Parq Casino

Development and Controversy

The origins of Parq Casino trace back to 2010 when Paragon Gaming, operator of the Edgewater Casino at Enterprise Hall, proposed a $500 million expansion and relocation to a vacant site adjacent to BC Place. Paragon CEO Scott Menke became interested in developing a downtown casino after being impressed by Vancouver's hosting of the 2010 Winter Olympics. The new building was estimated to be three times larger than Edgewater, with as many as 1,500 slot machines and 150 table games. On April 12, 2011, Paragon announced an agreement with Marriott International to build two luxury hotels as part of the casino.

The proposal faced opposition from groups like Vancouver Not Vegas, former police officers, and then-mayor Gregor Robertson, who cited concerns over gambling addiction and organized crime. In April 2011, Vancouver City Council approved the relocation of Edgewater's licence but blocked Paragon's proposed expansion of gaming. In March 2013, Paragon reached a master development agreement with BC Pavilion Corporation (PavCo) for the leased land. By September 2013, Paragon announced a revised, $535 million proposal in partnership with Dundee Corporation and 360 Vox Corporation, repositioning it as an urban resort. The plan maintained the same number of slot machines and tables as Edgewater while emphasizing luxury hotels and event space. The project received a preliminary development permit in December 2013, subject to strict conditions.

• Paragon was required to adhere to its commitment to not expand gaming beyond the existing Edgewater licence limits.
• The company had to establish a responsible gambling framework aligned with recommendations from Provincial Health Officer Perry Kendall.
• The framework included specific considerations regarding the provision of ATMs within the casino space.
• It also included regulations on the sale of liquor in the gaming areas.
• The entire property was mandated to meet LEED Gold certification for environmental sustainability.

Construction and Opening

Construction on the project, named Parq Vancouver, began in December 2014. The development was led by Parq Holdings Limited, a joint venture between Paragon, Dundee, and Ottawa-based PBC Group. The project faced delays and significant cost overruns, with its budget increasing by $95 million to a final cost of approximately $640 million, making it the largest privately-funded development in British Columbia at the time. The opening was pushed from early 2017 to fall 2017. Former BCLC CEO Mike Graydon was hired as president of Parq Holdings but was found to have been engaged in a conflict of interest with Paragon before departing BCLC. He later repaid about $55,000 in salary and stepped down from his role at Parq in 2015.

Parq Vancouver officially opened at 11 p.m. PT on September 29, 2017. Its debut attracted a large number of visitors, many coming from a nearby Coldplay concert at BC Place, which led to the fire department closing the Beatty Street entrance within half an hour due to capacity limits. All employees from the shuttered Edgewater Casino were transferred to the new property. The hotels had soft-opened earlier, with the various restaurants opening in the days following the casino launch.

• The casino floor officially opened at 11:00 p.m. on September 29, 2017.
• The resort's restaurants opened over the several days following the casino launch.
• The JW Marriott and The Douglas hotels had already commenced a soft opening period prior to September 29.

Ownership Changes and Financial Challenges

The years following the opening were marked by financial strain and ownership changes. In November 2018, rapper Drake accused the casino of racial profiling, prompting an apology from management which cited new provincial anti-money laundering rules requiring source-of-funds declarations for patrons gambling with more than $10,000. These same regulations, adopted in 2017, were cited as a major factor in the casino's reported $158 million loss in 2018. Parq Holdings took multiple unsecured loans that year to cover debt. In February 2019, founding partner Paragon Gaming sold its stake in the venture to PBC Group. By May 2019, the company restructured nearly $580 million in debt after securing an investment from a new equity partner. Leadership also changed, with Joe Brunini resigning as CEO in November 2019 and being succeeded by Peter Goudron, former executive director of the BC Gaming Industry Association.

The COVID-19 pandemic forced the closure of the casino and restaurants in March 2020. By October 2020, Parq estimated it had lost at least $1 billion in potential revenue from cancelled corporate events, though the JW Marriott hotel continued to host smaller gatherings and hybrid events. The casino remained closed until July 1, 2021, when it reopened under public health orders. Upon reopening, the resort introduced two new VIP gaming salons named Koi and Luna. The financial and operational pressures contributed to a strategic rebranding in December 2024, when the property changed its name from Parq Vancouver to Parq Casino to more directly target casino players.

• In 2018, Parq Holdings took multiple unsecured loans to cover existing debt.
• The property reported a loss of $158 million in 2018, attributed to new anti-money laundering rules.
• Paragon Gaming sold its entire stake in Parq Holdings to PBC Group in February 2019.
• Nearly $580 million in debt was restructured in May 2019 after an investment from a new equity partner.
• The casino and restaurants were closed in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
• The casino reopened on July 1, 2021, in compliance with public health orders.
• Two VIP salons, Koi and Luna, were opened following the 2021 reopening.
• The property was rebranded from Parq Vancouver to Parq Casino in December 2024.

Architecture and Resort Features

Parq Casino's design was conceived to reflect Vancouver's natural environment. Its main façade features copper-coloured glass and an array of shimmering metallic fins arranged to evoke the region's coastal mountain ranges. Scott Menke explained the intent was to preserve the integrity of Vancouver's unique local culture. The resort complex houses two distinct hotels operated by Marriott International. The JW Marriott Parq Vancouver offers full-service amenities including a spa, while The Douglas, an Autograph Collection hotel, is a boutique property named after the Douglas fir tree. Together, they provide 517 rooms and suites. A 30,000-square-foot rooftop terrace on the sixth floor offers views of BC Place and serves as patio space for the D/6 bar and The Victor restaurant.

The property is a major events destination, featuring 62,000 square feet of flexible function space. This includes a 15,604-square-foot grand ballroom, promoted as the largest of its kind in Western Canada. Dining is a central component, with eight different restaurants and lounges from its initial opening. The original culinary program was led by Blau + Associates.

• The Victor: A steak and seafood restaurant with rooftop patio access.
• 1886: A Chinese restaurant named after the year Vancouver's Chinatown was established.
• D/6: A bar and eatery located on the sixth-floor rooftop terrace.
• Lotus Whiskey and Tea Lounge: A dedicated lounge for whiskey and tea service.
• Honey Salt: A Vancouver location of this restaurant brand was part of the initial lineup.

Gaming Operations and Expansion

The casino is the operational heart of Parq, occupying 72,000 square feet across two floors and operating 24 hours a day. The gaming mix has evolved since opening. Initially, it maintained the same number of positions as the old Edgewater Casino, with 600 slot machines and 75 table games. The facility includes a poker room, various stadium games, and dedicated VIP areas. In 2025, the British Columbia Lottery Corporation opened one of its first ProLine Sportsbook Lounge locations at Parq Casino, adding sports betting to its offerings. Players can join the Encore Rewards membership program for benefits. In a significant development, Vancouver City Council voted in February 2026 to approve Parq Casino's request to install 300 additional slot machines, increasing its total from 600 to 900. This decision came after the city eased a moratorium on gaming expansion that had been in place since the project's inception. The current gaming offerings are structured as follows.

Location and Visitor Information

Parq Casino holds a strategically central location at 39 Smithe Street in downtown Vancouver, situated directly adjacent to BC Place stadium and close to Rogers Arena. This proximity ensures a steady flow of visitors from major concerts, sporting events, and conventions. Transportation and parking are designed for convenience, with on-site parking available and the Stadium-Chinatown SkyTrain station within easy walking distance. The property is exclusively for adults, as British Columbia's legal gambling age is 19. For visitors, the resort operates as a comprehensive destination. Key amenities and services include the 24/7 Eats food service and the Encore Rewards program. With its mix of gaming, luxury accommodation, diverse dining, and 62,000 square feet of event space, Parq Casino positions itself as a premier venue.

• The complex is located directly adjacent to BC Place and close to Rogers Arena.
• It offers 62,000 square feet of event space for groups from 10 to 1,000 people.
• The resort initially featured eight different dining and lounge options.
• It houses two hotels: the JW Marriott Parq Vancouver and The Douglas, with 517 total rooms.
• A 30,000-square-foot rooftop terrace provides views and patio seating.
• The casino gaming floor is 72,000 square feet spread across two levels.
• Visitor rewards are managed through the Encore Rewards membership program.

Questions about Parq Casino

What is the difference between Parq Vancouver and Parq Casino?

Parq Vancouver was the original name of the resort when it opened in September 2017. In December 2024, the property was rebranded to Parq Casino as part of a new marketing campaign. The campaign targeted casino players as its core customer base, rather than entertainment and casual visitors from nearby venues like BC Place and Rogers Arena. The name change signifies a sharper focus on gaming operations. The physical property, its hotels, and its amenities remain the same under the new name.

Does Parq Casino have a poker room?

Yes, Parq Casino features a dedicated poker room. The poker room is part of the casino's two floors of gaming space, which totals 72,000 square feet. The gaming floor also includes 75 table games, such as blackjack, roulette, and baccarat. The casino operates up to 900 slot machines and VIP gaming salons named Koi and Luna. The casino's offerings are available 24 hours a day.

What hotels are part of Parq Casino?

Parq Casino includes two luxury hotels operated by Marriott International. The JW Marriott Parq Vancouver is a full-service hotel that features a spa and other premium amenities. The Douglas is a boutique hotel that is part of Marriott's Autograph Collection. It is named after the Douglas fir tree common to British Columbia and the Pacific coast. Combined, these two hotels offer 517 rooms and suites for guests staying at the resort.

What are the dining options at Parq Casino?

Parq Casino initially featured eight different dining and lounge options led by Blau + Associates. These included The Victor, a steak and seafood restaurant with rooftop patio access. Another option was 1886, a Chinese restaurant named after the year Vancouver's Chinatown was established. The resort also featured D/6 bar and eatery, the Lotus Whiskey and Tea Lounge, and a Vancouver location of Honey Salt. The property also offers a 24/7 Eats service for round-the-clock dining.

Where is Parq Casino located and how do I get there?

Parq Casino is located at 39 Smithe Street in downtown Vancouver, British Columbia. It is situated directly adjacent to BC Place stadium and is also close to Rogers Arena. The Stadium-Chinatown SkyTrain station is nearby for public transit access, and the resort offers on-site parking for visitors. Its central location between two major entertainment venues makes it easily accessible from throughout the Vancouver metropolitan area.

How many slot machines does Parq Casino have?

As of February 2026, Parq Casino has 900 slot machines. This followed a city permit approval to install 300 additional machines, expanding from its original count of 600. The casino's gaming space spans two floors and covers 6,700 square metres, which is 72,000 square feet. This increase represents a 50 percent growth in slot machine capacity after the city eased a moratorium on gaming expansion that had been in place since the project's inception.

Sources and further reading

• Parq Casino (Wikipedia)
• Parq Casino Vancouver | Gaming, Dining, Hotels & Entertainment (parqcasino.com)
• Parq Casino Vancouver | Gaming, Dining, Hotels & Entertainment (parqcasino.com)

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