Playing casino games such as slots, blackjack and roulette is a popular pastime among Canadians, and it was recently estimated that the online gambling industry in Canada generates more than $16 billion each year.
However, while the online industry, and the most popular sites such as 32Red and William Hill Canada continue to grow, land-based casinos are still a big part of the gambling culture in Canada, and are still preferred by many - despite the ease at which you can bet anywhere and anytime these days.
This can only be due to the fact that nothing beats sitting down at a real casino table and playing your favourite casino games, and this is something that a mobile device can never truly replicate.
Ottawa is home to some of Canada’s finest casinos, and this article explores three the most popular places for Canadians to get dressed up to the nines and enjoy the most authentic casino experiences that the country has to offer.
Casino du Lac Leamy
Following a $50 million renovation project, the Lac-Leamy is now one of the best casinos Canada has to offer.
The site consists of a whopping 1,800 slot machines, making it one of the biggest casinos your ever likely to visit - and that’s before we even reach the roulette and blackjack tables!
The sheer size, as well as the atmosphere and variety of games on offer make this an elite gaming experience by anyone’s standards. What’s more, the site boasts an award-winning restaurant and hotel, which holds an annual firework competition dubbed ‘Casino Sound of Light’.
The Casino du Lac Leamy is generally regarded as one of Canada’s best and most luxurious resorts, and has been recognised by the Quebec tourism board every year since opening in 2001.
Hotel et Pavillons du petit manoir du casino
Situated in the province of Quebec, this casino is one of the more remote places to visit in Canada, and can be combined with a relaxing holiday, with an abundance of other things to do whilst visiting, including golf courses and spas.
The Casino de Charlevoix is incredibly popular, and makes a major contribution to the estimated 10 million visitors to Quebec casinos each year. Here, there are excellent offers and packages to be had.
Rideau Carleton Raceway
Hence the name, the Rideau Carleton Raceway predominantly offers gambling in the form of horse racing - however, there is also plenty of casino games to enjoy, with over 1250 slot games to enjoy 24/7.
Racing usually occurs on Sundays and Thursdays, giving you plenty of time in between to enjoy the sites other attractions, which include a flea market, a state-of-the-art bingo hall with a lively atmosphere. What’s more, the site regularly hosts events involving celebrity appearances, providing a different experience to the run-of-the-mill casino visit that you’d expect from most other casino venues.
