Technology has made it possible to enjoy the thrills of casino gaming right from the comfort of our homes or literally anywhere; since most slots and live games are mobile-casino-optimized.
Still, the vibrant red colours of fabric, the wide playing tables surrounded by the watchful players waiting in suspense, and the clicking sounds of a typical slot machine continue to make land-based casinos a favourite activity by both casual and seasoned casino players in Canada.
If you’re seeking to indulge in this experience, we at CanadaCasino have shortlisted the best and safest land-based casinos in the country.
The Biggest Land-based Casinos in Canada
Spoilt for choice? With over 80 land-based casinos in Canada, we have thought it’s best to shortlist the best five in five different provinces in Canada.
We have prioritized the casino’s reputation and the type and range of games offered to our players.
1. Casino New Brunswick | New Brunswick
Situated in New Brunswick, this huge casino has only been around since 2010 but is one of the most popular, not just in this province but also throughout Canada. The casino is known for the high entertainment it provides, including music and a vast range of games.
- Location: 21 Casino Dr in Moncton, New Brunswick
- Built: 2010
- Size: 24,000 square feet
- Slot machines: 600+
- Table games: 26+
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2. Casino Nova Scotia | Nova Scotia
This picturesque province of Canada is a maritime province. Also, it houses the beautiful Casino Nova Scotia where the level of entertainers here goes up a notch – including singers, performers, as well as … lo and behold! Hypnotists.
- Location: 1983 Upper Water St in Halifax, Nova Scotia
- Built: 1995
- Size: 34,900 square feet
- Slot machines: 500+
- Table games: 32+
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3. Casino de Charlevoix | Quebec
Also, a 5-star hotel, this famous casino in Canada is situated in one of the most land-based casino-hectic provinces – Quebec. It also happens to be one of the biggest land-based casinos in Canada. This popular casino features over 800 slot machines that players in the province can enjoy.
- Location: 183 Rue Richelieu, La Malbaie, Quebec
- Built: 1994
- Size: 70,000 square feet
- Slot machines: 800+
- Table games: 125+
4. Casino Regina & Moose Jaw | Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan is one of the most restricted provinces for providing online casinos, where it legally only allows one casino – PlayNow.com. Still, what it lacks in online gaming, it compensates with Casino Regina land-based casino – which definitely ranks amongst the largest casinos from all Canadian provinces.
- Location: 1880 Dr, Regina, Saskatchewan. SK S4P 0B2
- Built: 1996
- Size: 100,000 square feet
- Slot machines: 750+
- Table games: 41+
5. Red Shores Racetrack & Casino | Prince Edward Island
The smallest in size yet the oldest in years – Red Shores Racetrack & Casino was at the very forefront of land-based casinos in Canada. Being around since 1889, it now stands as a reputable casino frequented by specific audiences who generally also appreciate horse racing.
- Location: Charlottetown Driving Park, Prince Edward Island
- Built: 1889
- Size: 5,700 square feet
- Slot machines: 210+
- Table games: 6+
Land-based casinos vs. Online casinos
We are comparing the favourite features of casinos in general – both online and land-based. We will seek to understand the perks.
Furthermore, we shall be looking at top features as prioritized by our players in Canada when seeking their casino experience. We shall compare and contrast these features in relation to land-based casinos vs online casinos.
Online slots and slot machines
Online slots are digital – therefore the possibilities are endless. Featuring different bonus features, higher RTPs and flexible paylines and moveable grids, online slots feature thousands of variations.
Slot machines on the other hand are more straightforward and generally have a common theme – featuring fruits and a suspenseful, retro soundtrack. The 3×4 grid is the most classic layout, but the grid layout varies with more modern slot machines.
Table games
One of the best things about a land-based casino is definitely the table game experience. From anything to Roulette, Poker and Blackjack, the thrills of experiencing a table game at a physical casino are incomparable to any other experience.
When it comes to online casinos, table games can be experienced through live dealing that is streamed digitally. One can also play against a computerized system through RNG technology.
Bonuses
Bonuses are something exclusive to online slots and online games in general. Why? They work with complex mechanics and algorithms that can only be featured through digital complexities and not through slot machines.
Comparing online casinos vs land-based casinos
What are the perks of an online casino vis-Ã -vis a land-based casino? We have prepared the below concise table.
| Land-based casinos | Online casinos |
|---|---|
| Real-life experience | Have multiple bonus features |
| Interact with actual croupiers | Play from anywhere through the desktop or mobile casino |
| Meet players in real life | Wide choice of games |
| Indulging atmosphere | Wider payment options, sometimes even crypto |
| Constantly implementing Innovative features. | |
| promotional offers for loyal players |
Requirements for land-based casinos to operate legally
Most provinces in Canada can operate land-based casinos. Here are some basic points on the legalities of how land-based casinos operate in Canada.
- Overall, Canadian law stipulates that each of the ten provincial governments is permitted to set its laws regarding gambling.
- Therefore, all land-based casinos in Canada must be registered within their own province.
- Each province has its Gambling Commission that stipulates specific gambling laws.
- All land-based gambling operators in all provinces need proper registration, which requires constant and thorough scrutiny to ensure the safety of players.
- All provinces allow land-based casinos to operate, except for Newfoundland and Labrador. Provinces.
Requirements for online casinos to operate legally
For most provinces in Canada, online casinos operate through foreign-acclaimed licences and have certain standards to follow. Check out the list we have prepared for easy reference.
- Canada’s most esteemed regulated bodies are the Malta Gaming Authority, the UK Gambling Commission and Gibraltar Commission.
- All registered online casinos must perform strict audits from third-party organizations such as eCOGRA that run RNG tests to ensure online games are not rigged.
- All online casinos need to have high-end SSL encryption to secure the personal data of players in Canada.
- In 2022, online casinos operating in Ontario must be registered through the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) and iGaming Ontario (IGO).
| Did you know? |
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| Alberta is on its way to creating a gaming commission model that is similar to Ontario, expecting to go live in 2025! |
History of Casinos in Canada
In 1985, Canada issued a Criminal Code on Gambling to counteract the illegalities happening because of unregulated gaming.
This body of law also stipulated that each of Canada’s ten provinces had the authority to create and manage their own respective gambling laws. This means that provinces could set their own bodies of gambling law commissions – each with its specific rules.
Each province in Canada tackles gambling differently, and each province constantly updates the body of laws. You can refer to our Gambling Licences Page – where we constantly update the new Gambling regulations.
The situation of land-based casinos in Canada now
Land-based casinos are still well-attended by players in Canada. Still, new generations are reverting more and more to the digital world, and subscribing to new online casino sites has become increasingly popular – and not just with the younger generation.
The fact that you can play anytime, anywhere, makes online casinos in Canada more accessible. Plus, all online games are mobile-optimized, with some casino operators even investing in casino apps, to take your gaming experience literally everywhere.
To experience the thrills of land-based casinos
The online casino world in Canada is expanding – and it’s happening fast – with hundreds of new casinos joining the market every year. Still, Land-based casinos are a classical choice that most casino players appreciate, and that is why they are still very popular in Canada.
The thrills of enjoying a live table game, packed with cheer and suspenseful energy and surrounded by like-minded people, can never be replaceable. It’s the real thing.
Frequently Asked Questions
