The Great Canadian Casino Resort

An In-depth Review of The Great Canadian Casino Resort in Toronto Ontario

Having visited many casinos around the globe, I set my sights on the Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto, the much-talked-about gem of Ontario.

From the heart of a seasoned gambler, the anticipation leading up to the opening of Canada’s largest casino resort was akin to waiting for a royal flush. After its much awaited debut on June 20, 2023, I finally got to visit and experience it for the first time — and I’ve been back many times since.

Location and First Impressions

The resort sits right next to Woodbine Racetrack in Etobicoke,. Its location feels exciting and energetic, especially with the mix of horse racing and the bright lights of the casino. As soon as you walk in, you notice how big and open the space is. The building mixes modern style with some classic touches, making the entrance feel impressive.

It’s not just any casino, it’s the biggest in Canada and one of North America’s largest.

Understanding the Two Casinos: Grandstand vs Expansion

The resort features two separate casino areas that many visitors may not immediately realize:

🏛️ Grandstand Casino

Location: This is the original gaming area, located near the racetrack’s grandstand.
Style: A more traditional casino floor, compact in layout.
What you’ll find:

A mix of standard slot machines and table games
Smaller and more intimate than the main expansion
Still operational, but plays a secondary role now
Access: Look for signage that says “To Grandstand Casino” near the food hall.

🏢 Expansion Casino

Location: The newly constructed centerpiece of the resort, directly connected to the hotel, food hall, and theatre.
Style: Modern, spacious, and designed as a full resort experience.
What it offers:

Over 4,800 slot machines
145+ table games
High-limit areas for exclusive play
A large poker room on its own floor
Integrated dining, lounges, self-serve beverage stations
Connected to valet service and a multi-level parking garage

🔍 Quick Comparison Table:

🎯 Feature	🏛️ Grandstand Casino	🎰 Expansion Casino
Size	Compact	Massive main gaming floor
Design	Older, classic layout	Modern, open resort design
Games	Slots and table games	Slots, tables, poker, high-limit
Dining & Theatre	Not connected	Fully integrated
Location	Near racetrack	Connected to hotel & theatre
Purpose	Secondary/overflow space	Primary casino experience

The Floor Plan Overview

View our above infographic-style floor plan of (Expansion Casino) ( I was not able to find any online, so I made it last time I was there in April 2025, and it may not be 100% accurate, but it is pretty close) The layout shows all major areas including slot machines and table games area.

The Gaming Experience

With 328,000 square feet dedicated to gaming, it truly is a gambler’s paradise. The vast array of 4,800 slot machines gleams with promise, and the 145 live table games cater to all experience levels. You’ll find classics like Baccarat, Blackjack, Roulette, Mississippi Stud, and Casino War.

Diving deep into the games, the diversity was commendable. Classics like Baccarat, Blackjack, Roulette, Mississippi Stud, and Casino War took center stage. The thrill of the game was heightened by the brand-new tables and machines, each equipped with wireless phone chargers, and a modern touch I sincerely appreciated.

A notable modern touch: most tables and machines have wireless phone chargers.

However, a gambler’s discerning eye does catch a few quirks. I noticed slight variations in blackjack payouts compared to some other casinos. Blackjack starts at a $25 minimum, which suits me. However, every table employs automatic shufflers, and the payouts are 6:5, with the dealer taking a card on S17. Essentially, the casino has eradicated any potential advantage for players on the blackjack tables.

Dining Extravaganza

Dining here is a highlight. Copperhorn Meet House delivers fine dining with premium steaks grilled to perfection. CA·SU·AL offers a relaxed gastropub atmosphere, and a Southeast Asian street food option keeps things vibrant and flavorful.

Self-serve stations offer complimentary tea, coffee, and fountain drinks, a really nice touch.

Accommodations and Amenities

I often intertwine gaming getaways with relaxation, and the hotel segment is paramount.

The newly opened 400-room hotel is refined and comfortable. Rooms overlooking the racetrack offer impressive views, and the soon-to launch wellness center promises an indoor pool, sauna, steam room, and gym ( I am looking forward to using the wellness center. I need that after 6 hours of gambling on slots and blackjack, hihi).

Entertainment & Retail

The integrated 5,000-seat theatre is expected to host major music and comedy acts, thanks to a partnership with Live Nation. There’s also 35,000 sq. ft. of retail space with 15 stores planned.

Responsibility in Gaming

The onsite PlaySmart Centre is a standout feature. It promotes responsible gaming through interactive tools and is conveniently located on the gaming floor and something other casinos could learn from.

The Pros and Cons of The Great Canadian Casino Resort

4800 Slot Machines it don’t get better than this if your a slot fan.
Many Table Games to play at and helpful professional croupiers
Great hotel and dinning
Largest Casino Resort in Canada
The PlaySmart Centre for responsible gaming is right on the gaming floor, other casinos should learn from this.

Blackjack $25 minimum bet, this is simply to high for many players
The casino pays out 6:5 on blackjack wins, which is less favorable for players compared to the standard 3:2. Dealer is also allowed to take an additional card when they have a soft 17, which can make it harder for players to win.
Quite a few of the slots machines was not in working order when I was there.

Final Thoughts

The Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto delivers on its promise of luxury, scale, and entertainment. The huge gaming floor, tasty food, and exciting things still to come make this place one of the top casinos in Canada. If they fix a few things like table game rules and keeping machines working, it could be even better.

Would I go back? Absolutely. It’s not “if it’s “when.”