Casino de Montréal

Overview

Casino de Montréal is housed in the former French and Quebec pavilions from Expo 67, on Île Notre-Dame in the middle of the St. Lawrence. Nothing else in Canadian gaming looks remotely like it: five levels of gaming stacked inside a piece of 1960s world's-fair architecture, with river and skyline views from the upper floors.

Operated directly by Loto-Québec, it is also one of the largest floors in the country — roughly 3,000 slot machines and 115 table games — and one of the calmest. The atmosphere is closer to a European casino than a North American one: quieter, better dressed and considerably less neon.

It is not a casino hotel. There are no rooms on the island, so visitors stay downtown and cross by Metro, bus or taxi in about ten to fifteen minutes. Given the quality of Montreal's hotels, that is a modest inconvenience.

The casino floor

Approximately 3,000 slot machines are distributed across five levels, which means the floor never feels as dense as its count suggests. Denominations run the full range, the newest modern slot machines are well represented, and there are substantial high-limit rooms on the upper levels.

Around 115 table games cover blackjack in several variants, roulette, baccarat and mini-baccarat, craps, sic bo, pai gow and a broad card game selection, with limits from very approachable to very high. Electronic table games supplement the live tables. The poker room runs cash games and a regular tournament schedule with professional dealers.

Private salons serve high rollers with elevated limits and 24/7 VIP service through Loto-Québec's rewards programme. Sports fixtures are shown in the bars rather than a dedicated sportsbook.

What the floor holds

Casino floor

approx. 526,000 sq ft complex

Slot machines

approx. 3,000

Table games

approx. 115

Poker room

Yes

Sportsbook

Limited — lounge screens

Bingo

No

Hotel rooms

None — downtown Montreal hotels 10 minutes away

High roller area

Yes — private salons

Figures are editorial estimates from publicly available information and change over time. Our casino games guide explains each game in detail.

Hotel & resort

There is no hotel on the property or the island. Downtown Montreal — with everything from hostels to the Ritz-Carlton — is 10 to 15 minutes away by taxi, or a Metro ride to Jean-Drapeau station plus a short bus or walk in summer.

For a Quebec casino hotel in the literal sense, Casino du Lac-Leamy in Gatineau has the five-star Hilton attached directly. In Montreal, plan a downtown room and treat the casino as an outing.

Dining

Unusually strong, as is the Loto-Québec pattern: a fine-dining room with a serious kitchen and river views, a brasserie, a buffet and several casual outlets. The signature restaurant is a legitimate Montreal dining destination and books out on weekends. Reserve in advance.

Entertainment

A cabaret room programmes music, comedy and variety shows, largely in French, and the property runs regular themed event nights. The island setting is its own attraction: Parc Jean-Drapeau, the Biosphère and the Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve are all a short walk away, and the F1 weekend transforms the area.

Practical information

Address

1 Avenue du Casino, Montréal, QC H3C 4W7

Gaming age

18+ (Quebec)

Casino hours

Open daily; extended overnight hours

Dress code

Smart casual; noticeably better dressed than most Canadian floors

Parking

Free on-site parking

Getting there

Metro to Jean-Drapeau plus bus 777; 10–15 minutes by taxi from downtown Montreal

Regulator

Loto-Québec

Hours, dress standards and parking arrangements change seasonally. Confirm with the property before travelling.

Pros and cons

Verdict