Casino Ajax Review

Despite an announcement that slots would be removed at Ajax Downs, Casino Ajax is alive and well and has a reputation as one of the friendliest gaming experiences in Ontario. But is Casino Ajax still worth a visit?

Our experts provide vital details covering every aspect of Casino Ajax. Read on to find out how many slots are available, whether you can play table games, and what perks the rewards program offers.

Casino Ajax Ratings

Table of Contents

• Rating and Review Process for Casino Ajax
• Slot Machines – 5/5
• Casino Games – 4/5
• Staff & Service – 3/5
• Loyalty & Rewards – 4/5
• Casino Atmosphere – 3/5
• House Rules (T&Cs) – 4/5
• Player Feedback – 3.3/5
• Operator – 5/5
• Casino Ajax Competitors
• Casino Ajax Pros and Cons
• Should You Double Down at Casino Ajax?

Rating and Review Process for Casino Ajax

Our experts have developed a highly specialized review system that arms our reviewers with the tools and criteria to analyze casinos in Canada. We visit every casino we recommend and test every square inch of the facilities including accommodation, game offerings, live event offerings, and rewards programs.

This is how we ensure you have all the required insights to make the most informed decision possible when choosing that perfect casino visit.

How we inspected Casino Ajax

• Date of visit: 12/16/2023
• Time of visit: 6 PM – 1 AM
• Initial bankroll: C$100
• What we played: Slots, VLT
• Final bankroll: C$142
• Next visit: 12/12/2024

What we looked at

Our rating criteria consider both objective and subjective factors which allows us to cover all the bases when reviewing casinos like Casino Ajax. We check to make sure that important features are present such as table games, VIP promotions, and progressive jackpot slots. We also analyze the overall atmosphere of the venue and consider the quality of the dining menus.

What we found

Slot Machines – 5/5

Despite downsizing recently, Casino Ajax still offers a wide variety among the collection of 500 slot titles which are provided by four top-rated slot makers. We really enjoyed the range of classic Bally machines but there are plenty of modern machines with unique game features as well.

Slots we played at Casino Ajax

We were feeling a little retro so we began on Blazing Sevens, a 3-reel Bally slot machine. Next, we moved on to a row of Konami slots and began with Golden Wolves. After playing a bunch of VLT games we ended the night with a few quick spins on Lucky Count, an old Aristocrat slot which features a huge free spins bonus round.

How many slot machines does Casino Ajax have?

The casino has dropped a few hundred slots in recent years and now offers 500 slot machines.

Do the slot machines accept coins?

You can only play with cash bills and free play from the rewards program.

Slot machine providers

• IGT
• Aristocrat
• Konami
• Bally

Local progressive jackpots

We found loads of progressive jackpot slot machines at Casino Ajax, which even included multiple jackpots on retro Bally machines that top out at C$49,999.99.

Casino Games – 4/5

Casino Ajax doesn’t offer any live dealer games but does have 18 VLT machines. The machines feature a variety of table games including blackjack and baccarat.

Game types

• Roulette
• Blackjack
• Poker
• Craps
• Baccarat

Betting limits

The VLT machines feature bet limits ranging between C$1.00 and C$100, with some games like Blackjack having a minimum bet requirement of C$5.

Can anyone bet the highest limits or you need special VIP access?

Yes, there is no VIP status required to access the highest betting limits on any gaming terminal.

Staff & Service – 3/5

Food & Drinks

Casino Ajax is serviced by one restaurant. Getaway Restaurant serves typical casino dining at some rather affordable prices. While we’ve seen many casinos in Canada spill over the C$20 mark for many dishes, Getaway rarely exceeds C$17. The restaurant is open from 10 AM to 11 PM, and breakfast is served until 1 PM.

How much do you tip at Casino Ajax?

A fairly hefty tip, the average tip these days in Ontario is between 15-20%.

Does Casino Ajax offer free drinks?

Yes, there are self-serve machines that provide tea, coffee and pop.

Is there a buffet at Casino Ajax?

Not at present but Casino Ajax has offered breakfast buffets in the past.

Parking

There is plenty of free parking located around the casino and racetrack. Parking is free but unsecured. However, during our visit, the parking areas were reasonably well-lit at night. We were also impressed with the handicap spaces located right in front of the entrance.

Accommodation

The casino does not offer a hotel, but you are not without numerous options. Your two closest options are the Hilton Garden Inn and the Hollywood Suites by Hilton, located down the road on the 401. The average room price is around C$90.

Are there smoking areas?

The casino is smoke-free inside but you’ll find most smokers congregate by the entrance to the casino. This does seem to be the default outdoor smoking area.

Security

Security personnel are certainly less obvious than at bigger casinos but they’re still very much present. Our IDs were checked upon entry and there are cameras in every corner of the casino.

Loyalty & Rewards – 4/5

How does the Casino Ajax reward program work?

Casino Ajax is part of the Great Canadian Rewards program which includes a dozen casinos across Canada. You can sign up for an account online and receive a rewards card. The card can be swiped when playing casino games to earn points. You can redeem points for Comp Dollars and free play. Comp Dollars can be used when making dining purchases too.

What you get

• Free play
• Comp dollars
• Exclusive gifts and promotions

How to register for the program

1. Head to https://signup.gcrewards.com/
2. Agree to the terms and conditions
3. Click the Interac button
4. Next, click “Continue to Document Verification”
5. Use your mobile device to take a selfie with your ID
6. Collect your rewards card from Guests Services on your next visit

Casino Atmosphere – 3/5

Inside Casino Ajax

We’ll provide our findings from our analysis of the interior of the casino and what you can expect to find in the surrounding areas. Additionally, we looked for alternative forms of entertainment at the casino and reviewed the overall atmosphere.

Design experience

Casino Ajax is a clean and bright casino with a décor similar to other Great Canadian Entertainment casinos. The gaming sections are well placed to not feel too cramped and the carpets, walls, furniture, and gaming machines look fresh and new.

Are you allowed to take photos in Casino Ajax?

Yes, you can take photos in just about every area of the casino as there are no live gaming tables. However, don’t use your phone too much around any games or security may find you suspicious.

Location and surroundings

The casino is situated in a welcoming part of Ontario but there isn’t much in the way of entertainment. You’ll be located by the 401 but just north of the casino is a wonderful residential district which has a fair bit of greenery too.

Do you need a passport to visit Casino Ajax?

No, you can provide security with any government-issued photo ID. We do recommend foreign guests use their passports for ID if they feel their local ID documentation may not be accepted by Canadian security.

Events

Casino Ajax doesn’t have any live concert venues or areas for additional entertainment like some of the other bigger Great Canadian Entertainment casinos.

House Rules (T&Cs) – 4/5

When is Casino Ajax open?

Casino Ajax never closes. The casino is open 24/7.

Does Casino Ajax charge entry?

No, entry into the casino is free.

Do you always need a reservation to play at Casino Ajax?

Anyone can play at the tables or slots at any time. However, every seat is offered on a first-come, first-serve basis. So, you might have to wait your turn sometimes.

Is membership required at Casino Ajax?

No membership is required to play at Casino Ajax.

Dress code

Casino Ajax doesn’t have much of a dress code. It is a good idea to be as presentable as possible, where possible. However, you can still get away with jeans and a T-shirt. Make sure you do not wear anything offensive or gang-related too.

Standout rules at Casino Ajax

There are no rules that are out of the ordinary at Casino Ajax.

Player Feedback – 3.3/5

Casino Ajax maintains an average score from over 2,900 reviews across Google and TripAdvisor.

Casino Ajax player reviews

Google – 3.6/5

Google reviewers noted the casual feel of this casino. However, while many players liked the laid-back feel, numerous others found the service a little lacking and the gaming options to be somewhat limiting.

Tripadvisor – 3/5

Players really liked the addition of handicap parking and the fact the casino was a spacious casino that didn’t feel too overwhelming like bigger casinos. However, some players did feel it was hard to find many available slots during peak periods.

Most common issues

• Overcrowding during peak periods

Operator – 5/5

Who owns Casino Ajax?

Casino Ajax is owned by several organizations including One Toronto Gaming, Great Canadian Entertainment, and the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation.

Other casinos by the same operator

• Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto
• Casino Nova Scotia
• Elements Casino Grand River
• Casino New Brunswick

Contact info

Casino Ajax Competitors

The closest casino is located 11 minutes’ drive down the road but then there isn’t a competitor in sight for some miles. Additionally, Casino Ajax still needs to compete with the might of online casinos in Canada that provide instant gaming at your fingertips.

Casino Ajax vs Pickering Casino Resort

Pickering Casino Resort is a much bigger facility than Casino Ajax with over 2,200 slots and more than 90 table games. The casino has a big arena for live events and several more dining options too.

Casino Pickering is best for gaming

With over 2,300 games in total, Casino Pickering is an excellent option for the serious gamer. Slots can be played from C$0.01 right up to C$100 and there are variable table limits too.

What sets Casino Ajax apart from its competitors?

Casino Pickering may be bigger but Casino Ajax cannot be beat if you’re a more casual gamer. You can play table games using VLTs without having to interact with a real dealer and there are still plenty of slots providing the lights and sounds of an exciting casino floor.

Casino Ajax Pros and Cons

Pros

• Casual-friendly gambling environment
• Low minimum bet requirements for all games
• Reasonably priced dining with a wide menu
• Great rewards system offering free play and comp dollars

Cons

• No physical live dealer tables

Should You Double Down at Casino Ajax?

Offering 500 slots and 18 VLT gaming machines, there are plenty of games to enjoy at Casino Ajax. The casino offers a notably casual-friendly vibe that will suit the average player looking for a casino experience rather than a serious night of gambling.

The limited dining options and lack of additional entertainment do limit the range of experiences casual players can enjoy though. Casino Ajax is perfect for those looking for a fun casino experience or for those who love slots. However, live table players will need to look elsewhere.