of a 175,000-square-foot slot machine casino plus a live harness racing track that measures more than 1 mile in circumference.
Horseshoe Fallview Rochester – Also managed by Caesars Entertainment, this casino across the border in New York State offers 700 slot machines, electronic versions of roulette, craps, and sic-bo, high-stakes gambling, and live entertainment. Guests can stay at the attached Adam’s Mark Rochester hotel or fallasleep in one of the 100 deluxe rooms at Horseshoe FallsView Rochester.
Elements Casino Grand River – This casino in Ontario used to be called Kawartha Downs Gaming after the previous owner bought it from the local First Nation tribe in 2015. It features 550 slot machines, electronic bingo, simulcast races, dining options, entertainment, etc.
Elements Casino Stellat’ony – Operated by the Westbank First Nation, this casino in British Columbia has 250 slot machines, popular table games, electronic roulette, poker, a lounge with big-screen TVs, bistro-style cuisine, live entertainment, etc.
Best Online Casino Games For Beginners (With High RTP)Elements Casino Surrey – With over 400,000 square feet of gaming, entertainment, and event space, this casino is the largest in BC. Its offer includes 1,400 slot machines, electronic Roulette and Blackjack, Poker, Baccarat, Pai Gow, and more.
OLG Slots at Kempton – This small racino in Ontario features 500 slot machines, electronic bingo, keno, lotteries, simulcast racing, dining options, and easy access from Highway 416.
Georgian Downs Slot Racetrack Casino – Attached to the Georgian Downs racetrack, this facility encompasses 550 slot machines and electronic games plus a 10-table low-limit poker room. Punters can wager on live horse races from the comfort of their seats or try their luck on races from various tracks around the world.
Cliffside Casino River Cree Resort – Run by the Chippewa River Cree First Nation, this casino in Alberta has over 850 slot machines, progressive jackpots, keno, table games, high-stakes gaming, poker, live entertainment, restaurants, etc.
Great Canadian Casino & Hotel London – Located in the White Oaks Shopping Center, this casino features more than 500 slot machines, electronic roulette terminals, table games, a high-roller VIP area, a poker room, a lounge with big-screen TVs, several restaurants, and complimentary parking.
Great Canadian Casino & Resort (Element Town), Aldergrove – Previously operated by Polytech Enterprises Limited, this casino was closed and put up for sale in January 2021. Prior to the closure, it offered 450 slot machines, live racing odds, simulcast races, a buffet, a couple of restaurants, a lounge with big-screen TVs, high-limit tables, and poker tournaments.
Shorelines Casino Peterborough – Rebranded from Kawartha Downs Gaming in late 2018, this venue offers 500 slot machines, electronic bingo, keno, live racing odds, simulcast races, dining options, entertainment, etc. Some of the nearby attractions include the Canadian Canoe Museum, Little Lake, the Trent-Severn Waterway system, etc.
Elements Casino Saskatoon – This casino in Saskatchewan has nearly 400 slot machines, table games, electronic roulette, Keno, a high-stakes VIP lounge, weekly blackjack and roulette tournaments, promotional events, eats, drinks, live entertainment, etc.
How to Choose among These Gambling Spots?
If we had to pick the best casino in Ontario based on several key factors such as size, game selection, amenities, history, location, revenue, etc., it would probably be Niagara Fallsview Casino Resort. However, everyone has different preferences when it comes to gambling and sightseeing, so we won’t make that choice for you.
Instead, we recommend visiting those gambling destinations in person to see if they match your expectations. Maybe some of our readers prefer to stick to online gambling sites due to various reasons. In that case, rest assured there are many great that offer thrilling games, juicy bonuses, mobile support, and other benefits.
Can you gamble in Ontario?
Slot Machine Secrets Casino Don't Want You To KnowYes, Ontario has a vibrant gambling industry with dozens of brick-and-mortar casinos spread across the province. Visitors and residents can enjoy all sorts of games, from slots and video poker to poker, baccarat, roulette, and blackjack.
How many casinos are in Ontario?
According to the , there were 25 legal casinos in Ontario in 2021. They included 16 First Nations casinos, six commercial casinos, two racinos, and one small casino inside the Kawartha Downs racetrack.
What is the biggest casino in Canada?
As of 2021, the biggest casino in Canada in terms of playing surface is Niagara Fallsview Casino Resort in Ontario. Covering 105,000 square feet, this luxury casino offers more than 3,000 slots and classic casino table games such as blackjack, roulette, craps, and baccarat.
Casino Apps That Deserve More Love - Ceasars Is WorstWhat is the legal gambling age in Ontario?
You must be at least 19 years old to enter an Ontario casino and play slots, video poker, bingo, keno, lottery, etc. One needs to be 18 or older to engage in sports betting, horse racing, jai alai, and other types of gambling. However, some exceptions apply if you play privately with your friends or family or if you belong to an Indigenous community that runs its own gaming operations.
To Sum Up
Ontario looks set to further develop its gambling scene in the coming years, potentially becoming a strong competitor to Vegas or other famous gambling capitals of the world. Until then, players can satisfy their thirst for casino games at any of the above-listed casinos in Toronto, Ottawa, London, and other places in this beautiful part of Canada.
We recommend visiting Niagara Fallsview Casino Resort for its stunning location and spectacular design or perhaps Caesars Windsor if you prefer a larger casino spread over more than 100,000 square feet. Elements Casino Flamboro could be another good choice thanks to its location close to Hamilton and other major cities in the Golden Horseshoe region.
Alternatively, you could visit one of the many racinos in Ontario, such as Kawartha Downs Gaming or Rideau Carleton Raceway Casino, to bet on your favorite horses while enjoying other forms of gambling. Whichever option you choose, we hope you will have a pleasant trip and unforgettable experience!
About the author
Peter Clayton
Peter is one of the most experienced writers and editors at AskGamblers. He's reported on the casino and and sports betting industries for over a decade and already in his second decade writing about tech. His expertise covers a wide range of topics, from gaming exclusives to the latest tech breakthroughs. As a writer, schmoozer, and man about town, he's a perfect fit for AskGamblers.
