Montreal Casino

History and Development

The Montreal Casino was born from a 1992 Quebec government initiative that created the Société des casinos du Québec to develop provincial gaming venues. With an initial construction cost of $95 million, it became the first casino for the project, opening to the public on October 9, 1993. The facility repurposed two structures from Expo 67: the former Quebec Pavilion, which had later been used as the Palais des civilisations for cultural exhibitions, and the formerly vacant France Pavilion. A bridge was constructed to connect these two buildings, which were renovated to house the casino. An annex was later built to the south and east of the main structures. The casino proved immediately popular, drawing thousands of players in its first weeks and 780,000 visitors in its inaugural year, while employing 700 people.

Major expansions and operational changes followed the successful opening. In 1997, the casino extended its hours to operate 24 hours a day, a schedule it maintained for over two decades. A significant shift occurred in July 2003 when the establishment became non-smoking, with dedicated smoking lounges closing entirely in May 2006 following new provincial legislation. A second major renovation took place in 2013, a collaboration between Loto-Québec and the multimedia studio Moment Factory to modernize the gaming areas, which included the installation of a large digital wall spanning three floors. In late 2014, a new interactive gaming area called "The Zone" opened. The COVID-19 pandemic led to another schedule change in 2020, with the casino ending its 24-hour operation for the first time since 1997, adopting closing times of 3:00 a.m. on weekdays and 5:00 a.m. on weekends. In 2021, the fine dining restaurant L'Atelier de Joël Robuchon, located within the casino, closed permanently.

Architecture and Location

The casino's distinctive architecture is a direct legacy of Expo 67, the world's fair held in Montreal. It consists of three interconnected buildings set on the man-made Notre Dame Island in the St. Lawrence River. The two primary structures are the former France and Quebec pavilions from the fair, celebrated for their modernist design. The third is a purpose-built annex added by the casino. An enclosed bridge links the annex to the former Quebec Pavilion. The main building rises six floors, with the annex and secondary building containing four floors each. The complex is noted for architectural features uncommon in casinos, such as its abundance of windows and relatively low ceilings. The casino is situated within the larger Jean-Drapeau Park, sharing the island with other landmarks like the Gilles Villeneuve racing circuit, the Olympic Basin rowing venue, and an artificial lake with a beach.

Access to the casino is facilitated by several transportation options. Visitors can drive via the De la Concorde bridge through the Cité du Havre area. Public transit access is provided by the Jean Drapeau Metro station on the neighbouring Saint Helen's Island, which is connected to Notre Dame Island by a dedicated shuttle bus service that runs to the casino entrance. This integration into Montreal's transit network makes the venue accessible without a private vehicle. The specific address is 1 Avenue du Casino, Montreal, Quebec, H3C 4W7.

Gaming and Facilities

The Montreal Casino operates the largest gaming floor in Canada, covering over 526,000 square feet, which is equivalent to approximately 12.1 acres or 48,900 square metres. This vast space houses a comprehensive array of gaming options designed for adult visitors. The casino's gaming inventory includes over 3,000 slot machines, providing a wide variety of themes and betting ranges. For table game enthusiasts, the venue offers over 80 gaming tables, encompassing classics like blackjack, roulette, and baccarat. A large number of electronic speed lottery terminals and other virtual games are also available throughout the property. The gaming environment is structured across the multiple floors of the three interconnected buildings.

Beyond gaming, the casino functions as a full-scale entertainment destination with diverse amenities. The property features three restaurants, including the buffet restaurant Pavillon 67 and the Quebec-sourced product-focused Le Montréal, both requiring guests to be 18 or older. The complex also contains five bars, a dedicated cabaret venue for performances, and meeting and banquet facilities suitable for private events. A distinctive feature is "The Zone," an interactive gaming area with electronic tables. Another attraction is the ARcade by Moment Factory, an immersive augmented reality experience that blends elements of video games and sports. The casino's design intentionally incorporates ample natural light through its many windows, diverging from the windowless norm of many gaming venues.

• Slot Machines: Over 3,000 machines with various themes.
• Table Games: Over 80 gaming tables.
• Restaurants: Includes Pavillon 67 buffet and Le Montréal.
• Bars: Five separate bars within the complex.
• Cabaret: Dedicated venue for live performances.
• The Zone: Interactive electronic gaming area.
• ARcade: Augmented reality experience by Moment Factory.

Entertainment and Events

The Casino de Montréal is a year-round hub for live entertainment, hosting a busy schedule of performances and special events. Its primary venue for ticketed shows is the Cabaret du Casino de Montréal, located on the Promenade Level of the Quebec Pavilion. The cabaret presents a diverse lineup that includes stand-up comedy, musical concerts, theatrical productions, and large-scale themed shows. Performers range from acclaimed local artists to international acts, with scheduled events into 2026 featuring artists like Sam Breton, Dave Fenley, and François Bellefeuille. Access to the Cabaret is restricted to patrons aged 18 and over, and original photo identification is required for entry. The venue can accommodate a maximum of eight wheelchair users per show in the orchestra section, and a hearing assistance system is available upon request.

In addition to ticketed cabaret events, the casino hosts numerous free shows and performances on its gaming floor and in other public areas. Every year, the casino holds a New Year's Eve party which lasts from the afternoon until the morning of the next day. This party typically features live DJs, musicians, and a giant screen broadcasting the midnight countdown. The casino also organizes regular poker tournaments, with scheduled events listing buy-ins for games like No-Limit Hold'em. Many shows offer combined "Dinner & Show" packages with the casino's restaurants, and newsletter subscribers often receive access to pre-sale tickets and discounts.

• Cabaret du Casino: Primary venue for ticketed concerts, comedy, and theatre.
• New Year's Eve Party: Day-long celebration with DJs and a midnight countdown.
• Free Floor Shows: Regular musical and performance acts accessible to all visitors.
• Poker Tournaments: Scheduled events with various buy-in levels.
• Themed Productions: Large-scale immersive shows like the noted "ALCATRAZ" experience.
• Artist Lineups: Features Quebecois and international performers throughout the year.

Operations and Economic Impact

The Montreal Casino is a significant economic entity owned by the Quebec government. It is operated by the Société des casinos du Québec, a subsidiary of the provincial crown corporation Loto-Québec. All profits generated by the casino are transferred to the Government of Quebec, contributing to public revenues. As of 2019, the casino was a major employer in the Montreal region, providing jobs for approximately 2,800 people across its operations in gaming, hospitality, security, and administration. The scale of its workforce reflects the size and complexity of the 24/7 entertainment operation. The casino's call centre for general inquiries operates from Monday to Friday, between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., reachable at 514-392-2700 extension 1.

The venue's operational hours have evolved over time. Following adjustments made during the COVID-19 pandemic, the casino no longer operates 24 hours a day. As of 2026, typical hours are from 9 a.m. to 4 a.m. on most days, extending to 5 a.m. on Friday and Saturday nights. The casino attracts a substantial volume of visitors, with recent figures indicating an annual attendance of over seven million people. This high level of traffic supports not only the casino's direct operations but also contributes to the broader tourism and service economy of Montreal. In a significant capital investment announcement, Loto-Québec has committed to building a new $150 million hotel adjacent to the casino to further develop the site as an entertainment destination.

Notable Incident: The 1994 Keno Scandal

In April 1994, shortly after the casino's opening, a notable incident involving the game of keno attracted significant public attention. A player named Daniel Corriveau won $600,000 by correctly selecting 19 out of 20 winning numbers three consecutive times. Corriveau claimed he had used a computer and principles of chaos theory to identify a pattern in the number sequences. An investigation into the win revealed a critical flaw in the casino's system, not wrongdoing by the player. The electronic pseudorandom number generator used for the keno game was being reset each morning with the same seed number. This error caused the machine to produce the same sequence of numbers every day, making the outcomes predictable. After investigators cleared Corriveau of any fraud, the casino paid him his full winnings. The incident highlighted early operational challenges and led to reviews of gaming system integrity.

Visitor Information and Policies

Prospective visitors to the Casino de Montréal should be aware of several key policies and practical details. The primary age restriction for entering the casino and its gaming areas is 18 years, which is the legal gambling age in Quebec. Certain restaurants within the complex, namely Pavillon 67 and Le Montréal, also enforce an 18+ policy and may request photo identification. For entry, an original government-issued photo ID card is mandatory. Electronic copies or photographs of identification are not accepted. The Cabaret du Casino maintains the same 18+ age restriction for all its performances. The casino has a dress code that encourages smart casual attire, though it is generally more relaxed than in some other international casinos.

Several services and restrictions are in place for guest comfort and security. The coat check service is occasionally closed, so visitors should be prepared to keep their belongings with them. Specific items like backpacks, large umbrellas, and motorcycle helmets are prohibited inside the building. For ticket purchases to cabaret shows, the box office on the Promenade Level is open from Tuesday to Saturday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., or until half an hour after the last show begins, with variable hours on Sundays, Mondays, and holidays. Tickets can also be purchased by phone. The casino offers privileges programs, such as Casino Privilèges, which can provide members with discounts on show tickets and other benefits, typically limited to a maximum of four tickets per member per offer.

Questions about Montreal Casino

What are the operating hours for the Casino de Montréal?

The Casino de Montréal is open seven days a week, but no longer operates 24 hours. As of recent schedules, the casino opens daily at 9 a.m. It closes at 4 a.m. on most days, with extended hours until 5 a.m. on Friday and Saturday nights. These hours represent a change from the 24-hour schedule that was in place from 1997 until 2020, when adjustments were made following the COVID-19 pandemic. Visitors should check the official website for any seasonal or special event modifications to the standard schedule.

How do I get to the Casino de Montréal using public transit?

The most convenient public transit route involves taking the Montreal Metro to the Jean Drapeau station on the Yellow Line. This station is located on Saint Helen's Island, adjacent to Notre Dame Island. Upon exiting the station, visitors can board a dedicated shuttle bus service that runs directly to the casino entrance. For those driving, access is via the De la Concorde bridge through the Cité du Havre area. The casino's address is 1 Avenue du Casino, Montreal, QC, H3C 4W7, situated within Jean-Drapeau Park.

What is the legal gambling age at the Casino de Montréal?

The legal age for gambling and entering the gaming areas of the Casino de Montréal is 18 years old. This age restriction also applies to entry into the Cabaret du Casino for shows. The casino's restaurants Pavillon 67 and Le Montréal enforce an 18+ policy for dining guests. All visitors must present an original, government-issued photo identification card for age verification. Electronic copies or photos of ID are not accepted. This policy is consistent with Quebec's provincial gambling regulations.

What kinds of shows and entertainment are offered?

The casino offers a wide array of entertainment, primarily through its Cabaret du Casino venue, which hosts ticketed shows including stand-up comedy, concerts by local and international musicians, theatre, and large-scale productions. Many free musical and performance acts also take place on the casino floor throughout the year. A major annual event is the New Year's Eve party, featuring DJs, live music, and a countdown on a giant screen. The casino publishes a full show schedule, with performances booked well into 2026 featuring artists like Sam Breton and François Bellefeuille.

How many slot machines and table games does the casino have?

The Casino de Montréal, as Canada's largest casino, features an extensive gaming floor. It houses over 3,000 slot machines, offering a vast selection of themes and denominations. For table game players, the casino provides over 80 gaming tables, which include traditional live dealer games. The games encompass classics such as blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and poker. The venue has a large number of electronic speed lottery terminals and an interactive area called "The Zone" for electronic table game play.

Who owns and operates the Casino de Montréal?

The Casino de Montréal is owned by the provincial crown corporation Loto-Québec. Day-to-day operations are managed by Loto-Québec's subsidiary, the Société des casinos du Québec, which also operates three other casinos in the province. All profits generated by the casino are directed to the Government of Quebec, contributing to public revenues. As a significant economic driver, the casino employed approximately 2,800 people as of 2019 and attracts over seven million visitors annually to its location on Notre Dame Island.

Sources and further reading

• Montreal Casino (Wikipedia)
• Show Schedule | Casino de Montréal | Loto-Québec (casinos.lotoquebec.com)
• Casino de Montréal (parcjeandrapeau.com)
• Casino de Montréal | Home and Headlines | Loto-Québec (casinos.lotoquebec.com)
• Casino de Montréal (mtl.org)
• Casino de Montréal (parcjeandrapeau.com)

Checked by the Nosy Mag desk. Last updated 2026-11-10.