The Montreal Casino was opened on Ile-Notre-Dame in 1993. The actual architecture of the Casino is based upon two of the pavilions that date back to the Expo 67 World’s Fair. The French Pavilion and the Quebec Pavilion were combined to provide the main structure of the building, and a third building was attached to increase the overall size. The Casino is visually quite striking, with many angled surfaces and sharp edges that are illuminated at night, leading some to compare it to a chandelier. The Casino is accessible via its own private bridge, and it is also surrounded by the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve race track. Unlike many casinos, the interior of the Montreal Casino does not mimic the enclosed, vault-like feel popular in Las Vegas. Instead, the building is composed of several vertically stacked floors that have low ceilings and many windows looking out onto the St. Lawrence river. A central elevator and escalator system allows for travel between each of the different gaming levels.
Games, food and shows
The Casino is open 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. Despite this, during peak hours it is often so packed full of people that it is difficult to move around. The best times to go if you are interested in exploring in a less busy setting is after midnight towards the middle of the week, on a Tuesday or a Wednesday. If instead you want to get caught up in the crowd and feel the excitement of the gambling, then Friday and Saturday evenings are your best bet. There are 120 gaming tables at the Casino, ranging from blackjack to poker to keno to roulette. There are also well over 3000 slot machines, including several that feature progressive jackpots. There is also one giant slot machine that is actually connected to other casinos across Canada, which makes for an enormous progressive jackpot. One of the best parts about gambling in Quebec is that all winnings at the Casino are completely tax free.
The Casino is also home to a 500 seat theatre and show hall, but most of the acts that are featured there tend to be along the lines of tributes, and nostalgia-oriented dance and music numbers. It is rare for a modern artist to perform at the Montreal Casino. Alcohol is permitted on the gaming floor, and there are also three restaurants and two different bars to enjoy while you are taking a break from spending all of your money.
The Casino offers free parking, as well as a free shuttle bus from parking areas near downtown, in case you want to leave your car at home. There is no direct metro access but a bus line operates from Jean-Drapeau metro station (yellow line) to the Casino.
