Off to the Races (and other vices)

Horse racing? A little blackjack perhaps? Or maybe slot machines are your thing? Vegas might be all glitz and glam but Vancouver and the surrounding area is quickly becoming a hotspot for those willing to take a gamble.

Hastings Park Horse Race Course

Betting occurs daily on thoroughbreds as they race at Hastings Park from April to November. The course, with its breathtaking views of the North Shore Mountains and Vancouver's harbour, is located about 15 minutes drive from the downtown core. And now it will be more than just horse races as Hastings Park has introduced over 600 slot machines for added gambling fun.

Edgewater Casino, Vancouver

Vancouver's first full-service casino a stone throw away from Yaletown near BC Place and GM Place, this casino features the ubiquitous slot machines and table games that are the mainstay of any casino.

Boulevard Casino, Coquitlam

Just a short drive east of the city is Boulevard Casino. A full-service casino featuring table games and hundreds of slots. This facility is also home to the Red Robinson Show Theatre featuring the likes of Wynonna, Kool and the Gang, Olivia Newton John and even Mr Las Vegas himself, Wayne Newton.

River Rock Resort and Casino, Richmond

Another short drive out of the city is the Vancouver areas first "destination casino" featuring a 200+ room AAA Four Diamond hotel, conference facilities and, of course, the casino. This property also features the River Rock Show Theatre which has hosted shows such as Dana Carvey, Neil Sedaka, Dennis Miller and everyone's favourite fag hag, Kathy Griffin. With the new Canada Line, a trip from downtown Vancouver to the River Rock is now just a short ride Skytrain ride away.