Preamble: The capital city of Canada is a glorious destination for tourism and entertainment. Ottawa gambling is overseen by the Gaming Control Act (1992) under Ontario's provincial laws. The regulatory framework for gambling in the province falls under the jurisdiction of the GCCO (Gaming Control Commission Ontario), with casino activity under the auspices of the GCA.
There are no online gambling laws in effect in Ontario, effectively allowing residents to play at offshore regulated gambling sites. A popular land-based casino which Ottawa likes to call its own (although it's actually in Québec) is the resplendent Casino du Lac-Leamy. This land-based casino features an incredible array of 1,800 slot machine games, and 64 table games. While it straddles the border between Ontario and Québec, most visitors are proud Ottawans.
Ottawa is known to have bitterly cold winters and mild, temperate summers. It is not nestled on the shores of Lake Ontario, meaning that summer temperatures are somewhat higher than the southern city of Toronto. In winter, residents can expect approximately 120 days of snow every year, with clean and crisp air quality. In the freezing cold winter months, Ottawa’s average daily temperature can reach -6°C in January and a high of 26°C in July.
Truth be told, Ottawa is not known as a casino gambling enclave, but there is a bustling casino and gambling scene which holds its own with the very best in Canada. For example, the Rideau Carleton Raceway & Casino has been going strong since 1962. This popular haunt has been a favorite among gambling fans since inception. Plus, horse racing aficionados get to enjoy betting par excellence.
THE RIDEAU CARLETON CASINO
The Rideau Carleton Raceway & Casino features a stunning casino where players can enjoy a dazzling selection of table games, card games, and slots. Located at 4837 Albion Road, Ottawa, Ontario, the Rideau Carleton Raceway Casino is a stunning destination for betting fans. It features an impressive array of slots games including the spectacular Diamonds Are Forever 007™, Making’ Ca$h, Pinball, China Shores Great Stacks, Wilds Wilds Ablaze, Money Roll, Astro Cat, Big Prize Bubblegum, Triply Lucky Four Leaf Clover, Eat ‘Em Up, Fate of the Power Wheel, Heat Em Up, and Chip City. With hundreds of top slots games available, including staples such as Great Zeus, Solstice Celebration, Buffalo Jackpots and Fort Knox, Rideau Carleton Casino is the place to play.
Table games at Rideau Carleton Casino in Ottawa include Mini Baccarat, Craps, Roulette, and. Blackjack. There are some 35 table games available, and the casino is open 24/7. Players can enjoy other games like Ultimate Texas Hold'em, Mississippi Stud, Casino War, Three Card Poker, and Pai Gow Poker too. The legal gambling age is 19. Patrons can feast on a treasure trove of dining options including casual and high-class cuisine. There are multiple restaurants at the Rideau Carleton Casino, including Youyu, The Clubhouse, Constant Grind Bistro, and the Rendezvous Lounge. Various promotional offers are available, to entice players with great gifts, seasonal rewards, and FreePlay offers. The generous rewards program at the Rideau Carleton Casino includes 3 tiers: Rock Star, Hall of Fame, and Legend.
CASINO DU LAC-LEAMY
Casino du Lac-Leamy is located at 1 Boulevard du Casino Gatineau, Québec. Although not based in Ontario, this popular casino is frequented by Ottawans en masse. It is located a mere 12 minutes away from Ottawa, and straddles the border between Québec and Ontario. Players at Casino du Lac-Leamy can enjoy an impressive selection of sizzling-hot gaming categories including card games, table games, slots games, keno and poker. Popular casino games include: Sic Bo, Craps, War, Keno, Double Diamond, Gagnant A Vie, Powerbucks, Roulette, Interactive Roulette, Texas Hold'em Poker, Three Card Poker, High Card Flush, Let it Ride Bonus, Caribbean Stud Poker, EZ Pai Gow Poker, Blackjack, Blackjack Switch, Spanish 21, Interactive Blackjack, Baccarat, EZ Baccarat and others.
Casino du Lac-Leamy features a dazzling array of restaurants and entertainment options such as Le Baccarra, Arome, Banco Bistro, Le Café, and TGV. These gastronomic delights ensure sumptuous cuisine for foodies. From surf and turf, to pastries and delicacies, Casino du Lac-Leamy’s award-winning restaurants and eateries are decadently delightful venues. Visitors also get to enjoy a host of additional attractions including Theatre du Casino, The Zone, and Club Alea. Guests will love the overnight accommodations at the Hilton Lac-Leamy. This 5-star resort offers elegance, opulence, and excellence for visitors. As a responsible gaming operator, Casino du Lac-Leamy has racked up multiple awards over the years, and remains a magnet for high rollers and casual players alike.
MOTEL DU PARC SECTEUR HULL
Motel du Parc Secteur Hull is located at 359 Alexandre Tache Blvd, Gatineau (Hull Sector), Quebec, Canada. Once again, this is a popular entertainment destination which straddles the border between Québec and Ontario. Ottawa casino goers love this quaint little destination, with its 20 kitchenette-equipped bedrooms, bar lounge with HDTVs, 2 exquisite relaxation areas for friends and family, and it's gambling facilities. While there are only 10 video lottery terminals at this resort, they provide interesting entertainment options for motel guests. This resort is one of the ‘best kept secrets’ of Gatineau Park. It's minutes away from Parliament Hill, and patrons are assured of relaxation and entertainment around the clock.
HIPPODROME D’AYLMER
Horse racing is a big business in Canada, and Ottawa race fans routinely frequent the Hippodrome d’Aylmer for their betting activity. Formerly known as Connaught Park, Hippodrome d’Aylmer draws in the crowds by the truckload. It's a top-tier destination for horse racing fans, and it also features as 1 of 4 race courses that is governed by the Québec authorities. It also showcases an impressive casino, simulcasting, and live racing activity.
This venue is open between 9 AM and 3 PM for simulcast racing and betting year-round. There's also a video lottery room (VLR) featuring 65 video lottery terminals. Visitors get to sample a delicious selection of entrees at the highly rated Le Cheval Noir restaurant. This gambling enclave is located at 788 Aylmer Road, Québec.
IMPORTANT POINTS TO REMEMBER ABOUT GAMBLING IN OTTAWA
The minimum legal gambling age in Ottawa is 19. This is the minimum age requirement for all forms of gambling including video lottery terminals, casino table games, and casino card games. All gambling activity in the province of Ontario is fully regulated by provincial government. The federal government of Canada oversees all gambling activity across the country. Fortunately, there is no taxation levied on gambling winnings in Ottawa, unless you are visiting from abroad.
The current trend in the city of Ottawa indicates increasing liberalization of gambling legislation in the years to come. While there are only a limited number of land-based casinos in and around the Ottawa area, this only serves to improve the quality of the gaming experience players can expect from the existing bricks and mortar casinos. Remember that most gambling establishments within close proximity to Ottawa, are actually located across the border in the province of Québec. Nonetheless, these are close enough for Ottawa players to visit. The most popular casino games for card players and table gamers are Blackjack, Roulette, and Baccarat.
