Shorelines Casinos
Shorelines Casinos is a collection of four gaming venues in eastern Ontario owned and operated by Great Canadian Entertainment. The properties include Shorelines Casino Belleville, Shorelines Casino Peterborough, Shorelines Casino Thousand Islands in Gananoque, and the racino facility Kawartha Downs in Fraserville. These establishments serve their respective regions by offering slot machines, live and electronic table games, dining amenities, and live entertainment. The casinos are popular local destinations for adults seeking gaming and social experiences, contributing to tourism and entertainment in communities across the Quinte, Kawarthas, and Thousand Islands areas.
Properties and Locations
Shorelines Casinos operates four distinct properties across eastern Ontario, each tailored to its local market. The flagship location is Shorelines Casino Belleville, situated at 380 Bell Boulevard in north Belleville, which opened in January 2017 to serve the Quinte region. Shorelines Casino Peterborough functions as a hometown casino for that city, while Shorelines Casino Thousand Islands is located at 380 Highway 2 in Gananoque, serving the Thousand Islands tourism area. The fourth property is Kawartha Downs, a racino located at 1382 Country Road #28 in Fraserville, Ontario, which combines harness racing with casino gaming. All four venues are owned by Great Canadian Entertainment, a major Canadian gaming operator which owns a total of 18 properties nationwide. The casinos are strategically placed to draw from both local populations and seasonal tourists, particularly in areas like Gananoque and the Kawartha Lakes.
The physical scale and offerings vary between locations, with Belleville being the largest. Shorelines Casino Belleville occupies 48,000 square feet of gaming space, while the Peterborough and Thousand Islands locations are described as smaller, more intimate venues. Kawartha Downs offers a different experience by integrating live standardbred horse racing with its gaming floor. Each property maintains its own identity but operates under the unified Shorelines brand, sharing promotional campaigns, a loyalty program, and operational standards. This network allows the operator to host region-wide events and offers, creating a cohesive experience for patrons who may visit multiple locations.

Gaming Offerings
The core offering across all Shorelines Casinos is a diverse array of electronic and live gaming options designed for various player preferences. Slot machines form the backbone of the gaming floor, with denominations starting as low as one cent and including higher limit machines. Shorelines Casino Belleville features over 1,000 slot machines, while the Peterborough location has over 500 slots. The selection is frequently updated with new themed games. For example, in December 2025, titles like Mo Mo Mo Mummy Midnight Treasures and Spooky Link Yo Yeti were introduced, followed by Stink Link Hawaii and Stink Link Wild West in March 2026.
Live table games are available at the Belleville, Peterborough, and Thousand Islands locations, with limits starting as low as $5. Shorelines Casino Belleville offers approximately 20 live gaming tables, while Peterborough has 12. The available games include classic options such as Blackjack, Roulette, and Baccarat, as well as newer variations like Ultimate Texas Hold'em, Mississippi Stud, and Three Card Poker. For those preferring electronic versions, electronic table games (e-tables) are available, providing games like Roulette, Blackjack, and various poker styles including Deuces Wild and Jacks or Better. The selection and minimum bets for table games are dictated by daily business volumes and demands.
- Slot Machines: Denominations from 1 cent to high limit, with frequent new game releases.
- Live Table Games: Blackjack, Roulette, Baccarat, Ultimate Texas Hold'em, Mississippi Stud, Three Card Poker.
- Electronic Table Games: Roulette, Blackjack, 4 of a Kind Poker, Deuces Wild Poker, Jacks or Better Poker, Baccarat, Craps.
- Game Availability: Subject to change based on business needs and daily volumes.
Dining and Amenities
Beyond gaming, Shorelines Casinos provide several dining options aimed at creating a full entertainment experience. Each property features at least one restaurant or lounge offering modern casual fare alongside a fully licensed bar. The buffet at Shorelines Casino Belleville is a notable amenity, offering themed menus and operating without a reservation requirement. Special discounts at the buffet are available for members of the Great Canadian Rewards loyalty program. Other dining venues include the Player’s Lounge and Café, which provides light refreshments and an à la carte menu for guests needing a quick break. The dining atmosphere is designed to be inviting and casual, with an emphasis on service and a selection of modern dishes in a relaxed setting.
The casinos promote their dining specials and themed buffet events as part of their overall appeal, encouraging visitors to combine a meal with their gaming visit. These amenities position the Shorelines properties not just as gaming destinations but as local spots for socializing and eating out, catering to both gamers and those simply looking for a meal or drink. The variety of food and the fully licensed bar contribute to the venues' role as community entertainment hubs. Patrons can find an array of food options where service meets an inviting atmosphere, with current specials advertised regularly.

Promotions and Entertainment
Shorelines Casinos run a continuous calendar of promotions, special events, and live entertainment to engage patrons. These are marketed collectively under banners like "What's Happening at Shorelines Casinos," which details the latest offers across all four properties. Promotions often include exclusive perks for Great Canadian Rewards members, such as discounts on dining and access to special gaming events. The casinos also host seasonal and holiday-themed events, which are reflected in special game releases like the spooky and holiday-themed slot machines added in late 2025. Live entertainment is a component of the offering, particularly at locations like Shorelines Casino Thousand Islands, which markets itself as a place for socializing and entertainment beyond just gaming.
Shorelines Casinos adjust their hours for major holidays. For the Canada Day weekend in 2026, all Shorelines Casinos had extended hours. The Belleville and Thousand Islands locations were open from 8:00 AM on Friday, June 28 until 4:00 AM on Tuesday, July 2. These extended hours and special events are designed to boost visitation during peak times. The promotional schedule includes regular updates on new slot machine titles and dining specials available at each location.
- Promotion Channels: "What's Happening at Shorelines Casinos" updates.
- Member Benefits: Exclusive perks for Great Canadian Rewards members.
- Seasonal Events: Themed game releases and holiday hours.
- Holiday Hours Example: Extended hours for Canada Day weekend 2026.
- Live Entertainment: Offered at properties like Thousand Islands.
Operations and Ownership
Shorelines Casinos are wholly owned and operated by Great Canadian Entertainment, a leading gaming and hospitality company in Canada. The corporate head office is located at 39 Wynford Drive in North York, Ontario. Great Canadian Entertainment owns a total of 18 properties across the country, making Shorelines a significant part of its Ontario portfolio. The operations are standardized under this ownership, which includes implementing the Great Canadian Rewards loyalty program across all sites. This program allows members to earn points redeemable for dining, gaming, and other perks at any of the company's properties. Management decisions, such as the selection of available table games and the setting of minimum bets, are made based on daily business needs and customer volume. Standard operating hours across the Shorelines properties are from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 a.m. daily, with some locations offering 24-hour service on weekends. This flexible approach allows the venues to optimize their offerings for demand while maintaining consistent service. The ownership structure provides stability and resources for property maintenance, game updates, and community engagement initiatives.

Community Role and Regional Appeal
Each Shorelines Casino is integrated into its local community as an entertainment hub and employer. Shorelines Casino Belleville was established to serve the Quinte region, while the Thousand Islands location caters to the tourist flow in Gananoque, a gateway to the popular Thousand Islands archipelago. The Peterborough casino serves the city and surrounding Kawartha Lakes area, and Kawartha Downs supports the local harness racing industry in Fraserville. These venues are often listed among local attractions and things to do, as seen with the Belleville location being ranked among area activities. They contribute to local economies through job creation, tourism spending, and partnerships with other businesses.
The casinos position themselves as destinations for a night out, combining gaming, dining, and shows. Their regional appeal is highlighted by marketing that describes their role as places to escape and socialize, not solely to gamble. By offering a range of experiences from high-energy gaming floors to casual restaurants, Shorelines Casinos aim to attract a broad demographic of adult visitors looking for entertainment options in their respective regions. This community-focused approach helps the properties maintain a steady patronage from local residents while also appealing to visitors from outside the immediate area.
Comparative Overview of Key Properties
| Property | Location | Key Gaming Features | Noted Size / Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shorelines Casino Belleville | 380 Bell Blvd, Belleville | Over 1,000 slots, 20 live tables | 48,000 sq ft flagship. Opened Jan 2017 |
| Shorelines Casino Peterborough | Peterborough | Over 500 slots, 12 live tables | Hometown casino with dining amenities |
| Shorelines Casino Thousand Islands | 380 Hwy 2, Gananoque | Slots, live & electronic tables | Small casino serving tourist region |
| Kawartha Downs | 1382 Cty Rd 28, Fraserville | Gaming alongside harness racing | Racino facility |
Shorelines Casino Belleville is the largest and most comprehensive gaming venue among the Shorelines properties. Kawartha Downs offers a unique combination of casino gaming and live horse racing. The Peterborough location provides a more intimate setting and emphasizes a local atmosphere. The Thousand Islands location capitalizes on its location in the popular tourist town of Gananoque. This diversification allows the Shorelines brand to cater to different community profiles across eastern Ontario.
Questions about Shorelines Casinos
Where is Shorelines Casino Belleville located?
Shorelines Casino Belleville is located at 380 Bell Boulevard in north Belleville, Ontario, with the postal code K8P 5H8. It opened in January 2017 and serves the Quinte region. The casino occupies 48,000 square feet of gaming space and is easily accessible from major routes in the area. Its address is often listed for driving directions and mapping services.
What games are available at Shorelines Casino Peterborough?
Shorelines Casino Peterborough offers over 500 slot machines and 12 live table games, alongside electronic table games. The live table games include popular options like blackjack, roulette, and poker variants. The casino also features dining amenities and participates in the same promotions as other Shorelines locations. It is marketed as a hometown casino for the Peterborough community.
What are the hours for Shorelines Casino Thousand Islands in Gananoque?
Shorelines Casino Thousand Islands in Gananoque, Ontario, is open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 a.m. daily. The casino may extend these hours for holidays and special events. For example, over the Canada Day weekend in 2026, it was open from 8:00 AM on June 28 until 4:00 AM on July 2. All Shorelines Casinos are open for regular casino hours of operation, plus special holiday hours.
Who owns Shorelines Casinos?
Shorelines Casinos are owned and operated by Great Canadian Entertainment, a major Canadian gaming and hospitality company. Great Canadian Entertainment owns a total of 18 properties across Canada. The corporate head office is located at 39 Wynford Drive in North York, Ontario. This ownership provides a unified loyalty program, Great Canadian Rewards, across all Shorelines locations.
Does Shorelines Casino Belleville have a buffet?
Yes, Shorelines Casino Belleville features a buffet restaurant. The buffet offers themed menus and does not require reservations. Special discounts are available for members of the Great Canadian Rewards loyalty program. The buffet has been a point of discussion among patrons, including notes about its reopening and the variety of food offered.
What is the minimum bet for table games at Shorelines Casinos?
Live table games with limits starting as low as $5 are available at Shorelines Casino Belleville, Peterborough, and Thousand Islands. Table games minimums are based on business needs and game demands for that day. The selection of available games is dictated by business volumes. This means the specific minimum bets and games can vary depending on the time and customer demand.
Sources and further reading
- Shorelines Casinos (greatcanadian.com)
- Shorelines Casinos (greatcanadian.com)
- Shorelines Casinos (greatcanadian.com)
- Shorelines Casino Belleville (mapquest.com)
Checked by the Nosy Mag desk. Last updated 2026-11-12.





