Located on the Chippewas of Rama First Nation reservation in Ramara Township, Ontario, Canada, Casino Rama is a popular destination for entertainment, gaming, and relaxation. This resort has been operating since 1996 under a franchise agreement with the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) to provide casino services.
History and Background
The idea of establishing a casino on Chippewas First Nation land was conceived in the early 1990s by Rama Chief Ted Williams, who envisioned it as an economic development opportunity for his people. This vision led to a partnership between the Chippewas of Rama and MTR Gaming Group (now known as Churchill Downs Incorporated), which would eventually result in the construction of Casino Rama.
The resort features a casino floor that spans over 175,000 square feet, offering more than 2,500 slot machines and electronic table games. The property also includes several restaurants, bars, entertainment venues, a hotel with 292 rooms, a spa, fitness center, and an indoor pool.
Gaming Options
Casino Rama provides patrons with various gaming options to suit different tastes and skill levels. The slots section boasts over 2,500 electronic machines offering themes ranging from classic fruit games to cutting-edge video slots with advanced graphics and features like progressive jackpots, free spins, and bonus rounds.
The table games area offers traditional favorites such as Blackjack, Baccarat, Roulette, Craps, and Caribbean Stud Poker, along with electronic versions of these popular games. High-limit gaming is also available for those seeking a more exclusive experience.
Tournaments and Promotions
Casino Rama regularly hosts poker tournaments at various skill levels, including weekly cash games and high-stakes events like the $100k GTD ($10+$50 buy-in) Main Event tournament series. These tournaments attract both experienced players and newcomers alike to compete for substantial prizes.
In addition to gaming activities, Casino Rama has a range of promotions that cater to its diverse clientele. For instance, it offers loyalty rewards through its «Club 55» program, providing exclusive benefits like bonus points redeemable for free play, complimentary stays, or dining credits based on players’ accumulated earnings and visit frequency.
Restaurants and Dining
Foodies will find several dining options catering to different tastes and budgets within the resort. Among these are:
- The Great Oak Buffet : Offering an international spread with multiple stations serving breakfast favorites, lunch/dinner options, desserts, sushi, carvery roasts, seafood, salads, pasta station, Asian dishes, and a wide variety of desserts.
- East Side Mario’s : Known for its Italian-inspired menu featuring classic dishes like Spaghetti Carbonara, Chicken Parmesan, Fettuccine Alfredo, as well as house-made pizzas and freshly baked breadsticks.
- High Rollers Steak House & Lounge : A premium dining experience serving upscale steakhouse fare with options such as AAA Grade Steak, Seafood Platter, or an extensive selection of wine from around the world.
Accommodations
For those who wish to stay overnight, Casino Rama offers comfortable rooms and suites under its «Casino Rama Resort» brand. Accommodation rates vary depending on day of the week, seasonal fluctuations in demand, and guest preferences such as smoking or non-smoking rooms and options for high-limit guests.
Some notable amenities include:
- Indoor Pool : Open year-round with adult-only hours available
- Fitness Centre : Equipped with a cardio room containing treadmills, ellipticals, stationary bikes, plus strength-training machines to target various muscle groups.
- Spa & Wellness Centre
Responsible Gaming and Player Support Services
As part of its commitment to responsible gaming practices, Casino Rama has implemented several measures aimed at helping patrons maintain a healthy relationship with casino activities:
- A 24/7 self-exclusion program called «Voluntary Exclusion Program» which allows players to exclude themselves for set periods (6 months or lifetime)
- Limits on losses and deposits available through the account manager system
- Assistance in setting spending limits
Environmental Considerations
Casino Rama has incorporated various green initiatives into its operations:
- LED lighting systems installed throughout the property, reducing energy consumption by over 40%
- Water conservation efforts via low-flow showerheads, toilets, and efficient irrigation systems
- Recycled materials used for construction projects wherever feasible
In conclusion, Casino Rama has evolved from its early beginnings as an economic development project to become a thriving entertainment hub in Ontario. With continuous investments into modernizing the resort’s amenities, expanding gaming options, and reinforcing responsible gaming practices – it serves both tourists seeking recreational activities and local residents looking for an accessible leisure experience.
