For all the loyal players over there, Everygame Poker offers an exceptional opportunity to win up to $200.000 GTD at the WSOPC C tournament in St. Maarten.
Let’s get the party started:
The fun is already beginning – starting on January 25th, players will be able to achieve free entrance to the Final that will be held on Sunday, February 25th. There will be 3x daily online satellites, and each will award one of the very wanted tickets for the Final.
The player lucky enough to win the series will get a prize package of $4200. The package consists of buy-ins, accommodations, and many additional awards for the lucky winners. The champion will also get a chance to compete in the Main Event of the tournament that begins on March 31st and lasts until April 3rd.
Thomas Kremser from TK Poker is the main producer of this annual tournament. The players probably have the highest expectations from the Main Event, but there are more of them. If you get a chance, try to compete in Bounty, Mystery Bounty, Monster Stack, Semi Turbo, and PLO Ring Events.
One of the benefits of this tournament that is often forgotten is the opportunity to enjoy the Caribbean sun and life on the island – which is really something! This half-French and half-Dutch island has something for everyone – there are dozens of magnificent beaches, more than 300 different restaurants, duty-free shopping, and many casinos, discos, and nightclubs.
The prize package of $4200 that the winner will receive includes:
$1,700 buy-in for the WSOPC Caribbean $200,000 GTD Main Event
5-nights at the all-new Sonesta Maho Beach Resort across from the casino
All meals and beverages
$600 towards travel expenses
$100 cash game buy-in
This is the third round of this popular Everygame’s tournament. This series winner will be included in the welcome dinner with the company’s team, along with other winners of other series.
There are more awards for the winners of the series: they will get highly coveted WSOP gold rings, and they will also get a chance to compete in the exclusive $1.000.000 Tournament of Champions event that will be held during the 2023 World Series of Poker tournament in Las Vegas.
The stops included in the WSOP International Circuit events are placed worldwide. Some of them are Brazil, Australia, the Czech Republic, Holland, Uruguay, Morocco, Aruba, and Canada.
The schedule of the competition:
WSOPC Caribbean 2023 Satellite Schedule (Round 3)
Step Satellites
Each event awards one ticket to the Final
January 25th – February 5th, 2023
Daily at 5:10 pm & 9:10 pm Eastern (buy-in: $9 + $0.90) and
The Pennsylvania casino brought smoking back in October 2022 after a ban was in place in connection with COVID restrictions on mask-wearing throughout the pandemic.
Rivers Casino Philadelphia Did Not Make an Official Announcement
Rivers Casino Philadelphia joined Mount Airy Casino in introducing smoking back at its gaming space. This means that the only casino in Pennsylvania that remains completely smoke-free is Parx Casino.
According to Pennsylvania’s Clean Indoor Air Act, designated smoking areas must be limited to no more than half of the total square footage of the gambling floor. However, even with advanced building and ventilation systems, it is not possible to eliminate exposure to smoke when smoking is allowed inside.
In the case of Mount Airy Casino, the introduction of smoking back to the venue was publicly announced on Facebook. The casino was bashed in the comments with people noting it is quite disappointing that the smoking ban was lifted.
It could be that out of fear of such reactions Rivers Casino Philadelphia did not explicitly announce that smoking is again allowed at the venue. The casino posted about new features that are coming in 2023 and in between the list including the opening of a new Italian-American steakhouse, a new pizza shop, and a new black card lounge, it was mentioned that designated smoking areas are available at the gaming floor.
Unusual Decision Considering the No-Smoking Trend in the Gambling Industry
The reasons for reintroducing smoking at the Rivers Casino Philadelphia are not clear but it probably has to do with the fact that revenues from slot machines and table games at the casino have been declining.
Rivers Casino Philadelphia’s revenue took a hit due to the pandemic. During the eight months leading up to the pandemic in FY 2019/2020, it reached at least $14 million in revenue seven times and hit $15.1 million in slot revenue in February 2020.
However, both table games and slot revenue has been consistently lower than pre-pandemic numbers, averaging $8.03 million in revenue for the fiscal year 2022/2023.
It is not clear how smoking is going to bring back the customers who are probably enjoying the multitude of online options that have been on the uptake in the past few years.
Another major problem is that it is more and more likely for smoking at casinos to get a legislative ban any time soon. In March 2022, Allegheny County Democrats Sen. Jay Costa and Rep. Dan Frankel introduced the Protecting Workers from Secondhand Smoke Act in Pennsylvania to end indoor smoking in casinos and protect casino employees from secondhand smoke.
The bill aims to eliminate loopholes in the Clean Indoor Air Act and expand the definition of smoking to include e-cigarettes. It also grants local governments the power to implement more protective smoke-free ordinances than state law. The bill’s supporters are optimistic about its chances due to a recent change in political makeup and the progress of similar efforts in New Jersey.
Alex Kulev is the player to catch in the 2023 PokerStars Caribbean Adventure (PCA) Main Event going into Day 3. The Ireland-based Bulgarian bagged up a tournament-leading 704,000 stack (235 big blinds) after the curtain came down on an exciting Day 2.
Some 249 new entries and re-entries took advantage of the late registration period and bought in on Day 2, taking the total attendance for the 2023 PCA Main Event to 889, surpassing the 865 entries from the 2019 edition. Only 151 of those hopefuls finished the day with chips in front of them, each now within touching distance of receiving a slice of the $8,623,300 prize pool.
PCA Main Event Day 2 Top Ten Chip Counts
Place
Player
Country
Chip Count
Big Blinds
1
Alex Kulev
Bulgaria
704,000
235
2
Ehsan Amiri
Australia
518,000
173
3
Evan Sparling
Canada
469,000
156
4
Christoph Csik
United States
451,500
151
5
Chino Rheem
United States
428,500
143
6
Dean Murphy
Canada
411,000
137
7
Michael Rocco
United States
408,000
136
8
Chance Kornuth
United States
380,000
127
9
Mustapha Kanit
Italy
366,900
122
10
Mauricio Ferreira Pais
Germany
366,500
122
Kulev has a realistic chance of following in Dimitar Danchev‘s footsteps in becoming a Bulgarian PCA Main Event champion. Danchev triumphed in 2013, and has progressed to Day 3 this year, albeit with a much shorter stack (93,000) than Kulev.
2019 PCA Main Event champion Chino Rheem
Australia’s Ehsan Amiri (518,000) is the player closest to Kulev in the overnight chip counts. Such luminaries as the 2019 PCA Main Event champion Chino Rheem (428,500), Michael Rocco (408,000), Chance Kornuth (380,000), and Mustapha Kanit (366,900) head into Day 3 with a top ten stack.
The Day 3 field is littered with stellar names, all of whom will have a say in where the $1,500,000 top prize heads. Day 1A chip leader Andre Marques (363,000), Andrew Moreno (328,000), Anton Wigg (286,500), Nick Petrangelo (261,500), Elio Fox (234,000), and Maria Konnikova (206,000) each have more than 200,000 chips in their arsenal.
Maria Ho
Others like Fabian Quoss (112,500), Seth Davies (110,000), Maria Ho (96,500), Isaac Haxton (88,000), Joe McKeehen (86,500), and Jason Mercier (64,500) have some grinding to do to make it through to Day 4.
Three PokerStars ambassadors punched their Day 3 tickets, too. Former PSPC champion Ramon Colillas (236,000) is the best-placed of the Red Spade trio. Andre Akkari (123,500) and Sam Grafton (119,000) are also still in contention.
Play resumes at 12:00 p.m. local time on January 26, with the money bubble predicted to burst early into the action as 127 of the 151 returnees are paid. Don’t miss any of the 2023 PCA Main Event action by tuning into the PokerNews live updates.
Greenwood Rises to the Top in the $50,000 7-Handed Event
Sam Greenwood
A compact field of 18 entrants battled it out in the $50,000 7-Handed event, and 12 of those starters made it through unscathed. Late registration remains open for the first two levels of Day 2, so it is likely the attendance will grow as busted PCA Main Event players take another shot at glory in The Bahamas.
Sam Greenwood fared the best on Day 1, finishing with 329,000 chips, 40,000 more than Dan Smith in second place. Mikita Badziakouski (287,000), Jonathan Jaffe (285,000), and Fedor Holz (256,000) round out the top five going into the second day’s play.
Stephen Chidwick
January 25 was not a day to remember for Stephen Chidwick. The British superstars fired two $50,000 bullets but still found himself watching the conclusion of the day from the sidelines. At least he had the company of Timothy Adams, Ben Heath, Cary Katz, and Imad Derwiche, who all crashed out. Those five high rollers can take another bite of the cherry if they so wish.
Full Chip Counts after Day 1
Place
Player
Country
Chip Count
Big Blinds
1
Sam Greenwood
Canada
329,000
82
2
Dan Smith
United States
289,000
72
3
Mikita Badziakouski
Belarus
287,000
72
4
Jonathan Jaffe
United States
285,000
71
5
Fedor Holz
Germany
256,000
64
6
Conor Beresford
United Kingdom
233,000
58
7
Sean Winter
United States
222,000
55
8
Michael Addamo
Australia
220,000
55
9
Daniel Dvoress
Canada
213,000
53
10
Juan Pardo
Spain
143,000
38
11
Christoph Vogelsang
Germany
124,000
31
12
Kannapong Thanarattrakul
Thailand
114,000
28
Play resumes at 2:00 p.m. local time on January 26, and you can follow all of the action, as it happens, right here at PokerNews.
The company has benefited from this expansion by introducing its outstanding and comprehensive sports betting product to the North American market, and Amelco already has strong positions in 12 regulated states.
Amelco Reaps Benefits of Moving Early on the US
Amelco expects two more jurisdictions to be announced before long as well, as the company is looking to significantly expand its reach in the regional and regulated betting market. These launches will focus on Maryland and Massachusetts where the supplier feels confident in the long-term success of its products.
Both states are drawing close to an actual launch date, with Massachusetts set to go live at the end of the month, just in a few days’ time.
Head of Amelco USA Brandon Walker welcomed the opportunity to see his company gather momentum in the regulated markets in the United States, and bring its unique offer to a vast audience of sports bettors hungry for the best-in-class solutions. Walker added:
We expect excitement to only increase, and we are really interested to see what the numbers are going to look like over the course of the next few months. In terms of our product, no one-offers a full service, end-to-end solution like we do at Amelco.
Head of Amelco USA Brandon Walker
Amelco has been looking to innovate its product offer and deliver more compelling and stronger products across the board. A partnership with BetSwap was signed in a bid to boost secondary market engagement in the United States.
Amelco has also been looking beyond the North American market and launching with LulaBet in South Africa. The company continues to develop its momentum in new markets with a strong focus on delivering impeccable overall products.
Of course, there are so many interesting places for gambling in Ontario that it would be impossible to include them on the list. From remote casinos in eastern Ontario through huge gambling centres in Downtown Toronto to a world-renowned casino overlooking Niagara Falls – there are many interesting places to put on your agenda. In this blog post, we will also explain to you how we ranked the top Ontario casinos. Without further delay, here are the main topics.
How Many Casinos Are There in Ontario – 20+ Operators
If you need an answer to the question ‘How many casinos are in Ontario?’, then the right answer would be ‘more than 20’. This blog post features a list of 19 great casinos in Ontario, and it is kind of incomplete.
There are also many great Ontario online casinos among other alternative options to gamble from your home or when you are on the go. Remember, always play responsibly and please, make sure you are at least 19 years of age upon registering.
However, if you wonder how many casinos in Ontario have a great location – may be the right answer is ‘all of them’. The top land-based casinos are concentrated mostly along the southern edge of Ontario and near the border with the US, where the biggest cities are. We will tell you more about their games, amenities, and other special features. So, in the next paragraph, you will find the full list of top casinos in Ontario.
List of Casinos in Ontario, Canada
If you are searching for a casino in Ontario, then you are in the right place. This list of Ontario casinos features everything you need to plan a vacation to a top gambling destination. Of course, there are always changes in this list, as some casinos may close temporarily while other new gambling centres open regularly. At the moment of writing this blog post, here is how many casinos are in Ontario:
How Many Casinos Are in Ontario?
Gaming Space (sq. ft.)
Slot Machines
Table Games
Casino Resort Amenities
Operator
Overall Rating
1. Niagara Fallsview Casino Resort
200,000
3500+
130+
372 rooms, 21 Club, Ponte Vechio, R5, Golden Lotus, Avalon Ballroom Theatre, entertainment centre
Mohegan Gaming and Entertainment
10/10
2. Caesars Windsor Casino
9,290
2230
85
700+ rooms, shows, Neros Steakhouse
Caesars Entertainment
9/10
3. Casino Rama Resort
192,000
1800
47
300+ rooms, 8 restaurants, entertainment centre, Spa
Gateway Casinos & Entertainment
9/10
4. Pickering Casino Resort
330,000
2200
90
275 rooms, 2,500-seat show theatre, restaurants, golf, Sportsbook
100+ rooms, Waters Edge Restaurant, Quickbites, Noodle Bar
The Great Blue Heron Gaming Company
8/10
10. Casino Ajax
20,000+
800
10+
Getaway Restaurant, Racetrack
One Toronto Gaming
8/10
11. Gateway Casinos London
65,000
755
22
The Getaway Restaurant, Racetrack
Gateway Casinos & Entertainment
7/10
12. Gateway Casinos Sudbury
51,700
425
11
Getaway Restaurant, Racetrack
Gateway Casinos & Entertainment
7/10
13. Shorelines Casino Thousand Islands
15,000
480
26
Windward Restaurant
Great Canadian Gaming
6/10
14. Elements Casino Grand River
39,000
600
8
The Eatery, Racetrack
Great Canadian Gaming
6/10
15. Elements Casino Brantford
30,000
500+
16
Getaway Restaurant, Bar & Grill
Great Canadian Gaming
6/10
16. Gateway Casinos Thunder Bay
14,000
450+
12+
Getaway Restaurant and Bar
Gateway Casinos & Entertainment
6/10
17. Shorelines Casino Belleville
48,000
450
20+
Entertainment centre, Windward Restaurant
Shoreline Casinos
5/10
18. Casino Sault Ste. Marie
35,000
450
21
Restaurant, bar
Gateway Casinos & Entertainment
5/10
19. Cascades Casino North Bay
39,000
293
6
Match Eatery & Public House
Gateway Casinos & Entertainment
5/10
Also, these casinos keep updating their gambling floors with more and new gaming machines, promotions, amenities, and other perks so that they can switch places based on their rankings. We used a series of key criteria for the overall rating of the top casinos in Ontario, such as the gaming area, a number of gaming machines, available promotions, and resort amenities, among others. That being said, let’s get started with the highest-rated casino in Ontario.
1. Niagara Fallsview Casino Resort
This is one of the best casinos in Ontario, thanks to its picturesque location on top of the cliff overlooking the Horseshoe Falls, and we even included it in our Toronto casino guide. Moreover, the resort complex itself is a huge sight to witness on the city skyline, but the gaming floor of the casino features one of the largest collections of games in Ontario.
Niagara Fallsview Casino has over 3500 slot machines and electronic tables available 24/7. From electronic crabs to roulette, blackjack, mini-baccarat, and Sic Bo – there are plenty of classic table games as well. The sheer number of games is what makes it the best casino in Ontario. However, the premium location and the numerous amenities of the resort can only contribute to its highest rating in our list of casinos in Ontario.
2. Caesars Windsor Casino
The second place goes to Caesars Casino in Windsor, southern Ontario. It is located along the Detroit River and overlooks the city of Detroit, while its huge resort complex and numerous gaming machines also make it one of the most famous venues for gambling in Ontario. Caesars Windsor Casino features a relatively small gaming floor, but it is jam-packed with over 2000 slot machines and gaming terminals, as well as 85 classic table games.
This gaming destination also offers a sportsbook, as well as a wide variety of amenities. Examples include a 700-room hotel, spa and fitness centres, as well as several notable restaurants. Caesars Windsor Casino is also a preferred night-time destination for many visitors, as it features some of the best lounges, bars, and nightclubs in Ontario. It also has shopping and entertainment centres, so it is a highly recommended destination if you plan a longer trip.
3. Casino Rama Resort
Casino Rama Resort takes third place in our list, as it is part of the popular Gateway Casinos & Entertainment Limited. This is one of the main companies operating gambling establishments in Ontario. Casino Rama is one of their greatest ones in terms of gaming floor area.
The casino has almost 2000 slot machines within an area of 192,000 sq. ft. There are also dozens of classic table games, such as blackjack, baccarat, etc. Look at this promotional video of Casino Rama Resort for a glimpse of what to expect.
Also, it is a resort, so you can find all that you need for your perfect stay. From a 300-room hotel and eight restaurants to Spa and an entertainment centre – you should put Casino Rama Resort high on your agenda. Also, you can participate in one of the many promotions that take place regularly in the casino as a part of the Gateway Casinos & Entertainment loyalty membership.
4. Pickering Casino Resort
This resort has one of the most modern gambling floors in Ontario, and it is located just outside Toronto. It was opened to the public in the middle of 2021, so it is one of the newest casino resorts in the territory. Pickering Casino has the largest gaming floor among the casinos in Ontario reviewed in this blog post.
It comes down to 330,000 sq. ft., featuring 2200 slot machines, 90 live table games, and 52 stadium gaming terminals. It also has a huge resort area with all the accommodations and comforts required for your stay, including a 2500-seat show theatre and a golf course nearby. That’s why Pickering Casino Resort is one of the best places for gambling in Ontario.
5. Casino Woodbine
This is another one of the largest and most popular Toronto casinos, as it is located only about an hour’s drive from Downtown. It features over 3500 slot machines and a hundred classic table games, while the Woodbine racetrack makes it a top destination for those who want to watch or bet on horse racing. It also has about a dozen bars and restaurants within the complex, so it is a perfect choice for a weekend trip with your friends and family alike.
6. Casino Niagara
Perhaps, Niagara Falls is one of the most popular Ontario cities that accepts visitors from around the world who want to see the iconic waterfalls. Still, as you can guess, it is also a famous destination for gambling in Ontario. Casino Niagara is the second most famous gambling location in the city after Niagara Fallsview Casino Resort.
It is smaller and, yet, it has over a thousand slot machines and 40 table games. It is also known to be the first to feature electronic roulette. A sports bar and 26 poker tables are another nice addition to its gaming floor, while several cafes, restaurants and bars will provide you with plenty of comfort between your gaming sessions.
7. Gateway Casinos Innisfil
This is another one of the largest Gateway Casinos. It has a huge gaming floor with a tonne of casino games, as well as a racetrack just behind the casino. There are over a thousand slot machines and 22 table games, as well as a high-limit area. The Stadium is another main attraction in Gateway Casinos Innisfil, as it has 17 interconnected personal play stations with multi-game capability, including baccarat, blackjack, roulette, and craps as electronic tables.
8. Elements Casino Flamboro
Great Canadian Gaming is one of the largest companies with facilities for gambling in Ontario, and Flamboro is certainly a place to visit. It is a huge gaming complex with a 20,000 sq. ft. casino floor and an outdoor racetrack. It offers over 1100 slot machines and 12 table games, as well as superb dining options at The Eatery on level 2. You can also take advantage of the Great Canadian Rewards programme, which is available at all the properties of the brand.
9. Great Blue Heron Casino
Great Blue Heron is a relatively smaller casino in comparison to the others above; however, it enjoys an unsurpassed location. It is one of the largest and most remote casinos in Ontario, as it is located on an island. It is also a resort complex with more than a hundred rooms, as well as all the other amenities required for your unforgettable vacation.
The casino floor will impress you with everything from 600 slot machines to 30 classic tables and top poker games. Poker players love to visit Great Blue Heron Casino, as it offers numerous limit and no-limit tables, including Texas Hold’Em and Omaha. There are TVs on the gaming floor, and the best thing is that it is open daily from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m.
10. Casino Ajax
Casino Ajax is located at a very close distance from Pickering Casino Resort on the eastern outskirts of Toronto, and it is a smaller casino in comparison to Pickering. However, it is also worth a visit, as it has over 800 slot machines and about a dozen table games.
It also has a racetrack, the only one in Ontario where you can experience Quarter Horse Racing. In addition to the fantastic gaming options, Casino Ajax also offers tempting choices for dining, as well as the Great Canadian Rewards programme for those who prefer to play with a bonus.
11. Gateway Casinos London
The southern area of Ontario has another famous gambling destination that is part of the Gateway Casinos. It comes down to the Gateway Casinos London, which is also one of the huge ON gambling resorts with a racetrack. This casino offers 755 slot terminals and some of the best and latest electronic tables in Ontario. It also has dozens of classic tables, including roulette, blackjack, Mississippi Stud Poker and Mini-Baccarat.
12. Gateway Casinos Sudbury
We could be way beyond the top ten casinos in Ontario, but we included another one of the Gateway Casinos as a highly recommended gambling destination. Gateway Casinos Sudbury has a gaming floor of over 50,000 sq. ft. and it includes everything from electronic tables and slot machines to roulette, blackjack, and other live tables. You can get a bunch of club rewards as well, while the racetrack offers top betting opportunities on horse races.
13. Shorelines Casino Thousand Islands
Although it is considered a premium location for gambling in Ontario, we put Shorelines Casino Thousand Islands a little bit down in the ranking, as it does not have as many games as the previous casinos. Also, it does not offer accommodations, but its remote location is where it excels. It is located just outside the town of Gananoque and, yet, it is a place where you can enjoy a superb gambling experience.
The casino offers 480 slot machines and 26 table games, as well as a restaurant for fine dining. You can also take advantage of your Great Canadian Rewards card, as in 2016, Great Canadian Gaming took over the casino operation.
14. Elements Casino Grand River
This Elements Casino is in Elora and is also one of the top remote establishments for gambling in Ontario. Its gaming floor of almost 40,000 sq. ft. has 600 slot machines and only eight table games, but they are more than enough for a nice roulette or blackjack session. Elements Casino Grand River is highly recommended to low-stakes players, thanks to its numerous penny slots and $5 machines. Also, some great horse races are held at the Grand River Raceway just outside the casino.
15. Elements Casino Brantford
This is another popular casino operated by Great Canadian Gaming, and it is located in Downtown Brantford. It offers over 500 slot machines and 16 table games, and it may not have a racetrack, but all the comforts and amenities of the big city are at a short walking distance. The high-limit slots and table games are always other options for high rollers, especially when combined with a Great Canadian Rewards card.
16. Cascades Casino Thunder Bay
Cascades Casino Thunder Bay is scenically located along the shores of Lake Superior, and it is one of the northernmost Ontario casinos. Its 450 slot machines, 18 electronic games and 6 classic tables offer all that you need for a great gambling experience in the upper Ontario area. Although it is one of the smallest Casinos in Ontario, it features the Gateway Restaurant & Bar, while the numerous amenities of Thunder Bay city are all around the casino.
17. Shorelines Casino Belleville
Shorelines Casino Belleville has a lot to offer to its gambling enthusiasts, as its gaming floor features over 500 slot machines, including 1-cent slots and high-limit machines. The table games are also numerous and diverse – they include everything from blackjack to roulette. You can also find many electronic versions of these classic table games.
Shorelines Casino Belleville is a top casino in Ontario where you can play Mississippi Stud, and Ultimate Texas Hold ’em . High rollers are often tempted by the jackpot slots, which include weekly and monthly jackpots. Windward Restaurant & Lounge will take care of your longer stay, as it is one of the best dining places in the area.
18. Casino Sault Ste. Marie
This casino is one of the biggest landmarks in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. It has a huge gaming floor of 35,000 sq. ft., and it offers a decent number of games; 21 classic tables and 450 slot machines. It is part of the Gateway Casinos so that you can take advantage of many promotions with your membership card. Without a doubt, this is the biggest casino in the city, and it is highly recommended.
19. Gateway Casinos North Bay
If you ask someone ‘How many casinos are in Ontario?’, he or she would probably answer 18 casinos, but we would add another one of the Gateway Casinos to this list. It comes down to Gateway Casinos North Bay, which is also known as Cascades Casino North Bay.
It has a contemporary-themed pub, while the gaming machines include almost 300 slots and six table games. Among the most popular of them is Wheel of Fortune, Blazing 7’s, and Double Diamond, and there are ten electronic tables as well, including Three Card Poker.
Regulation & Responsible Gambling in Ontario
The land-based casinos in Ontario are licensed and regulated by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO), and it is currently responsible for 25 gambling establishments. So, if someone asks you ‘How many casinos are there in Ontario?’, it would be safe to say 25. AGCO also regulates the horse racing sector, so you can be sure that the racetracks that are part of some of the best Ontario casinos are also 100% legitimate.
These gambling establishments also take responsible gaming very seriously, according to the Canadian gambling laws. They are also certified by socially responsible organisations, such as iGaming Ontario, and they follow strict rules to prevent underage gambling or gambling abuse. Here are a few facts about the top casinos in Ontario when it comes down to their regulation and socially responsible practices.
You must be at least 12 years of age to enter the entertainment centres of the casino resorts.
You must be at least 19 years of age and present a valid government-issued photo to enter a casino gaming floor.
You must be at least 21 years of age and present a secondary piece of identification to play casino games.
Those who do not comply with the age restriction may be forbidden to visit a casino, participate in promotions, or redeem offers.
Like at most Canadian casino sites, you need to be at least 19 or older and play at Ontario online casinos.
ConnexOntario and Ontario iGaming are the main organisations that provide information and help through their socially responsible services.
The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) provides mental health services and treatment of gambling addiction issues.
Also, the full list of Ontario casinos changes regularly. Some casino establishments changed management and company operators in recent years, while others are renovated or built from the ground up. Some casinos also close for various reasons, temporarily or permanently, and that’s why it is important to see if your favourite casino is open before you plan your visit.
Shortly put, in accordance with the Province of Ontario, the temporarily closed casinos will reopen as of March 2022, as masks and/or face coverings will not be required on the gambling floor or indoor dining establishments. Yet, the top socially responsible casinos respect everyone’s choice to continue to wear a mask after March 2022, but if you do so, you will be asked to remove it temporarily for ID purposes.
Ontario Casinos – Rating Factors
Several key factors played a major role in the ranking of the Ontario casinos on our list. For instance, the premium location is one of the most important reasons why we set Niagara Fallsview Resort as number one on the list of casinos in Ontario. Secondly, it is not just a huge casino but also a resort complex that overlooks Niagara Falls, while many of the lower-ranking casinos feature only a gaming floor and a restaurant.
Of course, the game variety is another key factor, as we prioritised casinos that offer over a thousand slot machines. For example, lower-ranking gambling venues have 400 or fewer slot machines. It is also important to know the variety of these slot machines and whether or not they are from famous game providers, how popular their titles are, whether or not they have a jackpot, etc. Next, you will find more details about how we rated all the casinos in Ontario.
✔️ Legitimacy of the Operator
A legitimate casino in Ontario should be licensed and regulated by the AGCO. It should also offer responsible gaming features.
✔️ Reputation of the Company Owner
Most casinos in Ontario are owned by renowned companies, such as Gateway Casinos & Entertainment and Great Canadian Gaming.
✔️ Facility Features
The top Ontario casinos are part of larger resort complexes with accommodations, restaurants, and other amenities and/or feature a racetrack.
✔️ Gaming Floor Area & Features
The higher-ranking casinos have an area of over 100,000 sq. ft. They also feature bars, high-limit lounges, non-smoking areas, large-screen TVs, etc.
✔️ Number & Diversity of the Games
The casinos that offer the best conditions for gambling in Ontario have over 1000 slot machines and 50 table games, including different types of games.
✔️ Promotional Campaigns
The best casinos in Ontario offer a membership card with numerous rewards, as well as casino bonuses and promotions for their restaurants, special events, etc.
✔️ Location and Accessibility
This includes factors, such as assessment of the location of the casino, proximity to shopping centres, access to Wi-Fi, whether the resort is pet-friendly or not, etc.
Some casinos have only places to drink and eat as their main amenities, and that’s why they are lower on the list. In comparison, some of the top Ontario casinos offer a tonne of amenities, such as a SPA, recreation and entertainment centres, shopping malls, etc. Some even have a racetrack for horse racing.
The trustworthiness of the operator is also as important. Most casinos in Ontario are managed by a few companies, such as Mohegan Gaming and Entertainment, One Toronto Gaming, Gateway Casinos & Entertainment, and Great Canadian Gaming. These companies feature numerous gaming properties
Final Thoughts – How to Pick the Best Casino in Ontario?
You should already know the answer to the question ‘How many casinos in Ontario?’, but we would like to point out that their number constantly changes. Every year new casinos open in Ontario, or maybe the same venues close and reopen again. Overall, there are many top options to play your favourite gambling games, and here are a few tips if you plan to visit a casino in Ontario:
Organise your trip in advance – whether you will travel alone or with friends, family, etc., and consider when the best time is to visit a casino in Ontario;
Make your reservation in advance if you visit a casino in Ontario with a resort area, and you plan to stay for a while;
Check out the available promotions at your favourite casino, as you might want to play with a bonus that is valid only for a specific date, month, or occasion;
See if the casino has a membership club and find out how to sign up before you’re you arrive at the casino;
Prepare your identification document with a valid photo issued by the government, and please make sure you are 19 years old or older to visit a casino in Ontario;
Know the location of the casino and enter its coordinates in the GPS of your car or organise your arrival in advance via public or shuttle transport, for example;
Most casinos don’t have a specific dress code, but you should consider that if you plan to celebrate a special occasion at the same time, for example.
Also, according to the main licensing organisation AGCO, there are 25 gaming facilities with issued licenses in Ontario, so it is safe to say that this is their total number. Another interesting thing we observed is that most options for gambling in Ontario are concentrated within the southern part of the province, which is also the most populated area and where the biggest cities are.
How Many Casinos Are in Ontario Q&A
The answer to that question is not so easy, as new casinos in Ontario open every year, while some close permanently only to reopen after a long renovation, for example. Overall, there are 25 licensed gaming facilities by AGCO, and we reviewed and ranked 19 of them. So, if you still have doubts about how many casinos are in Ontario, please check out the following Q&A section.
1️⃣ How many casinos are in Ontario?
There are 25 casino establishments licensed by AGCO at the moment of writing this blog post. Our list of top Ontario casinos includes 19 gambling facilities, and each of them is a highly recommended place to visit. Yet, their number constantly changes due to new casinos opening, closing, and/or reopening.
2️⃣ Should I play responsibly in casinos in Ontario?
Yes, you should definitely play responsibly in Ontario casinos, whether you do it online or in a land-based establishment. The legitimate Ontario casinos continue to follow strictly all the socially responsible policies and they offer numerous services to prevent gambling addiction, among other gambling-related issues.
3️⃣ How popular the Ontario gambling venues are?
You can find a wide variety of options for gambling in Ontario. Examples include land-based casino establishments, racetracks, charities, poker rooms and, of course, licensed Ontario online casinos. There are 19 rated casinos in Ontario that offer a wide variety of gambling games and, without a doubt, they are some of the country’s most popular venues as well.
4️⃣ When is the best time to visit a casino in Ontario?
Many factors should be considered before the conclusion is to visit a casino in Ontario. For example, the best time might be in the wintertime due to the nice panoramic view from your hotel room, or on a special occasion when there is a poker tournament or a new game with a huge jackpot.
5️⃣ What are the best options for Gambling in Ontario?
The rating of all the casinos in Ontario revealed that there are many tempting options. Niagara Fallsview Casino Resort received the highest rating, but you should consider Caesars Windsor Casino if you are close to Windsor city. By contrast, Casino Ajax has a racetrack, while the remote Great Blue Heron Casino is located on an island.
Greentube has acquired Ineor, an established international software developer which will help the company to further strengthen its presence in the iGaming market and develop hard-hitting solutions that help advance the entire industry.
Greentube Grows Portfolio with Ineor
The company acquired 80% of the shares in the Slovenia-based company, and will now leverage its critical software development capabilities and resources to boost its own offer globally.
Ineor has an established track record in both computer programming and the development of dedicated gaming software. The company already provides its solutions in the digital sector for a number of multinational organizations.
Greentube stands to benefit from this deal by incorporating this expertise into its own offer, following on a number of similar integrations of late. The company acquired a 65% stake in Alteatec recently, and it now participates in Flamingocatz, an up-and-coming studio and developer of iGaming content with an exclusive focus on the North American market.
Previously, Greentube also acquired Present Creative, another prominent US-based studio dedicated to building strong and distinguishable iLottery and iGaming products. Greentube has been able to leverage its strong momentum from previous years to quickly boost its production capacity and ensure that it snaps up assets that contribute to the company’s further expansion moves in global markets.
Greentube also announced the Greentube Mynt solution designed to significantly boost the company’s capabilities in producing and delivering new products, all of which are brought forward with the help of a Remote Gaming Server. Commenting on the latest partnership, Greentube CFO/CGO Michael Bauer said:
This acquisition is a fantastic one as we continue to bolster our technology platform in what will be a very big year for us strategically. Ineor has been a highly valued partner for a number of years and it’s great to be able to harness its resources in-house.
Greentube CFO/CGO Michael Bauer
Challenging Ineor to Be Better
Ineor founder Dejan Spasovski was equally thrilled to see his company become a member of the Greentube and NOVOMATIC’s family. The companies have already worked together, and Spasovski said that Ineor has been able to grow as a global software expert thanks to the constant challenges that its new owner laid out for it over the years.
“We are excited to have become a part of the Greentube family through this acquisition,” Spasovski added and said that the partnership will be a mutually-beneficial one.
All good things must come to an end, and for Gabe Kaplan, the long-time voice of High Stakes Poker, the time to retire is now.
PokerGO disclosed in a press release that the legendary voice of one of poker’s most iconic shows is stepping down from his role effective immediately. No replacement has been determined but is expected to be announced in the near future.
Kaplan, along with his partner AJ Benza, announced together the Season 10 premiere episode on Tuesday night. For those who watched the show, it will apparently be the last time you’ll hear his commentary.
Check out the High Stakes Poker Season 10 Premiere Episode Recap here!
From Actor and Poker Player to Commentator
Gabe Kaplan
The now retired poker announcer, 77, grew up in Brooklyn, New York and dreamed of one day becoming a Major League Baseball star. He wasn’t athletic enough to achieve those goals, but he did put together a successful career in multiple industries.
Long before his days of poker commentary, he famously played the role of “Gabe Kotter” in the hit 1970s sitcom Welcome Back Kotter. In the 1980s and 1990s, he played poker almost religiously, and was considered a much better pro back then than his goofy TV image may have indicated.
Kaplan won the $10,000 buy-in Amarillo Slim’s Super Bowl of Poker tournament for $190,000 in 1980 and has nearly $2 million in live tournament cashes, according to the Hendon Mob.
Kaplan’s poker broadcasting career began in the 1990s with his commentary of the World Series of Poker on ESPN. After Stu Ungar’s shocking 1997 WSOP Main Event victory, Kaplan memorably asked the three-time world champion who had fallen on hard times due to drug addiction if his life will go differently moving forward.
“Well, I hope so,” Ungar responded, not exactly expressing confidence.
Ungar tragically passed away in Las Vegas less than a year later at the age of 45. Kaplan, a personal friend of the Poker Hall of Famer, would go on to host High Stakes Poker alongside Benza starting in 2006 on the Game Show Network.
The duo would complete the first five seasons together during poker’s greatest era. High Stakes Poker was an instant hit and still to this day considered by many the greatest show in poker history.
Listen to Mori Eskandani on the PN Podcast here!
History of High Stakes Poker
Benza and Kaplan formed a comedic duo and fans loved their sarcastic humor, witty banter, and overall chemistry. In Season 6, Kaplan was paired with Kara Scott as Benza stepped away. Comedian Norm Macdonald, an avid poker enthusiast and former Saturday Night Live cast member who passed away in 2021, was the sole host in Season 7 (2011).
Much like Poker After Dark, which aired on NBC during the poker boom era, High Stakes Poker lost its main advertisers following Black Friday (April 15, 2011), and Game Show Network pulled the plug on the show.
In 2020, legendary poker TV producer Mori Eskandani revived the show and brought Season 8 to PokerGO, and he brought back both Kaplan and Benza as co-hosts.
The duo would host the show together again last year during Season 9 and then one last time for the premiere episode of Season 10 Tuesday night.
PokerGO will announce Kaplan’s replacement for the remainder of Season 10 next week. The next episode is scheduled to air at 8 p.m. on Tuesday. Possible replacements may include Ali Nejad, Lon McEachern, or perhaps a broadcaster from outside the poker industry.
Parimatch Tech, Parimatch’s technology division, has been succeeded by GR8 Tech, a newly-formed entity that will supply iGaming operators with best-in-class solutions. GR8 Tech will leverage the experience of its team, focusing on productive long-term partnerships, commitment and a straightforward approach to the provision of gaming tech.
If You Want to Be First, You Need Your Pit Crew
GR8 Tech is an ambitious project, seeking to satisfy the even greater ambitions of its partnering operators. The company is built upon three decades of experience in the dynamic iGaming market and is intimately familiar with the needs of companies in the sector.
GR8 is the latest chapter in the history of Parimatch, which began in 1994. The main brand has since become synonymous with deals with the best sports leagues and athletes in the world. Because of how sought-after the company’s services were, it created the Parimatch Tech division in 2021, seeking to better serve the industry. GR8 is the successor of this division and will see Parimatch leverage its experience to provide its partners with even better solutions.
GR8 Is Ready to Fuel and Fix
The new entity will provide full tech coverage for major gaming companies. This will include a GR8 iGaming platform with a sportsbook, casino, payment hub, flexible API, CRM tools, player management, risk management, fraud prevention, gamification and many other custom tools.
In addition, GR8 Tech will offer business-as-a-service that comes with a functional business with a running structure, streamlined processes, launched marketing, a reporting system and early financial results.
The last big thing on GR8’s portfolio will be the GR8 Parimatch franchise, which includes the well-known Parimatch brand and iGaming platform for regulated markets under complete partner management.
GR8 Tech will also offer consulting, integration and operation services, using an intuitive one-stop-shop approach. As a result, iGaming companies can find everything they need and integrate it into their platforms without much hassle.
All products and services have passed thorough quality control and will be available in multiple markets. Parimatch Tech’s brand ambassadors will carry on to the new company.
GR8 Ready to Be Your Lifelong Crew
Maksym Liashko who used to serve as the chief executive officer of Parimatch Tech, spoke about the launch of the new company. He called it a “long-awaited event” and said he is proud to see the team embark on a new B2B journey.
I’m convinced their experience and expertise under the guidance of GR8 Tech CEO Evgen Belousov will allow them to realize all the ambitious goals the company sets itself.
Maksym Liashko, ex-CEO, Parimatch Tech
Speaking of Belousov, he also released a statement about GR8 Tech and its vision. He said that the newly-formed company seeks to be more consistent and convenient than its competitors and provide iGaming businesses with solutions suited to their needs.
GR8 Tech composes tailor-made gaming solutions designed to evolve and fit the changing business environments, thus allowing our partners the freedom of forward-thinking and long-term planning. And that’s GR8!
Evgen Belousov, CEO, GR8
Industry enthusiasts can learn more about GR8 Tech at ICE London this February.
The UK Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) chief executive has warned against the potential introduction of stricter affordability checks. He cited a recent study that looked at UK usage of unlicensed gambling platforms during the recent FIFA World Cup.
restrictions lead to more people turning towards black market platforms
Dugher believes that the data highlights some concerning trends relating to the usage of unlicensed black market gambling sites. He is of the belief that more restrictions lead to more people turning towards black market platforms. Dugher has called on the government to not introduce “blanket intrusive affordability checks at low levels that push even more punters to these dangerous sites.”
Strict checks are possibly on the way
The potential introduction of stricter affordability checks has been one of the more controversial topics during the UK government’s review of gambling legislation. Reports last year claimed that stricter checks would be a part of the government’s white paper on proposed gambling legislation changes.
These reportedly would require background checks on users if their net loss was as little as £100 ($124) in a single month or £500 ($618) in a year period. Detailed checks would potentially be necessary for people who generated a net loss of £2,000 ($2,472) in a 90-day period.
still unknown when the UK government will actually publish its white paper
Following numerous delays, it is still unknown when the UK government will actually publish its white paper. The BGC clearly thinks that there is still time to influence what proposals are a part of this white paper.
Concerning trends
The study that Dugher cited reported that 250,000 people in the region accessed unlicensed websites in December. Yield Sec carried out the study on behalf of the BGC, highlighting that the increase was more than triple the number of people who accessed these sites in December 2021.
One interesting recent statistic was that the number of television betting ads during the World Cup group stage was down 34% compared to the previous World Cup in 2018. The BGC believes the decrease reflects the introduction of a whistle-to-whistle ban by operators.
The FIFA World Cup was likely a significant reason for the increase in activity. For last year as a whole, there was a year-on-year increase of 46% in the number of people accessing black market sites in an average month.
Unlicensed gambling sites can be unsafe and often do not have proper safe gambling tools in place. These operators do not pay taxes in the UK or contribute any money to problem gambling treatment services. Vulnerable players who might be excluded from using UK Gambling Commission-licensed sites can also bypass their bans by using black market platforms.
The post BGC Chief Warns Against Stricter Affordability Checks, Cites Study on Unlicensed Gambling appeared first on VegasSlotsOnline News.
Odds On Compliance, a technology and consultancy firm providing gambling firms with crucial regulatory advice, has announced a new addition to its team. The company has reinforced its European division, naming the experienced compliance specialist Cheryl Jones as president of Odds On Compliance Europe.
Odds On Compliance Europe Designated Jones as President
Jones is a gambling industry veteran with intimate knowledge of the sector. Her expertise was cultivated over years in the gaming sector, during which she occupied compliance-related roles at several notable companies.
Jones’ career in gaming began when she joined NMi Metrology and Gaming, a provider of testing and auditing services to the gambling industry. She served as a regulatory specialist and corporate legal specialist, helping her develop her skills. The company would later be acquired by Gaming Laboratories International where Jones would occupy a variety of compliance-related positions.
Between September 2021 and December 2021, Jones had a short stint as the chief legal and compliance officer of g.games. After that, she joined Lady Luck Games, a fast-growing developer of casino games. During her time at Lady Luck, Jones worked as the provider’s chief legal and compliance officer. Jones has previously worked with international regulators and has offered guidance on responsible gambling, Odds On Compliance emphasized. Her profound experience is sure to help Odds On Compliance replicate its US success in Europe.
Jones Is Thrilled to Grow Odds On Compliance in Europe
Jones shared her thoughts on joining Odds On Compliance. She praised the company for being the go-to provider of compliance-related advisory services in the United States and said that she is excited to work for the company’s European arm. Jones is looking forward to bringing Odds On Compliance’s regulatory knowledge to Europe and helping the company’s clients navigate the regulatory landscape.
Eric Frank, Odds On Compliance’s chief executive officer and co-founder, welcomed Jones on board. He lauded the new hire as a highly committed person who is capable of leveraging tech and innovation to improve compliance. This, he said, makes her a great fit for the company.
Cheryl’s experience, determination, and leadership will strengthen our position as the global leader in the compliance space.
Eric Frank, CEO, Odds On Compliance
Frank briefly addressed Odds On Compliance’s foray into Europe, calling it an “exciting moment” in the company’s history.
Cheryl Jones was designated as one of the Most Influential Women in Gaming in 2022 and would be a valuable addition to Odds On Compliance’s team.
