After my pleasant and positive encounter at the Square St. Louis, I returned briefly to the hotel before taking the subway to Jean Drapeau Park. Two large islands are found in the St. Lawrence River, Ile Notre-Dame (left) and Ile Sainte-Helene (right). In preparation for Expo 1967, the latter doubled in size. To get to La Ronde (an amusement park built initially for Expo 67), I took the local bus 167 from Park Jean Drapeau station. I had a ticket to tonight’s international fireworks contest at La Ronde, so I had to get it at the information counter https://spt.education.gov.uk/
I had my ticket in hand and returned to the Casino de Montreal. This is the largest of Quebec’s three casinos. It is run by the Societe des casinos du Quebec. I was not a big gambler, but I wanted to see this complex as it is one of the main attractions in Park Jean Drapeau.
I arrived by bus at the Casino basement and entered the building to drop off my backpack at the coat check. I made my way up the escalators and walkways to the front entrance, where Alexandre, a customer service specialist at the Casino, was waiting for me. I was to receive a personal tour of the complex and additional information about its operations.
Alexandre took me outside to inform me that the Casino complex comprises three buildings. Former France and the former Quebec Pavilion were constructed for Expo 1967. There’s also an Annex connecting the two buildings. The Quebec Pavilion has top-to-bottom 24 Karat Gold windows. Casino patrons have access to the gardens around the Casino and the whole complex, which is surrounded by tracks for the Montreal Grand Prix.
Alexandre began to show me the buildings. He explained that approximately 3500 people are working at the Casino, working in three shifts, twenty-four hours a day. Alexandre first took me to Cabaret Du Casino, a top entertainment venue that offers spectacular variety shows and colorful musical reviews. Patrons can purchase a package that includes dinner or just the exhibition.
Then he took me through the multi-story complex and introduced me to the different games of chance. Montreal’s Casino de Montreal boasts over 3200 different types of slot machines, 115 gaming tables for Blackjack and Baccarat, as well as Keno, Roulette, Keno, and a variety of tournaments. Alexandre explained that most devices are now electronic and have no mechanical barrels. A Royal Ascot electronic horse racing track is available at the Casino, as well as a high-limit gaming area and lounge.
Alexandre explained that Quebec has a monopoly in gaming in the province. The funds are used to support infrastructure and public services. As we walked through the buildings, Alexandre informed me that the Old France Pavilion had a European design reminiscent of casinos like Monte Carlo that allowed plenty of daylight. On the other hand, the former Quebec Pavilion has a North American design that allows for very little sunlight. Alexandre stated that the clientele of the two buildings is very different, and they have other preferences.
My expert guide informed me that gambling addiction is decreasing and that there are specific programs at the Casino de Montreal to deal with it. A self-exclusion program is available for problem gamblers that prohibits them from playing in any Quebec Casino. The 285 Casino investigators monitor and investigate fraud. They also ensure that no one can access the Casino from the self-exclusion list.
Alexandre pointed out a branch of Banque Nationale on the site, Canada’s only 24-hour bank. The bank allows patrons to exchange money in 16 currencies. The free shuttle bus transports you to the Casino from four locations in downtown Montreal. This makes it convenient for guests who are not local to have a great night of gambling.
Gambling is a high-intensity activity that can make you hungry. The Casino has five restaurants and bars: the Italian Bistro Via Fortuna, L’entre-mise Deli, and Buffet La Bonne Carte. The hospitality options include four bars: La rotonde (four bars), Le carre (four bars), Le jardin d’hiver (four bars), and Le cheval (four bars).
Alexandre began to show me the buildings. He explained that approximately 3500 people are working at the Casino, working in three shifts, twenty-four hours a day. Alexandre first took me to Cabaret Du Casino, a top entertainment venue that offers spectacular variety shows and colorful musical reviews. Patrons can purchase a package that includes dinner or just the exhibition.
Then he took me through the multi-story complex and introduced me to the different games of chance. Montreal’s Casino de Montreal boasts over 3200 different types of slot machines, 115 gaming tables for Blackjack and Baccarat, as well as Keno, Roulette, Keno, and a variety of tournaments. Alexandre explained that most devices are now electronic and have no mechanical barrels. A Royal Ascot electronic horse racing track is available at the Casino, as well as a high-limit gaming area and lounge.
Alexandre explained that Quebec has a monopoly in gaming in the province. The funds are used to support infrastructure and public services. As we walked through the buildings, Alexandre informed me that the Old France Pavilion had a European design reminiscent of casinos like Monte Carlo that allowed plenty of daylight. On the other hand, the former Quebec Pavilion has a North American design that allows for very little sunlight. Alexandre stated that the clientele of the two buildings is very different, and they have other preferences.
My expert guide informed me that gambling addiction is decreasing and that there are specific programs at the Casino de Montreal to deal with it. A self-exclusion program is available for problem gamblers that prohibits them from playing in any Quebec Casino. The 285 Casino investigators monitor and investigate fraud. They also ensure that no one can access the Casino from the self-exclusion list.
Alexandre pointed out a branch of Banque Nationale on the site, Canada’s only 24-hour bank. The bank allows patrons to exchange money in 16 currencies. The free shuttle bus transports you to the Casino from four locations in downtown Montreal. This makes it convenient for guests who are not local to have a great night of gambling.