Around ten years ago, discussions were held regarding the possibility of constructing a large-scale casino and hotel resembling those in Las Vegas on the Canadian National Exhibition grounds in downtown Toronto. However, that plan never materialized. Despite this, the demand for a major casino property remained strong, and this week, the Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto, a $1 billion project, officially opened its doors.

1. Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto Becomes One of Canada's Largest: Situated on a vast 33-acre property, the Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto holds a prime location in Canada's most populous city. It is conveniently accessible via a network of major highways, including the east/west and north/south routes. The casino is located adjacent to Woodbine Racetrack, at the junction of Highways 427 and 401. As one of the largest casino resorts in North America, it boasts an impressive 328,000 square feet of gaming space, featuring 4,800 slot machines, 145 live table games, VIP rooms, and sports betting kiosks. Whether visitors are seeking a Vegas-style entertainment experience, are seasoned players, or are simply looking for a weekend getaway, the new casino resort offers something for everyone.

2. Hotel and Accommodations: Expected to open later in the summer, the Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto will feature a luxury hotel with 400 rooms and suites spread across 11 floors. The addition of the hotel will further enhance the overall experience for guests.

3. Economic Impact and Job Creation: Great Canadian Entertainment, the company behind the project, announced that the total investment in the new facility amounts to $1 billion, with an estimated economic benefit of over $500 million for the province of Ontario. Furthermore, the casino resort will provide employment opportunities for nearly 2,000 individuals. Since the introduction of Casino Woodbine in 1999, the City of Toronto has already received more than $357 million in gaming revenue as part of the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation's revenue-sharing program.

4. Exciting Entertainment Offerings: The Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto aims to deliver an unparalleled entertainment experience to its guests. The property includes a state-of-the-art theater with 5,000 seats. To enhance the entertainment offerings, Great Canadian Entertainment recently signed a new agreement with Live Nation, ensuring the arrival of renowned music and comedy acts at the casino resort.

5. Dining and Retail Options: Covering a combined 35,000 square feet of retail space, the property offers an array of dining options. These include the Copperhorn Steakhouse, CA.SU.AL gastropub, and The Eatery, which features grab-and-go sandwiches and salads. The Food Hall provides various eating spots such as Tim Hortons, Big Smoke Burger, and Pizzaiolo.

The opening of the Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto marks a significant milestone in the casino industry in Canada. With its vast gaming space, diverse entertainment options, luxury hotel, and economic benefits for the province, the casino resort promises to be a premier destination for entertainment and leisure in Toronto. As Great Canadian Entertainment continues to unveil additional phases of the project, including the hotel and theater, the casino's reputation as a top-notch entertainment venue is set to grow.