Top Five Live Canadian Casinos

Take a look at our list of the top 5 land-based casinos in Canada. While the country may not have a huge quantity of casinos, that is made up for in the quality of the establishments. Many from our list could be among the best casinos in all of North America.

Canada may not have the same long history with casino gambling as its neighbor to the south, but there are still plenty of exciting gaming opportunities available throughout the country. Casino gambling in Canada dates back to 1972, when Diamond Tooth Gertie's Gambling Casino was opened in Dawson City, Yukon in 1972. It was the first venue opened after an 1892 ban on gambling activities, but it wouldn't be the last. The first permanent Canadian casino was opened in 1989, and since then, more than 75 facilities that offer slots or full casino gambling have been opened across the nation

With so many options, it was a very difficult task to pick only the best Canada live casinos for our list. We decided to go with a mixed approach, including some of the largest casinos in the country alongside a few that showcase the kind of variety the Canadian gambling culture has to offer. This list of the best Canadian live casinos should offer something for everyone, from those who want a pure Las Vegas-style resort experience to those who are looking for a more intimate approach to gambling.

Casino de Montréal

Opened in 1993, the Casino de Montréal is the largest casino in all of Canada. As you'd expect from a casino of this size, you'll be able to play most of your favorite games here, including slots, blackjack, baccarat, roulette, craps and most other popular table games. Open to anyone aged 18 or older, the casino features more than 3,200 slots, well over 100 table games, and a number of other gaming choices, such as virtual horse races and keno games.

Of course, the Casino de Montréal also has plenty of amenities, including four restaurants and large facilities for hosting conventions and meetings. Alcohol is served, though it is not permitted in the gaming areas of the casino. The casino is also known for its architectural features, with the complex being made up of three connected buildings. If you're looking for the biggest and best in Canadian casinos, the Casino de Montréal simply can't be beat.

Pros: The largest casino in Canada. Full selection of games, including a poker room. Beautiful design makes it a must-see even for non-gamblers.

Cons: Hard to find affordable table games, especially during peak hours, when most table games will have $25 minimums. No alcohol allowed on the casino floor.

Location: 1, avenue du Casino, Montréal, Québec Telephone: (514)392-2746 or 1-800-665-2274
Website: Casino de Montréal

Caesars Windsor

One of the few true resort casinos in the country, Caesars Windsor definitely belongs on any list of the best Canadian live casinos. It's a destination that's favored by both Canadian and American gamblers, as it resides in the same Detroit-Windsor area that hosts a total of four casinos along the border of the two nations. In fact, the presence of a casino in Windsor is what convinced Detroit to allow casinos in their city in response! The casino was first opened in a temporary location in 1994, before a more permanent building was opened in 1998 on the site of the former Windsor Market.

More recently, the casino was expanded in 2008. Since the expansion, Caesars Windsor has become a true resort, featuring a convention center, an entertainment venue that seats 5,000, and two hotel towers. The casino is also home to the first licensed sports book in Canada, which was opened in 2006 at the Legends Sports Bar.

Pros: Great location that overlooks the Detroit skyline, with many hotel rooms featuring excellent views of the river.. Excellent poker room and sportsbook. Great selection of games on the casino floor. Has a true "Las Vegas" feel.

Cons: The casino floor is often crowded, meaning things can get cramped and noisy - particularly on the weekends.

Location: 377 Riverside Drive East, Windsor, Ontario Telephone: (519)258-7878 or 1-800-991-7777
Website: Caesars Windsor

River Rock Casino Resort

The largest casino in British Columbia, River Rock Casino Resort is a community venue owned by Great Canadian Gaming. Located in Richmond, BC, this casino opened in 2004. While it has a relatively small capacity for long-term guests - the facility includes just over 220 hotel rooms - it is still a popular destination thanks to its convenient location near the Vancouver International Airport.

The River Rock is known for its poker room, which has hosted the British Columbia Poker Championships on several occasions. The River Rock Show Theatre is also a popular attraction, and the casino is also frequently used as a backdrop for feature films and television shows that plan on featuring gambling or casinos in their production.

Pros: Highly rated hotel. Great poker room that has hosted major tournaments. Convenient location near both the airport and marina.

Cons: Relatively small gaming area and hotel. Lighter on amenities than most casinos on this list.

Location: 8811 River Road, Richmond, British Columbia Telephone: (604)247-8900 or 1-866-748-3718
Website: River Rock Casino

Casino Niagara

The Casino Niagara has one of the best locations for a casino in all of Canada. Located in Niagara Falls (on the Canadian side of the falls, of course), the entire casino is themed around the falls themselves, and is located on the former site of the Maple Leaf Village amusement park.

Operated by Ontario Lottery and Gaming, Casino Niagara is a fairly large venue with great gaming variety. There are more than 1,500 slot machines available as well as over 40 table games and a 12-table poker room to play in. A limited amount of sports wagering is also available in The Sports Section, which features dozens of HD televisions and lounge seating. A number of restaurants and bars also provide plenty to do when you’re not gambling, and additional entertainment is available thanks to the falls themselves.

Pros: Great game selection, including a poker room and slots tournaments. Beautiful location provides action both in the casino and tourism options at Niagara Falls.

Cons: No hotel on site (though plenty of lodging options exist in the nearby area).

Location: 5705 Falls Avenue, Niagara Falls, Ontario Telephone: (905)374-3598 or 1-888-325-5788
Website: Casino Niagara

Northlands Park

While Northlands Park is not one of the largest gaming facilities in Canada, it is likely the most popular of the Racing Entertainment Centers in Alberta, and we thought one of these unique settings should appear on our list of the top live Canadian casinos. At Northlands Park - located in Edmonton, Alberta - you can watch live horse racing during several meets throughout the year, while also playing a large number of machines in a gaming room known as The Slots at Northlands Park. However, you should know that you won't find table games here; if you're looking to play blackjack or baccarat, you'll want to pick one of the other casinos on this list.

On the other hand, Northlands Park is a perfect destination for those who want to combine their casino play with watching some of the best horse racing Canada has to offer. Each year, Northlands Park hosts the Canadian Derby, the most prestigious thoroughbred race in Canada. You can check out this race in late August to see some of the top horses in Canada compete for hundreds of thousands of dollars in prize money.

Pros: Home to some of the best horse racing in Canada. If you enjoy playing slot machines, there are plenty to choose from.

Cons: Not a traditional casino. No table games to play.

Location: 7410 Borden Park Road, Edmonton, Alberta Telephone: (780)471-7311