How Many Casinos Are There in Ontario: A Complete Guide for Gamblers

When it comes to casinos in Canada, Ontario is always in the spotlight. The province attracts not only Canadians but also visitors from abroad, thanks to its famous tourist attractions, large casinos and beautiful resorts. But what makes Ontario so attractive to gamblers?

The short answer is variety. Ontario is home to more than 25 major casinos, each with its own unique character and offerings. You can find luxurious resorts next to natural wonders like Niagara Falls, as well as cozy rooms for those who prefer a more intimate atmosphere.

In this article, we will look at the most famous Ontario casinos, their features and benefits, to help you choose the right place for your next visit.

Introduction: Why is Ontario the Gambling Capital of Canada?

Ontario Land-Based Casinos: From Niagara to Windsor

Land-based casinos play a key role in the province's economy. Many people travel to Ontario specifically for these establishments, and each one offers a unique experience for its visitors. Here are some famous places to visit:

1. Casino Niagara is one of the most popular destinations. Casinos here offer guests not only gambling, but also a view of the famous waterfall.
2. Windsor is a city on the border with the United States, home to the Caesars Windsor casino, famous for its luxury and views of the Detroit River.

Each Ontario casino has its own unique atmosphere, as well as entertainment and services that differ from other establishments. For example, some offer classic slot machines and table games, while others focus more on live entertainment and food.

TOP Ontario Casinos and their Features

To understand which casinos are really worth your attention, let's look at the most popular establishments located in different parts of the province. We will include all the key features in our review, so that if you are looking for thebest place to play and relax in Ontario, it will be easier for you to choose.

Fallsview Casino Resort and Casino Niagara

These two casinos in Niagara Falls are world famous for their location next to Niagara Falls. They attract thousands of tourists every year, combining gambling with stunning views of the falls.

• Fallsview Casino Resort is the largest casino in eastern Canada, with over 3,000 slot machines and 130 table games. The venue also boasts world-class restaurants and a live music program featuring renowned artists.
• Casino Niagara is a small but cozy casino located near Fallsview. Here you will find about 1,500 slot machines and more than 40 table games, including poker.

Fun Fact: These casinos also host unique evening shows and performances, attracting not only gamblers but also tourists who want to enjoy the views of Niagara Falls and dine in fine dining restaurants.

Casino Rama: Northern Kingdom of Gambling

Casino Rama, located on the northern border of Ontario, offers a unique gambling experience perfect for those who love to travel and relax surrounded by nature.

• Games and Entertainment: This casino has over 2,500 slot machines and about 100 table games, including blackjack, roulette and craps.
• Live Music: Casino Rama is a hub for music events and concerts. Famous performers such as Allen Jackson and Aerosmith have performed here, making the casino a favourite destination for music lovers.

The atmosphere of Casino Rama itself is more relaxed than in city casinos, and many choose it as a place for a secluded holiday.

Caesars Windsor: Roman Luxury on the US Border

Caesars Windsor is an American-style casino located on the Detroit River in Windsor. It is popular with US gamblers as it is just a short drive from Detroit.

• Games and unique offers: The casino offers more than 2,300 slot machines, a variety of table games, as well as a poker room for true connoisseurs.
• Dining Experiences: Caesars is renowned for its restaurants and bars with unique menus and wine lists that focus on American cuisine.
• Entertainment and shows: The concert hall often hosts world-famous stars, which attracts many spectators, even if they are not avid gamblers.

OLG Casinos throughout the province

In addition to the large casinos, Ontario has many smaller gaming halls and casinos operated by the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG). These establishments are often located in smaller cities but offer the same gambling experience as the larger casinos. Some of these places include:

• OLG Slots at Woodbine – Located at the Toronto Racetrack, OLG Slots at Woodbine offers players the opportunity to combine horse racing with gambling.
• OLG Slots at Georgian Downs is a popular destination for horse racing and casino enthusiasts in Barrie.

OLG operates a number of smaller halls and casinos, providing gaming access in almost every region of the province. This makes gambling accessible to a wider audience and helps the province earn money from tourists and locals.

Ontario Online Casinos: Legalization and Boom of Private Operators

With the transition to the digital age, Ontario took one of its most ambitious steps yet: legalizing online gambling. Not only did this move bring in a new stream of revenue for the province, but it also opened the door for licensed private operators. Ontario residents now have access to a huge selection of online platforms, each offering a unique set of games, bonuses, and other features.

However, there is also a flip side to the coin, which you might find useful to read in our investigation: What's wrong with an online casino licensed by iGaming Ontario?

History of online casino legalization in Ontario

Until April 2022, online gambling in Ontario existed only through the OLG Online Casino platform, a government agency that regulated gambling and lotteries. However, with interest in online gaming growing and offshore platforms increasing, the province decided to open up the market and license private operators to increase oversight and improve security.

Ontario is now home to well-known international brands such as Tonybet Casino, 888Casino, Lazybar and others that offer their services through a licensed system. This allows the province to keep players within its borders and ensure that all operators adhere to strict safety standards.

What do Ontario online casinos offer?

• Bonuses and promotions: While land-based casinos only offer bonuses on-site, online platforms attract players with generous welcome bonuses, free spins, and other offers. For example, many casinos give new players free spins or a double first deposit.
• Game Variety: Online casinos offer thousands of games, including slots, roulette, blackjack, craps, and poker. Some platforms offer live dealer games, creating a real casino atmosphere.
• Mobile Apps: Almost all licensed casinos in Ontario offer mobile versions of their sites or apps, allowing you to play anytime, anywhere.

Tip: Before choosing an online casino, we recommend that you read our online casino selection guide to take into account all the important aspects such as licenses, security, ease of withdrawals and customer support.

Live Dealer Casinos: The New Trend in Online Gambling

Live dealer casinos have become especially popular in recent years, as they allow players to enjoy a realistic experience without leaving their homes. This is a unique format that offers live online gaming with real dealers working in specially equipped studios or directly in the casino halls.

Popular live dealer games include:

• Live Blackjack: Live dealer online casinos allow players to play classic blackjack against a live dealer, giving the game a more realistic feel.
• Live Roulette: The ability to watch the roulette wheel spin in real time and communicate with the dealer via chat makes the game exciting and closer to a real casino.
• Baccarat and Craps: These games, popular in traditional casinos, are also available online and are becoming increasingly popular among players, especially in the evenings.

Tip: If you enjoy the social interaction and atmosphere of a real casino, try live games. Check out With ours guide: Live Casino and Real Dealers: How Does It Work and Is It Worth Trying?

Interesting facts about Ontario casinos

1. Largest Casino: Fallsview Casino Resort is the largest casino in Ontario and one of the largest in Canada. Situated on the picturesque waterfront next to Niagara Falls, it attracts millions of tourists each year.
2. Ontario's First Casino: Casino Niagara opened in 1996, becoming the province's first licensed casino. Since then, the industry has grown significantly.
3. Millions of Dollars in Tourism: Ontario casinos such as Caesars Windsor and Casino Rama contribute significantly to tourism, attracting visitors from around the world.
4. OLG and Social Responsibility: The Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation returns a portion of its revenues to social programs, including health care and education, making gambling a contribution to the well-being of the province.

Conclusion: The Future of Gambling in Ontario

With the legalization of online casinos and the growing number of licensed operators, the future of the gambling industry in Ontario looks promising. With a variety of gaming venues, from large resorts to online platforms, players can enjoy the game whether in the luxurious surroundings of Fallsview or on a mobile device.

However, it is important to remember that gambling always involves risks. The Government of Ontario and OLG continue to develop responsible gambling programs to minimize the impact of problem gambling and support a healthy gambling environment.