Top 10 Land-Based Casinos in Ontario for Players

Quintin van Wyk by Quintin van Wyk Published: June 30, 2021

Canada has plenty of land-based betting establishments spread across its many provinces. Ontario casinos are among the largest and most well-furnished with restaurants and other amenities. In no especial order, here are 10 of the top Ontario casinos you might want to visit.

land based casinos in ontario for players
  • 10

    Caesars Windsor

    Caesars Windsor

    A Wonderful Ontario Casino

    Caesars Windsor is located just on the Canadian side of the Detroit river, making it one of the best Ontario casinos for players from both Canada and the United States to conveniently visit. Guests staying in the hotel are welcomed with free parking and on-site dining, and this combination of great location and amenities means that in a non-pandemic year it typically brings in around six million visitors. There's free Wi-Fi within the gaming floor, where slots and table games are on the menu. Card sharks might especially like the dedicated poker room.

    Beyond the hotel door there are plenty of nearby tourist destinations, because even the most ardent player needs a break sometimes. The historic site of Fort Malden will appeal to 19th century history buffs, while the Dieppe Gardens and Odette Sculpture Park offer tranquil places to stretch your legs.

  • 9

    Casino Rama

    Casino Rama

    Casino and Entertainment Complex

    Casino Rama offers a hotel, casino, and more on the reserve land of the Chippewas of Rama First Nation. It's also the only First Nations casino in Ontario that is a commercial casino, rather than the charity variety. On the gaming front, players have a wide selection of slot machines, with more than 2,200 of the latest games available to play. Table games are also accessible, with 67 gaming tables, 10 of which are dedicated to poker. Other classic casino diversions on the menu include baccarat, blackjack, roulette, and craps.

    When it comes to refreshing yourself and celebrating a win, or cheering yourself up if Lady Luck has forsaken you, there's a large number of on-site dining options. Meat and vegetarian fare are available at the Noodle Bar, while authentic Cantonese dishes sit alongside East meets West creations at The Willow. Carnivores can sink their teeth into the delights of St. Germain's Steakhouse, or you can just grab a burger.

  • 8

    Casino Niagara

    Casino Niagara

    A Casino with a View

    Casino Niagara is located close to the namesake falls, in a top spot beside Clifton Hill. It was originally intended to be only a temporary land-based Ontario casino but ended up becoming permanent. Casino Niagara was the second Ontario casino to open, and today boasts of 95,000 square feet of gaming space. There are two floors filled with slot machines, with stakes from just a penny up to $5, and more than three dozen gaming tables where players can play Mississippi stud, blackjack, high card flush poker, and roulette as well.

    There are more than 50 plasma screens where sports fans can feast their eyes as they tuck into the treats served up at LEV2L Sports Bar & Entertainment, while teas and coffees, plus pastries and fresh sandwiches, are yours at Perks Café. Naturally, Niagara Falls are a great sight to see within easy reach of the hotel door. Great views and photo opportunities can be found in many places, including Niagara Falls State Park Goat Island.

  • 7

    Elements Casino Brantford

    Elements Casino Brantford

    A Top Ontario Casino in Brantford

    Elements Casino Brantford is a land-based Ontario casino formerly known as OLG Casino Brantford. The site first opened its doors in 1999, and is one of several casinos in the local area. Hundreds of slot machines are available for reel jockeys, stakes ranging from a single cent to $5, and themes from dragons to Norse mythology. Players can also take their pick from electronic table games such as roulette, baccarat, blackjack, and sic bo, or play traditional table games. These include roulette and numerous different types of poker including Mississippi stud and Texas hold'em, plus blackjack, and craps.

    The Sanderson Centre for the Performing Arts is a vintage silent movie and vaudeville theatrical venue that today hosts a variety of live performances, allowing visitors to head just north of the casino and indulge in plays, dance, classical music, and more. If you prefer to unwind between gaming sessions by wandering into the past then the nearby Canadian Military Heritage Museum is just the ticket for exploring the nation's military history.

  • 6

    Woodbine Racetrack

    Woodbine Racetrack

    Racetrack and Land-based Casino

    Betting isn't limited to casino games, of course. One of the best places to bet on the top sporting events in Ontario is the Woodbine Racetrack. It's located in Toronto, within the Etobicoke area, which also means there are fantastic tourist destinations in addition to racetrack and casino betting. The course hosts thoroughbred horse-racing, including the most famous race in the whole country: the Queen's Plate (which has been run since its founding in 1860). On the casino front, players can engage with either live or electronic versions of top table games and have an assortment of slot machines too.

    As already mentioned, this land-based casino and racetrack is in Toronto, and one of the city's unique attractions is Casa Loma, a grand castle harking back to yesteryear and regularly open to tours of both buildings and gardens. Be sure to check out the underground tunnel and there may be special events on at particular times of the year.

  • 5

    Niagara Fallsview Casino Resort

    Niagara Fallsview Casino Resort

    Another Option Near Niagara Falls

    Niagara Fallsview Casino Resort is another of the best land-based casinos in Ontario that can be found close by the eponymous falls. It's also on the large side when it comes to gaming, so those with an appetite for betting will have fun exploring the 200,000 square foot floor space dedicated to all manner of delightful distractions. Similar to Zodiac Casino, slots fans can choose to bet anything from a single cent up to $100, and have more than 3,000 slot and video poker machines from which to choose. There's also well above average the number of gaming tables (over 130) covering all the bases of casino classics.

    In between sessions the culinary options are also plentiful, with steak and seafood vying with Italian and Chinese fare for your attention. And, of course, you can sneak out for some souvenir photos of the famous falls.

  • 4

    Great Blue Heron Casino

    Great Blue Heron Casino

    Land-based Betting near Toronto

    The Great Blue Heron Casino is another Ontario casino, this time just outside of Toronto. The betting site, and its land, are both owned are by the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation, a fact reflected in the interior décor. Latest cutting edge games and classic slots are available (there are more than 600 games in this category), while the 15,000 square foot of gaming space also has live table games too. Stadium gaming combines electronic and table betting, and both Omaha and Texas Hold'em types of poker can be played.

    Toronto is close enough to easily visit, providing a break from the serious business of betting. Magnificent beasts of the natural world are yours to admire at Toronto Zoo, or you can peruse man-made beauty at the Art Gallery of Ontario. More cultural exhibits are displayed at the Royal Ontario Museum, and there's even a castle to explore (Casa Loma).

  • 3

    Grand River Raceway

    Grand River Racewa

    Horse Racing and Casino Games in Ontario

    Grand River Raceway is, as you might expect, located close by the Grand River. Within, players can take their pick from live horse racing and betting on the casino games at the site's Elements Casino. The gaming floor has expanded, with the number of slot machines up from around 200 at launch in 2002 to 500 today. Stakes range from 1c to $5, and included top titles such as Sevens Wild Jackpot and Dragon Celebration. Electronic table games are another alternative diversion.

    Open on race days, the Captain's Quarters offers a great view of the sporting action from its tiered dining room, while The Getaway Restaurant is open all year long and serves up a la carte dishes. Nearby destinations include the picturesque Elora Gorge, which is a great place to hike, and the creative works on display at the Elora Centre For The Arts.

  • 2

    Gateway Casinos Sault Ste. Marie

    Gateway Casinos Sault Ste. Marie

    Casino just North of the USA

    Gateway Casinos Sault Ste. Marie is located just north of the USA, on the Canadian side of St Marys River, making it one of the top Ontario casinos for visitors from America to visit and play. Among the hundreds of slots on offer are leading games such as Quick Hit Volcano, Golden Festival, and Dancing Drums. Card sharks can indulge in blackjack, baccarat, poker, and there's roulette too.

    Local attractions are numerous, on both sides of the border. To the west, in the US, Point Iroquois Lighthouse is a wonderfully quaint 19th century landmark that's open to self-guided tours. Aeronautic aficionados will find the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre just southeast of the casino, which includes vintage aeroplane exhibits and a flight simulator. Or you can explore the 19th century at the stone homes of the Ermatinger Clergue National Historic Site.

  • 1

    Shorelines Casino Thousand Islands

    Shorelines Casino Thousand Islands

    Wagering in the Thousand Islands

    The Shorelines Casino Thousand Islands is one of the smaller Ontario casinos on this list and is located in Gananoque. Slots and table games both naturally feature, with games including Mississippi stud, high card flush, roulette, Texas hold'em, blackjack, and baccarat. There are multiple eateries close at hand and some interesting sites to see too.

    Pop across the border to visit the imposing stone attraction of Boldt Castle & Boldt Yacht House, while more boating diversions are available at the Thousand Islands Boat Museum. Or you can rest and relax in the great outdoors at the Joel Stone Heritage Park.

From stunning views of Niagara Falls to the latest in top slots, casinos in Ontario have plenty to recommend them. Keep in mind if there are any closures that you can always visit PlayOLG Casino to play online. We hope you found this list engaging, and best of luck if you find yourself spinning reels or playing cards.

About the Author
 Quintin van Wyk
Quintin van Wyk - Lead Editor

Quintin is a strategic wordsmith and avid gambling enthusiast who has been editing and writing content for the iGaming industry for over 10 years. With the gaming industry constantly expanding and evolving, he is ready to guide both newcomers and experienced players with comprehensive news articles, unbiased casino reviews and informative how-to guides you can trust.

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