Vegas-style glitz and world-class gaming at the Casino de Montréal

The glitzy Casino de Montréal is not just the biggest casino in Canada, it is also the only Canadian stop on the World Series of Poker (WSOP) circuit in 2016. Located in the historic Expo 67 French Pavilion on Ile Notre-Dame just minutes away from downtown Montréal, the casino has been serving up glitz, glamour and world-class gaming 24 hours a day, seven days a week, since 1993.

“The building’s iconic architecture gives it the look of a prominent jewel in the Saint Lawrence River,” says Casino de Montréal general manager Kevin Taylor. “The completely renovated and redesigned interior with its giant (three-storey) multi-media wall makes the casino even more exciting for visitors. To round out the offerings, we have five well-appointed restaurants and an all-new Cabaret.”

The Cabaret du Casino relaunched in September 2015 with a series of all-star concerts by the likes of Tony Bennett, Gino Vannelli and famed comedian and impressionist André-Philippe Gagnon. The room looks and sounds great — the acoustics are outstanding, with a newly-installed state-of-the-art 3D psychoacoustic system.

“We are particularly proud to be on a list of North American gaming houses that offer such high-quality entertainment,” says Taylor.

Highlights at the Cabaret du Casino include the The Best of Broadway II revue with live band, singers and dancers wearing hundreds of costumes, until March 26; Black White 2 starring Montréal icons Gregory Charles and tenor Marc Hervieux (who was a principal artist with the Metropolitan Opera of  New York from 2006-2010) performing the greatest songs of the past 75 years (their original show was seen by over one million spectators), for a series of concerts in May; and Montréal classic-rock legend Michel Pagliaro headlines concerts in June and July.

The casino also hosts the WSOP Circuit from April 20 to May 1 (click here for info about qualifying) as well as the casino’s popular pro GYM boxing series. For those seeking a leisurely night out, the world-class gaming establishment – where you can play everything from baccarat and blackjack to craps and roulette, not to mention the casino’s 3,000 slot machines – also boasts several restaurants, bars and lounge areas that are hugely popular with tourists and locals alike. There are also free live shows by top local entertainers. All around the atmosphere is glitzy and electric, but nothing beats the excitement of a big winner.

“People who win large prizes are generally shocked,” says Taylor. “(When that happens) our role is simple: customer support! We invite big winners to a private room, offer them a glass of champagne and, if they’re alone, suggest calling a loved one, which they usually do. If they so wish, we can also have a security agent accompany them home.”

The Casino de Montréal is open 24-hours-a-day year-round. It is easily accessible by car (free parking and coat-check), public transport, as well as via shuttles from downtown Montréal. For information, call 1-800-665-2274 or visit www.casinosduquebec.com.

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