Casinos in Toronto

Development and Political History

The Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto opened to the public in 2023 after approximately five years of construction and development led by Great Canadian Entertainment. The project's CEO, Matthew Anfinson, stated the company was thrilled to finally unveil the resort to the world, marking the culmination of a $1 billion investment. The concept of a permanent, large-scale casino in Toronto had been a subject of municipal controversy for over a decade, dating back to when the late mayor Rob Ford advocated for casino expansion. Toronto city councillor Vincent Crisanti, who represents Ward 1 Etobicoke North, was a key proponent for the project's eventual approval, noting that the initial proposal for two casinos had been defeated by a single council vote. The casino is located within the provincial riding of Ontario Premier Doug Ford, who acknowledged the opening with a video message after being unable to attend in person. The development is part of a broader integration with the existing Woodbine Racetrack, operated by the Woodbine Entertainment Group, whose then-CEO Jim Lawson highlighted the significant tax revenue generated by the site. Councillor Crisanti has publicly rejected the notion that casinos bring more harm than good, arguing that people must be responsible and view it as entertainment.

Gaming Floor and Slot Machine Selection

The resort's primary attraction is its vast gaming floor, which holds the distinction of offering the largest selection of slot machines in Canada. The property frequently rolls out new slot titles packed with fun and excitement, featuring diverse themes and engaging gameplay mechanics. The table game selection includes 145 live tables offering classics such as baccarat, blackjack, and roulette, alongside games like Mississippi Stud, Casino War, and craps including a Fire Bet Craps variant. The venue also features a sportsbook for betting on sporting events and three dedicated casino VIP rooms for premium players. Beyond the live tables, the casino offers multi-game electronic video poker and blackjack terminals, providing automated options for these popular games. The following list highlights some of the specific slot machine themes and series available to players, as promoted by the resort.

• Lightning 10 Year Storm: A slot game where every spin brings a new rush of anticipation with a storm theme.
• MR. LEE AND MRS. WONG: A chart-topping series extension serving up tasty fun and flavourful themes.
• Firecracker Fortunes: Features dazzling fireworks and visuals in its Northern Star and Western Horizon versions.
• Mo Mo Mo Mummy: Enters a world of ancient treasures with versions like Midnight Treasures and Valley of Riches.
• Gothic Thrills Slots: Games with electrifying gothic themes, striking visuals, and high-voltage energy based on legendary monsters.
• Fortune & Fantasy Slots: Games where legendary creatures and dynamic features create an action-packed experience.
• Sci-Fi Slots: Games with vivid sci-fi visuals and high-energy animations for an out-of-this-world experience.

The Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto features the largest selection of slot machines in Canada. This includes the newest state-of-the-art slot machines with themes ranging from classic to modern. New games are regularly introduced, such as Lightning 10 Year Storm and Mo Mo Mo Mummy, to keep the offerings fresh. This extensive and frequently updated selection ensures the casino's slot offerings remain a major draw. Visitors can play penny slots or higher limit games on a wide variety of machines.

Dining and Beverage Options

The resort plans to host ten restaurants, offering a wide variety of culinary experiences for guests. Dining options include a fine dining steakhouse with a crave-worthy menu, an Asian cuisine restaurant serving classic soups, rice, and noodle dishes for an authentic taste, and a venue offering traditional Teochew cuisine alongside Western classics in a stylish coastal setting. For more casual fare, Pizzaiolo provides fresh, gourmet pizzas with meat, vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. A sleek, modern bar serves craft cocktails, a variety of drinks, and bar bites in a contemporary setting. On the gaming floor, complimentary non-alcoholic beverages are available to players 24 hours a day, though beverage selections may vary based on supply and operational considerations. The resort also features the Copperhorn Private Room, a space within the gaming floor that can accommodate up to 35 people for private dinners or events. The planned restaurants are part of the resort's strategy to become a full-scale entertainment destination, not just a gaming hall, and they aim to cater to a broad range of tastes and dietary preferences.

Facilities, Services and Event Hosting

The resort provides extensive facilities designed for convenience and large-scale operations. A key feature is the complimentary self-parking available in a secure, camera-monitored, enclosed parking garage that operates year-round. This facility contains 3,800 parking spaces and offers multiple entrances with direct access to the casino. Valet parking services are also available, which can be paid for with credit or debit cards only, with cash not accepted, and valet charges can be redeemed for an equivalent amount in slot or table play. For events, the resort offers versatile meeting and function spaces marketed for corporate conferences, galas, fundraisers, private parties, photo shoots, or TV commercials. Two individual meeting rooms can each accommodate up to 50 people, or they can be combined to host up to 100 guests for corporate meetings, workshops, or conferences, featuring modern amenities and high-definition TVs. The property's 5,000-seat live entertainment auditorium, named The Theatre, promises an experience with cutting-edge sound and lighting for hosting music, comedy, and theatre productions once completed. The resort's sales team can be contacted via email to reserve these spaces for private and corporate functions, and the venue is positioned as a major event hub in the city.

Economic Impact, Revenue and Regional Context

The development of the Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto has had a substantial economic impact on the region. According to Great Canadian Entertainment, the project created 2,000 new jobs, spanning construction, casino operations, hotel services, and the ten planned restaurants. The company projects an astonishing 12 million visits to the casino site annually, which the adjacent Woodbine Racetrack hopes will translate into increased traffic for its horse racing and gaming operations. Jim Lawson of Woodbine Entertainment Group stated that the broader horse racing industry supports about 25,000 jobs in Ontario. Revenue from gaming at Ontario casinos is shared with the provincial government, and municipalities also receive a portion. Since the introduction of gaming at the Woodbine site, the City of Toronto has received $357 million as its share of gaming revenue. This ongoing revenue stream was a central point in the debates surrounding the casino's approval. The question of whether Toronto could sustain a second major casino has been raised, with Councillor Crisanti suggesting there is room for another, though he emphasized focusing on the current resort's completion. The table below outlines key comparative figures for the Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto and the broader gaming revenue impact.

The Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto is Canada's largest casino, occupying 33 acres of land. The development created approximately 2,000 jobs, including positions in the casino, hotel, and its ten planned restaurants. The government of Ontario shares in the revenue generated at casinos in the province. Since the previous Casino Woodbine, the City of Toronto has received $357 million as a share of gaming revenue. These figures illustrate the scale of the operation and its significant economic footprint.

Other Gaming Venues in the Greater Toronto Area

While the Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto is the largest and newest facility, several other gaming venues operate in and around the city, catering to different preferences. These venues include racinos, which combine horse racing with slot machines and electronic table games, as well as charitable gaming centres. The following list highlights key venues in the broader region, including those operated by Great Canadian Entertainment and other entities under the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation's commercial casino model. Each venue offers a distinct mix of gaming, racing, and hospitality services.

• Woodbine Racetrack: Located adjacent to the new resort, this historic venue offers thoroughbred horse racing and previously housed a large slots and table games facility.
• Pickering Casino Resort: A major casino resort located in the city of Pickering, east of Toronto, also operated by Great Canadian Entertainment.
• Casino Ajax: A casino located at Ajax Downs in Ajax, featuring live horse racing and gaming facilities.
• Casino Rama Resort: A large, established casino and entertainment resort located near Orillia, north of the GTA, operated by the Chippewas of Rama First Nation.
• Great Blue Heron Casino & Hotel: A casino operated by the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation in Port Perry.
• Elements Casino Mohawk: A racino in Campbellville, west of Toronto, offering horse racing and slots.
• Gateway Casinos Innisfil: A casino located in Innisfil, on the shores of Lake Simcoe, part of the Gateway Casinos chain.
• Charitable Gaming Centres: Venues like Delta Bingo & Gaming offer bingo and electronic gaming, with proceeds supporting local charities.

In the Greater Toronto Area, residents and visitors have several casino options, including Casino Ajax, Casino Rama, and Great Blue Heron Casino. However, the scale of the new Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto is unmatched in Canada. It features the largest number of gaming options, including 4,800 slot machines and 145 table games. The resort is integrated with the adjacent Woodbine Racetrack, creating a combined destination for casino gaming and horse racing. This integration is expected to draw millions of visitors from across the province.

Ownership, Regulation and Community Role

Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto is owned and operated by a consortium that includes Great Canadian Entertainment, the Woodbine Entertainment Group, and the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG). The partnership model is designed to leverage the expertise of a private operator within the provincial regulatory framework to generate revenue for public purposes. The resort's location beside Woodbine Racetrack is strategic, aiming to create synergy between the casino and the established horse racing facility, with Woodbine hoping to tap into the casino's projected 12 million annual visits. The debate around the casino's approval highlighted its dual role as both an economic engine and a source of community concern. Proponents pointed to job creation, tourism, and municipal revenue sharing, while critics questioned the social impacts of expanded gambling. The resort now functions as a major employer and entertainment hub in Etobicoke North, with its future expansion, including the completion of the theatre, set to further cement its role in the Toronto area. The ownership structure ensures that gaming revenue flows back to the provincial government and the host community, as evidenced by the $357 million already received by the City of Toronto.

Questions about Casinos in Toronto

What is the biggest casino in Toronto?

The Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto is the largest casino in Toronto and in all of Canada. Opened in 2023, it occupies 33 acres of land in north Etobicoke and features 4,800 slot machines and 145 table games. Its physical footprint is so large it could accommodate the city's major sports stadiums like BMO Field, Scotiabank Arena, and the Rogers Centre. The resort also includes a 400-room hotel and a 5,000-seat theatre, making it the dominant gaming and entertainment destination in the region.

Where is the new casino in Toronto located?

The new Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto is located at 1133 Queens Plate Drive in the north Etobicoke neighbourhood. It is situated directly beside the Woodbine Racetrack, creating an integrated entertainment complex. The site is within the Etobicoke North riding and is easily accessible by car, with a 3,800-space parking garage. Its location places it near other attractions like the Wet 'n' Wild Toronto water park and is approximately 450 metres from an OLG facility.

What games are available at the Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto?

The casino offers the largest number of gaming options in Canada. This includes 4,800 slot machines with themes ranging from classic to the latest video slots like Lightning 10 Year Storm and Firecracker Fortunes. Table game players will find 145 live tables featuring baccarat, blackjack, roulette, Mississippi Stud, Casino War, and craps including a Fire Bet Craps variant. The venue also has a sportsbook for betting on sports events, three VIP rooms, and multi-game electronic video poker and blackjack terminals.

Is there a hotel at the Toronto casino resort?

Yes, the Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto features an integrated 400-room luxury hotel. The hotel offers spacious, beautifully appointed rooms with views of the adjacent Woodbine Racetrack and is designed to accommodate guests on vacation, business trips, or special occasions. As part of a full-service resort, the hotel complements the casino, dining outlets, and future entertainment theatre, providing a comprehensive destination experience. The hotel is a fundamental part of the entire resort development.

Can you host events or meetings at the casino resort?

Yes, the resort offers several versatile event spaces suitable for private and corporate functions. It has two meeting rooms that can each host up to 50 people individually or be combined for events of up to 100 guests, equipped with modern amenities and high-definition TVs. For more intimate gatherings, the Copperhorn Private Room on the gaming floor can accommodate up to 35 people. The resort markets itself for corporate conferences, galas, fundraisers, private parties, and even film or television commercial shoots, with a dedicated sales email for inquiries.

How many jobs did the new Toronto casino create?

The new Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto created 2,000 jobs according to its owner, Great Canadian Entertainment. These jobs encompass the casino's operations, its integrated 400 room hotel, and the ten planned restaurants within the resort. The project represents a significant investment of about one billion dollars over five years. The adjacent Woodbine Entertainment Group highlights that the horse racing industry drives 25,000 jobs in the province. The casino is projected to generate 12 million visits annually, which is expected to benefit local businesses and the broader economy.

Sources and further reading

• Casino at Great Canadian Toronto (greatcanadian.com)
• Canada's largest casino opens in Toronto (globalnews.ca)
• Casino at Great Canadian Toronto (greatcanadian.com)
• Canada's largest casino opens in Toronto (globalnews.ca)
• Your first look inside the stunning Great Canadian Casino ... (breakfasttelevision.ca)
• Casino at Great Canadian Toronto (greatcanadian.com)

Checked by the Nosy Mag desk. Last updated 2026-11-13.