Located on Notre Dame Island in the heart of Jean-Drapeau Park, the Casino de Montréal is the largest casino in Canada and ranks among the world's most impressive gaming establishments. With its unique architectural design, interactive spaces, and a variety of gaming options, the Casino de Montréal has become a must-see attraction for both tourists and locals alike.
A Brief History of Casino de Montréal
The Casino de Montréal was first opened on October 9, 1993, and is owned and operated by the Société des casinos du Québec, a subsidiary of Loto-Québec. Housed in the former France Pavilion and Quebec Pavilion, both built for Expo 67, the casino has undergone several expansions and renovations over the years. As of 2019, it employed 2,800 people, making it a significant contributor to the local economy.
Getting to the Casino de Montréal
The Casino de Montréal is easily accessible via various transportation options. The most convenient way to get to the casino is by taking the Jean-Drapeau metro station, which is located on Île Sainte-Hélène, and then boarding a dedicated connecting bus (STM shuttle 777). Alternatively, visitors can use the river shuttle service during the summer season or drive to the casino using the Jacques Cartier Bridge or Concorde Bridge. There are ample parking facilities, including free outdoor and indoor parking, as well as valet service and electric vehicle charging stations.
Gaming Options at Casino de Montréal
With five floors of gaming, the Casino de Montréal offers a diverse range of gaming options to cater to all types of players. The main gaming floor spans over 526,000 sq ft and features over 3,200 slot machines, more than 115 gaming tables, keno facilities, and numerous speed lotteries and virtual games.
The Zone
For a more immersive gaming experience, visitors can check out The Zone, an innovative gaming space designed for players of all levels. Featuring 80 interactive terminals, giant screens, and energetic hosts, The Zone provides a fun and engaging environment for both seasoned gamers and newcomers alike.
Dining and Entertainment at Casino de Montréal
In addition to its gaming options, the Casino de Montréal also offers a variety of dining and entertainment options to suit every taste. With four restaurants, three bars, a cabaret, and meeting and banquet facilities, there is something for everyone at the Casino de Montréal.
Restaurants
The casino boasts several restaurants to cater to different tastes and budgets. Options include Le Buffet, a lunch and dinner buffet; L'entre-mise, a deli and grill; Via Fortuna, an Italian restaurant; and the now-closed L'Atelier de Joël Robuchon, a fine dining establishment.
Bars
For a drink or a quick bite, visitors can choose from three bars at the Casino de Montréal: Bar Poker, Le Cheval, and the Casino's main bar. Each bar offers a unique atmosphere, making them perfect spots for socializing and relaxing between gaming sessions.
Cabaret
The Casino de Montréal's cabaret offers a variety of high-quality shows, featuring big names in music and comedy, as well as an exciting array of entertaining novelties. Most of the events are free for visitors, while others charge a fee for tickets.
New Year's Party
Every year, the Casino de Montréal hosts a spectacular New Year's party that lasts from the afternoon until the early hours of the next day. The event features live DJs and musicians, a giant screen for the New Year's Eve countdown, and a festive atmosphere that attracts thousands of guests.
Special Events and Promotions
The Casino de Montréal regularly holds special events and promotions to keep visitors entertained and engaged. These may include band performances, dances, comedy shows, and themed nights. Be sure to check the casino's website or social media channels for the latest updates on upcoming events and promotions.
The Keno Scandal
In April 1994, a player named Daniel Corriveau won $600,000 CAD playing keno at the Casino de Montréal. He claimed to have used chaos theory and a computer to predict 19 of the 20 winning numbers three times in a row. However, it was later discovered that the casino's electronic pseudorandom number generator was inadequate, and the same seed number was used every morning, resulting in the same sequence of numbers being generated. Corriveau was cleared of any wrongdoing and received his winnings.
Responsible Gaming at Casino de Montréal
The Casino de Montréal is committed to promoting responsible gaming and has implemented several measures to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all guests. These include a non-smoking policy since 2003, the availability of free water, juice, soda, and coffee, and free shuttle services to and from the parking area.
Additional Information
The Casino de Montréal is open from Sunday to Thursday, 9 a.m. to 3 a.m., and on Fridays and Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 5 a.m. It is important to note that visitors must be at least 18 years old to enter the casino.
For a thrilling and unforgettable night out in Montréal, the Casino de Montréal is the ultimate entertainment destination. With its vast array of gaming options, dining and entertainment offerings, and unique architectural design, this glittering icon is sure to impress.