Barnorama All Fun In The Barn
How many times have you gone to a Canadian casino to hang out with friends, enjoy a night out, and do a little gaming? Maybe you visit more often and can’t get enough of the classic games and the newest slots. Regardless of your experiences, there are likely some interesting facts—like the six below—about Canadian casinos you don’t know.
Gambling Laws Vary by Province and Territory
If you’ve only visited casinos in your home province or territory, you may assume the rules are the same nationwide. That’s not the case, as the gambling laws for both physical and online casinos can vary.
It’s worth noting that online casinos have become much more popular in the past decade, as they offer convenience that even the best brick-and-mortar casinos can’t compete with. They also offer a huge selection of games that are always being updated, instant payment methods, and 24/7 access. Again, even with these online casinos, the individual provinces and territories still set their rules and regulations.
Casino Gambling Is Popular in All Age Groups
According to Statistics Canada, gambling is enjoyed across all age groups that are of legal age. The age group with the highest concentration of people who have gambled at least once in the previous year is 45 to 64 years old. Those 65 years or older come in a close second. Generally speaking, more males gamble than females, but the numbers aren’t far off.
It is also comforting to see that most male and female gamblers are considered low-risk. Women were 96% no-risk and men were 94% no-risk.
Canadians Have Favourite Games at the Casino
As you may assume, Canadians also have their favourite forms of gambling. While lottery and raffle tickets are at the top overall, in terms of casino games, slot machines are the most popular. Table games come in second.
A big reason slot machines are so favoured has to do with variety. Most casinos have a wide selection of machines to choose from, and there are always new ones being added to the mix. You can also place lower wagers on a slot machine than a typical table game. If you’re on a strict budget, slot machines can help extend your playtime.
Some patrons find the table games intimidating. You need to know the rules of the game to sit down and play, and not everyone does. For a slot machine, all you need to do is put your token in the slot and pull on the handle. It doesn’t get any easier than that.
The First Casino Opened in 1989 in Winnipeg
If it seems like casinos have been around for a long time, you’re not far off. The first year-round physical casino in Canada opened its doors in 1989. Located in Winnipeg, MB, Crystal Casino was government-owned and was a huge attraction when it opened. It was operated by the Manitoba Lottery Foundation and was located within Hotel Fort Garry on the 7th floor.
The casino ended up closing in 1997, but even then, there were only a couple in all of Canada. Times have certainly changed, and now you’ll find many options across the country.
Casinos Are Transforming Into Resorts and Entertainment Meccas
One of the biggest trends that have happened in the past couple of decades with physical casinos is that they’re transforming into resorts and entertainment meccas. Look no further than Las Vegas for inspiration.
For anyone who has visited the city, you’ll know that it’s not about just the casinos themselves but rather the resorts the casinos are housed in. Each resort is massive and has a unique theme, restaurants, shops, bars, pools, and more. The idea is that you give guests everything they need in one spot, hoping to entice them to visit the casino often. There’s no need to leave the resort property.
While no Canadian city has become like Las Vegas in that sense, you can see elements of it dotted throughout different provinces. Niagara Falls, ON, is a great example of this kind of formula. There are several casinos within close proximity, surrounded by lots of restaurants, shops, and other entertainment options. Fallsview Casino Resort is a full-fledged resort where guests can stay in the attached high-end hotel and enjoy the casino any time they like.
With casinos growing in size, it also means they are creating jobs for the cities and towns they are located in. They are adding to the economy and helping to bring life to other businesses around them.
The Biggest Casino in Canada Opened in 2023
To add to the idea that casinos are transforming into resorts, in 2023 the country opened its largest casino to date. The Great Canadian Casino Resort, located in Toronto, ON, is a massive venue with 328,000 square feet of space. There are more than 4,800 slot machines and e-tables, 175 table games, poker, and high-limit gaming.
Guests can stay in a luxury room and make use of the property’s casino, restaurants, shops, and other entertainment options. The resort is even pet-friendly.
An Entertainment Option That Many Enjoy
There’s no question that gambling is a form of entertainment that plenty of Canadians enjoy. The fact there are so many physical casinos across the country makes it more accessible. Online casinos have acted as a convenient complement, opening it up to even more players. Watch for casinos to continue to evolve, grow, and transform as the industry dreams big with lofty goals.