Well, it doesn't quite look like Caesar's Palace does it? Here's a local attraction in View Royal I pass often but have never stopped to photograph before, probably because the building has such a neutral, institutional appearance. Gamblers in this province don't get to experience the architectural extravagance of gambling parlors such as those in Las Vegas. I suspect there are several reasons for this - not the least is that there is no competition. There is only one casino here and this is it. Another reason probably has something to do with the rather prudish history of this province in relation to alcohol and gambling both. I can still remember when beer parlors had two entrances and two sections: one was labeled "Men" or "Gentlemen" and the other was labeled "Ladies and Escorts". Drinking in public (sidewalk restaurants) was strictly banned. Gambling, aside from that which took place at Race Tracks, was completely illegal. The only lottery was the Irish Sweepstakes and you had to know somebody who knew somebody in order to get a ticket for that once a year event. Well, times have changed. There are many lotteries now and most of the money goes to charitable causes. Tickets are sold in every supermarket and other places as well. However, gambling with other games of chance such as card games, roulette and slot machines is still limited to the casino (or online). Laws governing alcohol use have loosened up also although you still can't buy alcoholic drinks in a grocery store here.
2 comments:
We have a few casinos around here too. Massachusetts just got their very first one, about an hour from here. My husband is dying to go. He loves Mohegan Sun in Connecticut but that's kinda far.
It looks small, which is a change from the garish over the top nonsense you expect.
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