Casino New Brunswick

History and Development

The establishment of Casino New Brunswick was announced in 2008 by the provincial Liberal government led by Premier Shawn Graham. The New Brunswick Lotteries and Gaming Corporation selected Sonco Gaming New Brunswick Limited Partnership as the successful proponent for the Destination Casino Project on May 8, 2008, with a formal agreement signed on July 15, 2008. Construction began in October 2008, undertaken by the Marco Group of Atlantic Canada at an approximate cost of $90 million. The project involved the simultaneous construction of three main buildings with staggered completion dates. The complex opened to the public on May 4, 2010, becoming New Brunswick's inaugural commercial casino. In May 2015, Sonco Gaming agreed to sell the casino to Great Canadian Gaming Corporation for $95 million, with the acquisition finalized on October 1, 2015. The casino's development was partly controversial as it required nearby businesses in the Moncton area to reduce their number of video lottery terminals.

The project involved the construction of three buildings simultaneously with staggered completion dates. These buildings included a 6,000-square-metre casino, a 12,000-square-metre, 128-room luxury hotel, and a 6,000-square-metre multi-purpose entertainment venue. The entertainment venue, known as the Molson Canadian Centre, has a concert seating capacity of 1,800 people. One unique architectural feature was the inclusion of a modern representation of a lighthouse to tie the project to the Atlantic Canadian region.

• A 6,000-square-metre casino building.
• A 12,000-square-metre, 128-room luxury hotel.
• A 6,000-square-metre multi-purpose entertainment venue with a 1,800-seat capacity.
• A modern architectural representation of a lighthouse as a regional design nod.
• Construction managed by Atlantic Canada's Marco Group.

The complex was designed to evoke the old-world luxury once found in Canadian Pacific hotels while combining it with the finest modern amenities. This design included a nod to its Atlantic Canadian location. The aim was to create a distinct world-class entertainment resort for the region. Casino New Brunswick is the first and only casino of its kind in the province of New Brunswick.

Architecture and Design

The design of Casino New Brunswick was conceived to evoke the old-world luxury historically associated with Canadian Pacific hotels, while integrating modern amenities and a distinct regional character. A unique architectural feature is a contemporary representation of a lighthouse, intended to tie the complex visually to its Atlantic Canadian setting. The three primary structures, the casino, the hotel, and the entertainment venue, were built concurrently. The overall aesthetic blends classic elegance with contemporary flair, creating a distinctive landmark in the Magnetic Hill area. The layout facilitates movement between the gaming floor, hotel accommodations, dining outlets, and the performance centre, supporting its identity as an integrated resort. The complex was designed to provide a cohesive experience for guests, whether they are visiting for gaming, a concert, or a hotel stay.

Gaming Floor and Offerings

The casino floor at Casino New Brunswick offers a Vegas-style gaming experience with a focus on variety and new technology. The venue features over 600 slot machines, which are regularly refreshed with new titles to maintain patron interest. Table game enthusiasts can choose from 26 options, including classics like blackjack, baccarat, I LUV Suits, craps, and roulette. A dedicated private poker room is located within the complex's lighthouse-themed area. The casino operates a rewards program where members aged 19 or older can earn points for play on slots and table games, redeemable for comps such as meals, hotel stays, and concert tickets. All gaming is restricted to adults aged 19 and older, with management emphasizing responsible play. Specific slot machine titles and series noted in promotional material include a diverse array of games.

• Power Pig
• Mo Mo Mo Mummy (Midnight Treasures and Sunlight Riches variants)
• Super Hot Flaming Mr Lee and Super Hot Flaming Mrs Wong
• Huff N Even More Puff and Huff n Puff
• Galactic Quest for Love & Money (Martian Madness and Venus Vixens)
• Spooky Link series (Go Ghost, Mo Mummy, Yo Yeti)
• BZZF Ignite (Jade and Purple)
• Bl 777 Triple Double Jackpot Wild Nudging Stacks

The casino features a Vegas-style casino with over 600 slot machines and 26 table games. Slot machine availability may vary, and game titles, features, and quantities are subject to change without notice. This rotation includes games like Power Pig, Mo Mo Mo Mummy, and Mr. Lee and Mrs. Wong. The casino also has a private poker room located in the Lighthouse area of the complex.

Hotel and Dining

Adjacent to the casino is a 4.5-star luxury hotel, marketed as The Hotel at Casino New Brunswick. The property features 126 spacious rooms and deluxe suites, designed with modern aesthetics and offering views of the surrounding area. It caters to casino guests, business travellers, and tourists visiting Moncton. Dining options within the complex are located on the casino floor, requiring all patrons to be 19 years of age or older to enter. The primary outlets include The Hub City Pub, offering a diverse menu, and The Buffet. The buffet was expanded during renovations in 2013-14, as casino research indicated that patrons who dined there would subsequently spend an average of $40 on gaming. Room service is not available at the hotel. Hotel guests who are members of the rewards club can access special rates using a code on their hotel key card, which is found on the bottom right corner of the card.

Entertainment and Event Spaces

Casino New Brunswick is a major entertainment hub for the region, largely due to the Molson Canadian Centre. This performance venue has a concert seating capacity of 1,800 and hosts a wide array of concerts and events. The centre has established itself as a destination for music lovers in Atlantic Canada. Beyond public concerts, the complex offers versatile event spaces for private functions. The Monte Carlo Room can accommodate up to 100 guests for corporate meetings, workshops, galas, or receptions, featuring a built-in buffet area and flexible layouts. For more intimate gatherings, the Nevada Room provides a setting for up to 40 guests, complete with a built-in bar. The venue promotes early access to select shows for rewards members before tickets go on sale to the general public, adding value to the membership program.

Financial Operations and Provincial Revenue

The financial relationship between Casino New Brunswick and the provincial government is governed by a specific revenue-sharing agreement. Under the original contract with Sonco Gaming, 50 per cent of the casino's profits were directed to the province, 47 per cent to the operator, and 3 per cent was allocated to a government-held capital reserve fund for property improvements. This fund was used to reimburse the casino for approved capital expenditures. Provincial revenue from the casino grew from its first full fiscal year but showed variability, influenced by factors management cited such as severe weather. The capital reserve fund facilitated significant renovations, including a $2.6 million expenditure in 2013-14, more than half of which was used to purchase new and replacement slot machines. The provincial revenue figures from the casino's early years of operation demonstrate its financial contribution.

Casino New Brunswick spent $2.6 million on capital improvements in the 2013-14 period. This was the largest annual amount it had spent from the government-held capital reserve fund at that time. The fund is topped up every year with three percent of the casino's revenues, as per its contract. Former general manager Craig DeMarta stated the fund acts as an insurance policy to ensure money is reinvested in the property, a common structure in such contracts.

Ownership, Management, and Regulation

Casino New Brunswick has had two primary owners since its inception. Sonco Gaming New Brunswick Limited Partnership was the original developer and operator from the casino's 2010 opening. In May 2015, Sonco agreed to sell the property to Great Canadian Gaming Corporation (GCGC) for $95 million, with the transaction completed in October of that year. GCGC, a major Canadian gaming and entertainment company, has been the owner and operator since. Craig DeMarta served as the casino's general manager during the Sonco era, providing insights into operations and the capital reserve fund. The property is regulated and overseen by the New Brunswick Lotteries and Gaming Corporation (NBLGC), the provincial crown corporation responsible for gaming. The NBLGC uses a portion of the casino's revenue to cover its own operating costs and to fund services for gambling addicts, which is a standard practice for provincial gaming authorities.

Rewards Program Rules and Benefits

The Casino New Brunswick Rewards program is designed to offer perks to regular patrons. Membership is free to sign up for and provides automatic discounts within the complex. To participate, individuals must be 19 years of age or older and present valid government-issued identification. The program has specific rules regarding eligibility and benefits. Key rules and features of the rewards membership include the following points.

• Members must be 19 years of age or older to participate.
• Employees of Casino New Brunswick and their spouses are not eligible for membership or floor promotions.
• Members earn comps such as meals, hotel stays, and concert tickets based on daily play on slots and table games.
• Comps exclude tobacco, lottery, and confectionary items.
• Members receive early access to select shows before they go on sale to the general public.
• Membership and participation require compliance with all terms, conditions, and rules set by the casino.

The Casino New Brunswick Rewards program allows members to earn comps such as meals, hotel stays, and concert tickets based on daily play. It offers members early access to select shows before they go on sale to the general public. The program is free to sign up for and provides automatic discounts around the complex. Membership is only open to individuals who are 19 years of age or older, in compliance with provincial regulations.

Notable Incidents

A tragic incident occurred at the casino on March 4, 2023, when a 56-year-old casino manager was assaulted while working. The manager succumbed to his injuries in hospital on March 28, 2023. A 50-year-old man was subsequently charged with manslaughter in connection with the death. Following the incident, the victim's family initiated a civil lawsuit against the alleged perpetrator as well as the casino's parent company, Great Canadian Gaming Corporation. The case involved security and operational considerations within the gaming environment and remains a part of the complex's operational history.

Context Within New Brunswick Gaming

Casino New Brunswick holds a unique position as the only commercial casino of its scale in the province. Other gaming venues in New Brunswick include facilities like the Eagles Nest Gaming Palace in Woodstock and bingo halls operated by First Nations, such as Four Winds Bingo on Fort Folly First Nation and the Tobique Gaming Center. There is no gaming on First Nations reservations in New Brunswick in the same commercial casino model. The establishment of Casino New Brunswick in Moncton created a centralised destination for casino-style gaming, which was part of a broader provincial strategy for regulated gaming revenue. Its location in the Magnetic Hill area, a known tourist zone, aligns with its destination resort purpose and distinguishes it from other provincial gaming offerings.

Questions about Casino New Brunswick

When did Casino New Brunswick open?

Casino New Brunswick officially opened its doors on May 4, 2010. It was the first commercial casino to be established in the province of New Brunswick. The development was announced by the provincial government in 2008, with construction beginning later that year. The opening marked a major addition to the options available in the Moncton region.

Who owns Casino New Brunswick?

Since October 1, 2015, Casino New Brunswick has been owned and operated by Great Canadian Gaming Corporation (GCGC). The company acquired the property from its original owner and operator, Sonco Gaming New Brunswick Limited Partnership, for a purchase price of $95 million. Great Canadian Gaming is a leading gaming and entertainment company in Canada. Prior to the 2015 sale, Sonco had operated the casino since its 2010 opening.

What games are available at Casino New Brunswick?

The casino floor features over 600 slot machines, which are regularly updated with new titles and themes. Patrons can also play at 26 table games, including blackjack, baccarat, craps, and roulette. A private poker room is available within the lighthouse area of the complex. All gaming is restricted to adults aged 19 years or older, and the venue promotes responsible gambling practices.

Does Casino New Brunswick have a hotel?

Yes, the complex includes a 4.5-star luxury hotel called The Hotel at Casino New Brunswick. It offers 126 modern rooms and deluxe suites, catering to casino guests, business travellers, and tourists. The hotel is integrated into the overall resort design, providing convenient access to the casino, dining, and entertainment venues. Room service is not currently available at this property.

What is the Molson Canadian Centre?

The Molson Canadian Centre is the live entertainment venue within the Casino New Brunswick complex. It has a seating capacity of 1,800 for concerts and has become a prominent destination for major musical acts and events in Atlantic Canada. The centre is a key component of the property's identity as an entertainment resort. It hosts a wide variety of performances throughout the year.

How does Casino New Brunswick contribute to provincial revenue?

Under its original operating agreement, 50 per cent of the casino's profits were directed to the provincial government. These funds support general government services and help cover the operating costs of the New Brunswick Lotteries and Gaming Corporation. A portion of gaming revenue also funds services for gambling addiction. In its early years, the province received between $18.9 million and $24.4 million annually from the casino's operations.

Sources and further reading

• Casino New Brunswick (Wikipedia)
• Casino New Brunswick (greatcanadian.com)
• Casino New Brunswick (greatcanadian.com)
• New Brunswick Casinos (500nations.com)
• Casino New Brunswick (greatcanadian.com)
• Casino New Brunswick spent $2.6M on renovations in 2013-14 (cbc.ca)
• Casino New Brunswick Complex (marcogroup.ca)

Checked by the Nosy Mag desk. Last updated 2026-11-12.