Canadian casinos were legalized approximately 30 years ago, with the first one opening in the province of Manitoba. Many other provinces in Canada soon followed, as more types of gambling were allowed besides slot machines and bingo. Canadian casinos offer a variety of games; including poker, blackjack, roulette, baccarat, craps, and slot machines. The requirements to gamble in a Canadian casino include proving with a valid birth certificate as well as photo identification that you are 19 or over. The province of Ontario has three large casinos, all operated by U.S. gaming companies, with the same amenities and attractions as the U.S., except for complimentary alcohol, which must be purchased in separate lounges. Casino Windsor, located south of Detroit, has 100,000 feet of gaming space, 3,000 slot machines, and six variations of craps. A unique attraction at the Casino Windsor is the Big Nickel Mine slot machine area, with a large variety of five-cent games. Another attraction of the casino is the high-limit area, with more games, restaurants, and bars. Casino Rama, located north of Toronto, offers 70,000 square feet of gaming area, 2,200 slot machines, and over 100 table games, as well as great entertainment. Casino Niagara, a 3-level casino across the Rainbow Bridge at Niagara Falls, is one of the most successful in Ontario due to the popularity of its location. There is over 90,000 square feet of gaming space, 2,700 slot machines, and 144 table games, as well as an 80-foot dome-covered atrium featuring nightly lightning displays. The province of Quebec has several casinos, all smoke-free, such as the elegant Casino de Montreal, one of the 10 largest in the world in the amount of gaming equipment. The Casino de Montreal has a number of table games, the latest slot machines, and live entertainment. The province of British Columbia has the Great Canadian Casino View Royal, with 35,000 square feet of gambling area and 435 slot machines, and the Cascades Casino, 50,000 square feet with 27 table games and 530 slot machines. In addition, the province of Alberta has several casinos, such as Frank Sissons Silver Dollar Casino, with 80,000 square feet, 22 table games, and over 400 slot machines. The increase in revenue from gambling will encourage the legalization and addition of casinos in Canada. Favorable currency exchange rates, high payoff percentages for slot players, and no Canadian taxes on winnings attract more and more gamblers to try their luck. |
