You have a variety of choices when it comes to gambling in Toronto. Whether you are an avid gambler, just a beginner or want to try your luck for the first time, Toronto is a good place to lay down your bets.

While some people enjoy all types of gambling, others zero in on one specific genre. Below are examples of the different types of gambling activity you can participate in if you are in the Toronto area. 

• Horse Racing
• Casinos & Slots
• Lotteries
• Pro-line

One of Canada’s most recognized horse racing tracks is located in the Toronto area. It is called Woodbine Race Track and draws millions of visitors every year. Here you can watch some of the finest animals in the world compete; both standard and thoroughbred horse racing. 

Major events like the Queens Plate, the Canadian International, and North American Cup take place at Woodbine Race Track. Woodbine has three different dining areas, as well as event and meeting rooms you can rent.  

The track is located on Rexdale Boulevard. In the downtown area of the city you will find Greenwood off-track wagering. If seeing the action close up is your preference though, the other option you have aside from Woodbine Race Track is Mohawk. It’s located just west of Toronto in the community of Campbellville. 

Mohawk has a dinner theatre in addition to regular dining facilities. Woodbine Race Track, Greenwood off-track wagering and Mohawk all fall under the umbrella of Woodbine Entertainment. For more information you can go to www.woodbineentertainment.com. 

Toronto is surrounded by both commercial and charity casinos. The most well known commercial casino is just north of the city, close to cottage country. Rama Casino is a First Nations casino that operates 24 hours a day with over 190 thousand square feet of game and entertainment space. 

In addition to providing gaming and fine dining, the casino is attached to a luxury resort. You can read all the details by going to www.casinorama.com. 

Great Blue Heron Casino is a charity casino located just on the outskirts of Toronto in the picturesque community of Port Perry. It is a much smaller casino, but has a lot of character and charm. Proceeds from this casino go to local and provincial charities. 

Most Ontario casinos, including those in the Toronto area also have slot machines. Slots pay off based on patterns of symbols displayed on the front of the screen when the machine stops. Slots are a popular form of gambling across North America and Toronto is no exception.

There are numerous lotteries in Toronto that you can participate in. The most popular ones are run by the Ontario Lottery Corporation. The organization is careful to ensure that the lottery is played in a safe and equitable manner. 

The better known lotteries are: Lotto Max, Lotto 649, and Lottario. You can pick up a lottery ticket at a long list of locations including malls, shopping centres, food markets, convenience stores, pharmacy outlets, and magazine stands.

Toronto residents love their sports so it isn’t surprising that they have embraced the sports lottery called Pro-line. This lottery predicts who will win the game. 

Each week the Ontario Lottery Corporation publishes an event list that explains all the events and odds for waging. You have to pick 3 to 6 outcomes from 2 or more events in order to play. For more details visit www.proline.olg.ca.

The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario regulates gaming laws in Toronto. The commission makes sure that operators are being socially and financially responsible, and are functioning with the best interests of the public in mind. 

All gaming hosts must have a license and registration from the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation. When gambling laws are broken by a host, the license can be taken away or a fine can be issued. 

The Toronto Police Department operates an illegal gambling unit and enforces a zero tolerance police when it comes to illegal gambling. They do not hesitate to lay charges when they discover underground gambling in the city.

Toronto has a number of fun, entertaining, and perfectly legal gambling opportunities for you to take part in. Whether you are a fan of horse racing, like slot machines or want to work the floor of a casino, you are sure to have a great time… and who knows, you could walk away with a little more than what you came with.

For more on entertainment and attractions in Toronto, browse around Totally Toronto.