Discovering the Best Casino Experiences in Ottawa
We love going to casinos to relax and have fun. The thrill as we watch the slot machine’s reels go spinning is something you don’t get every day.
While we frequent bars to unwind, nothing compares to the unique experience we get when we are at Ottawa’s famed casinos.
There are two famous casinos in Ottawa – the Rideau Carleton Casino and the Casino du Lac-Leamy. Both feature a variety of table games, slot machines, and sports bars for games and tournaments.
These also have restaurants and venues for various events that entice both locals and guests.
Rideau Carleton Casino
Website: https://www.rideaucarletoncasino.com/
Address: 4837 Albion Road, Ottawa, Ontario K1X 1A3 Canada
Contact Details: 1 (613) 822-2211
Operating Hours: Open 24 hours
Rideau Carleton Casino is situated in Canada’s capital city, Ottawa. On our first visit, we were so impressed by its 60,000 sq. ft. gaming space that was packed with more than a thousand slot machines and a variety of gaming tables.
If you’re into live standardbred harness horse racing, its racetrack that runs live seasonal horse racing every Thursday and Sunday at 6:30 PM is something to look forward to.
Apart from having VIP gaming salons, the casino is also home to some on-site restaurants for quick bites.
For frequenters, its Rock Star Rewards membership program, which provides members access to special events and exclusive offers, would work best for you.
The casino is open 24/7 with free parking. If you’re planning to visit, you just need to be at least 19 years old to be allowed entry.
Games and Live Racing
1. Slot Machines
Among its 1,200+ slot machines available, the Money Link™, the Coin Combo™, the Leonidas Return to Sparta™, and Dragon Rush™ Fei Nu™ are some of our favorites.
The best part is that these slot machines can let you win huge prizes for bets ranging from 1¢ to $10.
A must-try is the recently added Triple Supreme Xtreme, which combines three popular feature mechanics into one awesome machine.
2. Table Games
Also providing some fun and excitement at the Rideau Carleton Casino are table games that can keep you up all night long. Among these games include Blackjack, Mini Baccarat, and Ultimate Texas Hold’em – our personal favorite.
While these are available every night, players can only enjoy them from 12 PM to 4 AM from Sunday to Thursday and 12 PM until 6 AM on Fridays and Saturdays.
3. Live Racing
One of the things that enticed us to visit Rideau Carleton Casino is its live standardbred harness horse racing. We just love betting and cheering behind the racetrack’s fence for our favorite horse as it gallops toward the finish line.
Currently, live racing is held on Thursdays and Sundays at 4:00 PM and 6:30 PM, respectively. The casino also has off-track betting, which is offered across Canada and other parts of the world.
If you’re into this, get the latest updates by checking its live racing programs and schedules.
Entertainment
Equipped with state-of-the-art facilities that can accommodate 25 to 400 people, The Joint is a perfect venue to enjoy live performances, comedy shows, concerts, and parties.
Aside from having a versatile space with a central bar and VIP seating areas, it is also complete with amenities like in-venue bathrooms, outdoor terraces, and lots of free parking. Food and beverage services are also available.
To keep track of upcoming events, check out its events calendar. Make sure to also read the ticket purchase policy so you’re guided accordingly.
Restaurants
If you find yourself craving casual bites or an exceptional dining experience while at the casino, there are some on-site restaurants you can try. Led by Chef Wesley Boodhram, these restaurants offer great meals that are made from the finest ingredients.
1. Caffé Italiano
Website: https://www.rideaucarletoncasino.com/caffe-italiano.htm
Contact Details: 1 (613) 822-8668
Operating Hours: Thursday: 4:30 PM – 10 PM, Friday to Sunday: 5:30 PM – 10 PM
Must-Order Menu Items: 12oz AAA Ribeye Steak, Tuscan Beef Tenderloin, Chef’s Artisanal Formaggio Pizza, Eggplant Parmesiana
Price Range: $$ (Average) – $$$ (Expensive)
For Italian dish lovers, this place is for you.
Inspired by Chef Wesley Boodhram’s travel in Italy, the Caffé Italiano menu features fresh treats that extend from pizza and pasta to specialty dishes that use 100% AAA Canadian select cuts and fresh seafood from its Fresh Food Program.
In addition, the food menu is also matched with a wine list that is inspired by Italian regions like Venice, Tuscany, and Sicily.
On your first visit, we recommend trying out the Tuscan Beef Tenderloin or the Eggplant Parmesiana for some quick bites. You might also want to try out its Weekly Warm Up Special for $19.95.
Caffé Italiano accepts reservations for group private dining and parties of up to 100 guests. Just don’t forget that all attendees must be 19+.
2. Mr. Lucky’s
Website: https://www.rideaucarletoncasino.com/mr-luckys.htm
Contact Details: 1 (613) 822-8668
Operating Hours: Open daily from 9 AM – 11 PM
Must-Order Menu Items: Oven Roasted Half Chicken, The Lucky Burger, Grilled AAA Steak n’ Fries, Cheese Steak Sandwich
Price Range: $ (Cheap) – $$ (Average)
A cafeteria-style restaurant, Mr. Lucky’s is an ideal place for quick bites.
Among the great food that you can order from its menu include poutines, pizzas, and hot dogs. There are some sandwiches, wraps, burgers, and barbecue chicken to relish as well.
For breakfast on Mondays and Tuesdays, we suggest trying out its Harvest Breakfast Special for $9.99. For seafood lovers, its East Coast Lobster Special from Thursday to Sunday from 4 PM – 10 PM will leave you craving for more.
If you have a sweet tooth and enjoy ice cream, you ought to check out its ice cream bar, which is open from Wednesday to Sunday from 2 PM – 8 PM.
3. Constant Grind
Website: https://www.rideaucarletoncasino.com/constant-grind.htm
Contact Details: 1 (613) 822-8668
Operating Hours: Monday to Tuesday: 12 PM – 1 AM, Wednesday to Sunday: 12 PM – 6 AM
Must-Order Menu Items: Grilled Chicken & Bacon Caesar Wrap, Philly Cheese Steak Sandwich, Beef Ramen, Shepherd’s Pie
Price Range: $ (Cheap) – $$ (Average)
Constant Grind is the most convenient solution for hunger pangs while enjoying your favorite games. As it is located on the gaming floor, ordering some tasty treats was pretty quick and easy.
Although its menu is relatively limited, customers can choose from a decent array of salads, sandwiches, cookies, and pastries. There are also some alcoholic beverages and take-out meals that are perfect for two.
For quick bites, we suggest getting some Grilled Chicken & Bacon Caesar Wraps, Shepherd’s Pies, or chocolate bars to keep you going.
Casino du Lac-Leamy
Website: https://casinos.lotoquebec.com/en/lacleamy/home
Address: 1 Bd du Casino, Gatineau, QC J8Y 6W3, Canada
Contact Details: 1 (819) 772-2100
Operating Hours: Open 24 hours
Located less than 10 minutes away from downtown Ottawa is Casino du Lac-Leamy. Upon entering, you will be greeted by 64 gaming tables and more than 1,800 slot machines.
Sometimes, we play through its online casino, which delivers pretty much the same fun and excitement in the comfort of our homes.
Attached to a Hilton hotel, the casino also has some of the coolest bars and restaurants in the area. Attracting locals and some players from various places are events that happen all year round.
Casino du Lac-Leamy is open 24/7 and you must be at least 18 years old to be allowed entry. Make sure to bring some IDs as security sometimes requests them.
Games
1. Slot Machines
If you also fancy slot machines as we do, Casino du Lac-Leamy has a variety of these that come in various kinds and colors. The best part is that some of these offer values as low as 2¢ and progressive prizes of up to $100,00 to get your adrenaline pumping.
Some of our favorites include the Mighty Cash Ultra 88 Dragon Flies™ and the Rich Little Piggies Hog Wild™.
2. Table Games
Apart from having more than 1,800 slot machines that attract players, Casino du Lac-Leamy also has traditional table games. On your visit, make sure that you play some games of Baccarat, blackjack, roulette, or poker.
But if you’re feeling lucky, we recommend playing a game or two of its Mississippi Stud Poker, which comes with a minimum bet of $10 and progressive jackpots.
You can also opt to play its online version if you want to experience the excitement in the comfort of your home.
3. The Zone
For the ultimate interactive gaming experience, nothing beats Casino du Lac-Leamy’s special area called The Zone. We just love the idea of putting some of the hit casino games on electronic tables in one place.
With wagers starting at 2¢, guests can play these exciting games at their own pace. If you’re unfamiliar with how the electronic tables work, it’s great that the fun-loving hosts will always be on standby to help you get started.
The Zone is open from 9 AM to 3 AM on Sunday to Thursday and from 9 AM to 5 AM every Saturday and Sunday. Just don’t forget to take short breaks in between as these games can be quite engrossing.
Entertainment
As an all-in fun destination, Casino du Lac-Leamy has more than just slot machines and table games to offer. It was great to see that the casino is also equipped with a majestic theater for live performances and events that are sure to entertain.
If you like matching a great dining experience with some awesome shows, this place is for you.
For those interested, you may check out the lineup of upcoming shows and events. As the slots get easily filled up, we suggest reserving seats in advance by contacting the theater personnel at +1 (819) 772-6222.
Bars
If you’re up for some booze while getting entertained by a multimedia wall that bursts into life with music, we’re sure that Bar 7 is the place to be. The DJ performances on Fridays and Saturdays from 7 PM to 1 PM will make you bust a groove like we did.
For sports lovers like us, Mise-o-jeu Sportsbook will probably be your cup of tea. Equipped with several large-screen TVs and a bar for some nice snacks and drinks, this is an ideal spot to cheer on your favorite teams from countless sporting events.
But if cigars are your thing, Bacchus, with its warm and refined atmosphere, is the perfect place for you. It, however, has some policies, so we suggest getting familiar with them before visiting.
Restaurants
Since the casino experience will never be great with hunger pangs, Casino du Lac-Leamy also has 2 on-site restaurants that offer great food to complement the fun.
1. Banco Bistro
Website: https://casinos.lotoquebec.com/en/lacleamy/explore/restaurants/banco-bistro
Contact Details: 1 (819) 772-6220 or 1 (800) 665-2274
Operating Hours: Open daily from 5 PM to 10 PM
Must-Order Menu Items: Crispy Chicken Caesar Wrap, Italian Poutine, Goat Cheese Pizza, Surf and Turf Burger
Price Range: $ (Cheap) – $$ (Average)
If having a great time makes you hungry, Banco Bistro is there to offer you a wide range of affordable dishes. From pizzas and classic rotisserie to burgers and sandwiches, this bistro is there to satisfy all appetites.
The best part is that it is situated right next to the action, so ordering food will be a breeze.
But if you’re unsure of what to get, we recommend trying out the Crispy Chicken Caesar Wrap or the Surf and Turf Burger. For small groups, the Goat Cheese Pizza would be a perfect choice for hungry tummies.
Just remember, though, that this is off-limits to anyone younger than 18 years old. Also, take note that a 15% gratuity is automatically applied for groups of 8 people or more.
2. Arôme
Website: https://casinos.lotoquebec.com/en/lacleamy/explore/restaurants/arome
Contact Details: 1 (819) 790-6410 or 1 (866) 488-7888
Operating Hours: Open daily from 7 AM – 10 PM
Must-Order Menu Items: Delmonico Steak, Seafood Plate to Share, Beef Tartare, Lamb Porterhouse
Price Range: $$ (Average) – $$$ (Expensive)
In Arôme’s cozy ambiance, you’ll get to choose a wide variety of dishes. Complete with menus for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, this restaurant is there to satisfy your hunger.
If you’re a wine lover or a connoisseur, its Wine Discovery every Tuesday from 5 PM is a must-try experience. Awaiting for you is a wine list that features some of the best vintages to enjoy.
It’s just a bummer, though, that the restaurant is only open to guests staying at the hotel. And just the same, a 15% gratuity is automatically added for groups of at least 8 people.
Hotel
Casino du Lac-Leamy can accommodate guests with a Hilton Hotel standing right next to it. True to its commitment to providing the best experience, this hotel is complete with amenities – from pools and tennis courts to spas and gyms.
So if you’re planning to savor the fun in front of slot machines and table games for a few days, this hotel got you covered! It is also ideal for those with fur babies as service animals and household pets are allowed for a non-reimbursable fee of $50.
To learn more about the hotel’s rooms, services, and package deals, check out its website. For interested guests, you may place your reservation by calling 1 (819) 790-6444 or 1 (866) 488-7888.