How Many Casinos Are There in Canada? Find Out Where You Have the Best Chances of Winning and Why Online Casinos Are the Best Choice!
Canada is not just a country with stunning nature and cozy cities but also a paradise for gambling enthusiasts. Land-based casinos are literally around every corner. Want to get your adrenaline pumping and try your luck? It's easy! Did you know that one of the casinos in Canada recorded the largest win ever — $7.5 million on a regular slot machine? And there are many such stories in Canadian casinos!
In this article, we'll explore how many casinos there are in Canada, where they are located, and what interesting things you can find there. Even if you're not a gambling enthusiast, these places have something to surprise you!
Contents:
- How Many Casinos Are There in Canada?
- Popular Casinos by Province
- Ontario
- British Columbia
- Alberta
- Quebec
- Manitoba
- Saskatchewan
- Nova Scotia
- Prince Edward Island
- New Brunswick
- Low RTP in Land-Based Casinos in Canada
- Why Players Choose Online and Crypto Casinos
- Features of Regulation and Age Restrictions
- Differences Between Land-Based and Online Casinos
- Conclusion
1. How Many Casinos Are There in Canada?
You might be surprised, but Canada has about 90 land-based casinos. Yes, nearly every province boasts its own gambling establishments. And what's interesting is that these casinos are often not just places to play but entire entertainment complexes with hotels, restaurants, and show programs.
For example, Ontario — the most populous province — has 24 casinos. One of the most famous is Niagara Fallsview Casino Resort, which not only features over 3,500 slot machines but also offers a view of Niagara Falls! Moreover, in 2017, there was one of the most famous cases where a regular player hit a jackpot of a staggering $7.5 million on a slot machine! Imagine coming to play for fun and leaving a millionaire.
This case has become legendary and continues to attract many players to Fallsview Casino. The win not only inspired thousands to try their luck but also strengthened the casino's reputation as a place where hitting a big win is genuinely possible. The casino constantly runs promotions and giveaways, making it even more appealing to gamblers.
Alberta also has 24 casinos, while Quebec has 4, but that doesn't prevent Quebec from being a true gambling hub. In general, wherever you go, you can find a place to test your luck in every province.
2. Popular Casinos by Province
Land-based casinos in Canada are not just about games — they are real entertainment complexes with restaurants, hotels, and even concert venues. Each province has its own well-known and unique casinos, and here are a few worth mentioning:
Ontario
- Niagara Fallsview Casino Resort — the largest casino in Canada with over 3,500 slots and a stunning view of Niagara Falls.
- Casino Niagara — another popular casino in Niagara, known for its friendly atmosphere and variety of games.
- Caesars Windsor — a casino on the US-Canada border, famous for its major poker tournaments and concerts.
- Great Blue Heron Casino — a casino with live tables and a cozy atmosphere, located near Toronto.
British Columbia
- River Rock Casino Resort — a popular casino with luxurious rooms and live tables in Vancouver.
- Parq Vancouver Casino — a modern casino combining a hotel and restaurants with a beautiful city view.
- Hard Rock Casino Vancouver — a casino focused on musical events and a rich selection of slot machines.
- Starlight Casino New Westminster — a cozy casino with a modern design and an extensive gaming area.
Alberta
- PURE Casino Calgary — one of the most popular casinos in Alberta with a large number of slots and live games.
- River Cree Resort & Casino — a casino with a hotel and spa where you can play various games and relax.
- Century Casino Edmonton — a famous casino with a wide range of entertainment, from slot machines to horse racing.
- Grey Eagle Resort & Casino — a casino known for its friendly atmosphere and regular tournaments.
Quebec
- Casino de Montréal — the largest casino in Quebec with thousands of slot machines and numerous gaming tables.
- Casino du Lac-Leamy — a casino with a lake view, offering entertainment and luxurious dining.
- Casino de Charlevoix — a casino located in a picturesque spot where you can enjoy both the game and nature.
- Mont-Tremblant Casino — a casino resort ideal for winter sports and gambling.
Manitoba
- Club Regent Casino — one of the largest casinos in the province with a huge number of slots and live games.
- McPhillips Station Casino — a casino in Winnipeg, famous for its variety of games and entertainment.
Saskatchewan
- Casino Regina — the largest casino in the province, offering many slot machines and poker tournaments.
- Northern Lights Casino — a small but cozy casino located in Prince Albert.
Nova Scotia
- Casino Nova Scotia (Halifax) — a popular casino in Halifax with live tables and large slot areas.
- Casino Nova Scotia (Sydney) — another casino in the province with a friendly atmosphere and excellent game selection.
Prince Edward Island
- Red Shores Racetrack & Casino — a casino combining games and a racetrack, ideal for racing enthusiasts.
New Brunswick
- Casino New Brunswick — the largest casino in the province, offering a variety of games and entertainment.
3. Low RTP in Land-Based Casinos in Canada
One key feature of land-based casinos in Canada is the relatively low RTP (Return to Player) for slot machines, which ranges from 85% to 92%. This figure is lower than in online casinos due to the higher operating costs of land-based establishments, such as rent, building maintenance, and staff. It is also related to regulatory requirements that allow land-based casinos to maintain lower payout rates for profit.
4. Why Players Choose Online and Crypto Casinos
Many players seeking better chances of winning prefer online or crypto casinos, where RTP is significantly higher — up to 96% or more. In online casinos licensed outside of Ontario, such as those in Malta or Curaçao, slot machines and other games usually offer more favourable conditions due to the lack of need to maintain physical buildings and associated costs.
5. Features of Regulation and Age Restrictions
Canada has a unique gambling regulation system. Each province sets its own laws and rules for casino operations. Therefore, before heading to the nearest casino, it's important to know a few key points:
- Minimum Age for Gambling: In most Canadian provinces, such as Ontario, British Columbia, Nova Scotia, and Quebec, the minimum age for visiting a casino is 19. However, in provinces like Alberta and Quebec, gambling is allowed from age 18.
- Types of Allowed Games: Each region has its own rules regarding what games can be offered in casinos. For example, some provinces have a full range of games — from slots to poker and roulette, while others may have restrictions on certain types of gambling. In Yukon and Northwest Territories, for example, casinos are only allowed with lotteries, while Quebec and Ontario allow all types of gambling, including sports betting and table games.
- Casino Licensing: All land-based casinos in Canada are required to obtain licences from the relevant provincial authorities, such as the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) in Ontario or the Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch in British Columbia.
These licences regulate general safety and fairness standards but do not always require strict RTP controls. This means that land-based casinos can set RTP at lower levels, giving the casino an edge. In contrast, many international online casinos operating under licenses from regulators like the UK Gambling Commission or Malta Gaming Authority are required to maintain higher RTP levels, making them attractive to players seeking better game conditions.
In Canadian online casinos, the situation also doesn't favor players. The iGaming Ontario licence has set RTP (Return to Player) at 80% for many slots licensed in the province. The main reason for such a low RTP is to increase operator profits in the regulated market and ensure competitiveness against traditional land-based casinos, which also have relatively low RTP.
Low RTP figures are linked to operational costs, licensing, and tax requirements. This means that players on these platforms face much lower chances of getting their bets back, which reduces the attractiveness of such casinos compared to international online casinos that offer higher RTP. Thus, if you want to increase your chances of winning, consider playing at licensed online or crypto casinos with higher RTP figures and other licenses.
6. Differences Between Land-Based and Online Casinos
Today, with technology evolving rapidly, gamblers have two main choices — visit a land-based casino or play online. Each option has its pros and cons, and it's important to understand what suits you best.
Advantages of Land-Based Casinos:
- Real Atmosphere: In a land-based casino, you experience the real gambling atmosphere, the sounds of slot machines, the live reactions of players, interaction with dealers — all of which create unique sensations.
- Social Aspect: It's a place to socialize with other players, meet new people, and spend time in good company.
- Entertainment Complexes: Many casinos, such as Niagara Fallsview Casino Resort or Casino de Montréal, offer not only gambling but also concerts, restaurants, and hotels, making a casino visit a complete vacation.
- Immediate Results: You can collect your winnings right on the spot, which adds to the adrenaline and enjoyment of the game.
Advantages of Online Casinos:
- High RTP: Unlike land-based casinos, where RTP is around 80%, in crypto and online casinos (not licensed in Ontario), RTP figures are much higher, up to 96%.
- Accessibility: You can play anytime and anywhere, whether at home, at work, or while travelling. There's no need to go anywhere — just turn on your computer or smartphone.
- Wide Variety of Games: Online casinos offer thousands of different games that might not be available in a physical casino due to space constraints.
- Bonuses and Promotions: Unlike land-based casinos, online platforms often offer attractive bonuses for new and regular players, such as free spins or additional money.
- Comfort: No need to stand in line or wait for a game table to become available. All games are instantly available to you.
Conclusion
If you're looking for atmosphere and a social experience, land-based casinos are your choice. But if convenience, variety, and high chances of winning are important to you, you should try online casinos. Each player has their preference, and both options can offer unique experiences.
Amanda Shimmer is the Chief Editor at CasinosInCanada and an experienced casino expert who ensures all guides, reviews, and industry investigations remain accurate, transparent, and helpful for players.
It’s really creepy to play in online casinos where you don’t see what’s happening. At least in land-based casinos, you’re face-to-face, not through a screen.
Thanks, cool info.
Crypto casinos rule.
Has anyone been to Casino de Montréal? Is it worth going or just another scam? I just don’t believe these million-dollar stories. Dreamers!
An RTP below 85% is just laughable.