Land-based casinos in Ontario

The top gaming establishments in the market

Read this land-based Ontario casino guide to find out where to play, what they offer and more!

Can't get to a land-based casino? Try these online casinos instead!

BetMGM

1
86
Rating
Interac Interac
Live Chat Live Chat
Blackjack Blackjack
Apple Pay Apple Pay
1290+ Online Slots
85 Live Casino Games
To the Casino Review
19+ | #advert | Connexontario.ca/en-ca | Ontario Only. Please play responsibly. If you have questions or concerns about your gambling or someone close to you, please contact ConnexOntario at 1-866-531-2600 to speak to an advisor, free of charge. | Terms and Conditions apply.

Caesars Casino

2
87
Rating
Interac Interac
Live Chat Live Chat
Blackjack Blackjack
Apple Pay Apple Pay
320+ Online Slots
38 Live Casino Games
To the Casino Review
19+ | #advert | Connexontario.ca/en-ca | Ontario Only. Please play responsibly. If you have questions or concerns about your gambling or someone close to you, please contact ConnexOntario at 1-866-531-2600 to speak to an advisor, free of charge. | Terms and Conditions apply.

PokerStars Casino

3
79
Rating
Interac Interac
Live Chat Live Chat
Blackjack Blackjack
Apple Pay Apple Pay
400+ Online Slots
40 Live Casino Games
To the Casino Review
19+ | #advert | Connexontario.ca/en-ca | Ontario Only. Please play responsibly. If you have questions or concerns about your gambling or someone close to you, please contact ConnexOntario at 1-866-531-2600 to speak to an advisor, free of charge. | Terms and Conditions apply.

Casumo

4
90
Rating
Interac Interac
Live Chat Live Chat
Blackjack Blackjack
Apple Pay Apple Pay
1400+ Online Slots
35 Live Casino Games
To the Casino Review
19+ | #advert | Connexontario.ca/en-ca | Ontario Only. Please play responsibly. If you have questions or concerns about your gambling or someone close to you, please contact ConnexOntario at 1-866-531-2600 to speak to an advisor, free of charge. | Terms and Conditions apply.

If you’re looking for the perfect land-based Ontario casino that suits your gaming needs, you’re in the right place.

Land-Based-Casinos-Ontario

The Biggest Land-based casinos in Ontario

You can find numerous options for land-based casinos in Ontario, but our team is here to tell you which ones you need to be heading towards.

1. Elements Casino Mohawk – Campbellville, Ontario

Starting with one of the top land-based casinos in Ontario, Elements Casino Mohawk is home to over 1500 slots from top providers like IGT, Scientific Games, and more! Whatever table games you’re into, you’re probably going to find it here.

If you love table games, chances are you’re going to love BetMGM. This Ontario online casino is known for its extensive table games library including poker, blackjack, baccarat, and roulette.

2. Caesars Windsor – Riverside Dr E, Windsor, Ontario

Located on a beautiful waterfront, Caesars Windsor is a great place to spend some time at. This reputable casino is owned by OLG, otherwise known as Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation, and it is the first land-based casino in Ontario. It opened its doors in 1994!

Speaking of Caesars, we’ve always been a fan of this site. In fact, here’s our online casino review of Caesars Casino!

3. Casino Niagara – Niagara Falls, Ontario

Another land-based casino with picturesque views, is Casino Niagara which is located smack dab in the middle of the famous Niagara Falls. This casino is particularly known for its sizeable poker room, which includes around 26 games. Casino Niagara was the second land-based casino in Ontario to open up to the public. 

If you’re a fan of the game of poker, we suggest you look at PokerStars in Ontario! Read about their top-notch poker room in our online casino review. 

4. Casino Rama Resort – Orillia, Ontario

Perhaps considered to be one of the biggest land-based casinos in Ontario, Casino Rama Resort is definitely one you need to consider. This land-based casino is a joint venture between the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation and the Chippewas of the Rama First Nation. In its extensive game library, players can find progressive jackpot slots, classic slots, poker, blackjack, and more.

One of the biggest online casinos in Ontario, would be BetRivers! Their game library is filled with the latest slots and table games.

5. Starlight Casino Point Edward – Point Edward, Ontario

Starlight Casino was formerly known as Point Edward Charity Casino and in 2017, Gateway Casinos & Entertainment Limited took over. Starlight Casino is now operated by the casino brand. This land-based casino is definitely smaller compared to the other casinos we’ve mentioned on this list, but still worth your time.

Another online casino that’s worth your time, is Casumo Casino. This Ontario online casino has over 1600 games and very quick withdrawal options.

Did you know?
Before you start playing at any land-based casino, make sure you are playing at a licensed and regulated casino. Casino licences are issued by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO)

Land-based casinos vs. Online casinos

Both are casinos but that’s where the similarities end. Land-based casinos and online casinos are very different, and that’s why some players prefer one over the other. 

Online slots and slot machines

Slot Machine Ontario

First things first. The biggest difference between online slots and land-based slot machines is that land-based slot machines are older than online slots. Online casinos will have slots with innovative features that come out almost every month from top providers

Slot machines tend to be staples in an establishment and aren’t changed frequently. Slot machines also have lower RTPs compared to online slots which tend to have higher RTPs.

Table games

Cards and Chips on Table Ontario

In a land-based casino, you’re going to find a lot more table games readily available. You will also be experiencing an exciting environment that makes playing table games a lot better. 

Playing table games at a land-based casino means that you can interact with the croupiers or dealers. While you can do this by playing an online live casino game, the real-life experience at a land-based casino can be described by some players as unmatched. 

Here are a few more differences between the two that you need to consider!

Land-based CasinosOnline Casinos
Super exciting and engaging experiencePlay anywhere
Social interactionsPlay anytime
Casino resorts can be an exciting day out or tripEnormous game libraries
More traditionalSeveral payment options
Innovative game features

Although land-based do have a lot of perks and they provide a fun experience, online casinos seem to be better all around. You don’t have to worry about spending your time and money commuting to the casino, you have more games releases on the regular, and it’s simply more convenient.

Requirements for land-based casinos to operate legally

For a land-based casino to operate legally in Ontario, it must acquire a gaming license from the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO). The land-based casino also needs to be regulated by the AGCO and managed by Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG).

Requirements for online casinos to operate legally

AGCO & IGO Logos

The process for online casinos is similar to the land-based one. An online casino needs to be issued an iGaming licence from the AGCO as well, but it’s managed by iGaming Ontario (IGO), a subsidiary of the AGCO).

Learn more about Ontario licences by clicking this button!

Remember!
If a casino, land-based or online, is operating without a licence from the AGCO, run the other way. Play responsibly and in a safe environment!

History of casinos in Ontario

Land-based casinos first started in Ontario back in 1994 when Caesars Windsor opened to the public. Now, the AGCO has officially licenced “25 slots and casino locations” (AGCO, 2023).

The iGaming market has become legal and regulated since April 4th, 2022. So it’s still considered to be a fairly new market.

The situation of land-based casinos in Ontario now

Land-based casinos in Ontario are still available to players who want to go, but after the pandemic that hit in recent years, many of them suffered losses and a few were temporarily closed. 

That situation drove players of all legal ages to play at online casinos, not just the younger generations. Players started to see how secure and engaging online casinos can be and the options are limitless. 

Online casinos are opening up regularly and are going through legal requirements to be able to operate in the Ontario market.

If online casinos weren’t already convenient enough, they also have mobile casino versions which you can access through your preferred online casino’s app or internet browser. 

Land-based Ontario Casinos

The all-encompassing experience

Land-based casinos have been around for a while, and for good reason! Going to one gives you the full, exciting feeling of being at a casino. At the end of the day, that’s why people keep going to land-based casinos, for the glamorous and fast-paced experience.

This guide offers you the top land-based casinos in Ontario, and it also compares the experience of a land-based casino to that of an online casino. While online casinos are a lot more convenient and modern, land-based casinos definitely have a charm to them that players just cannot resist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Land-based casinos in Ontario are gaming establishments (brick and mortar buildings) that you go to, to play casino games.
Yes, they are, as long as they are licensed and regulated by the AGCO.
The legal age for gambling in Ontario is 19.
You can find slot machines, poker, blackjack, roulette, baccarat and more!
Caesars Windsor opened up in 1994.
Online casinos are more convenient to play at for sure, but land-based casinos have a different experience. Scroll up to read more differences.
Author
Casino Content Writer
Kayleigh is a casino content writer for the Canadian market. Before working on this market, Kayleigh was writing for the general US market and further specialised in the Pennsylvania market. Now, she brings her knowledge and experience to the Ontario market! She’s been working as a writing professional for the last decade, and she’s dedicated to bringing you practical tips, right at your fingertips.