For 30 years, Casino Rama Resort has been a defining part of the tourism story in Orillia & Lake Country. What began as a bold vision for the Chippewas of Rama First Nation has grown into a renowned entertainment destination, welcoming more than 76 million visitors since opening in 1996.
Where They Came From
The story of Casino Rama Resort is a story of vision and opportunity. After years of planning and a competitive provincial selection process, the Chippewas of Rama First Nation welcomed Casino Rama on July 31, 1996.
From the beginning, the project created significant employment and economic opportunity for the community and region.
But the vision was always bigger than gaming. With the addition of the hotel, restaurants, resort amenities, and world-class entertainment centre, Casino Rama evolved into a destination where people could come to stay, dine, laugh, listen to live music and create memories. Over three decades, the Casino Rama stage has welcomed an extraordinary roster of music and entertainment legends, from Ringo Starr, Faith Hill, The Tragically Hip, Gordon Lightfoot and The Beach Boys to Jerry Seinfeld, Carrie Underwood, Don Henley, Melissa Etheridge and Sarah McLachlan, creating countless unforgettable nights for audiences from across the region and beyond.
That vision also helped shape a regional approach to tourism, one that recognized the strength of working together to promote the communities and experiences surrounding Casino Rama. That philosophy helped lay important groundwork for what would become Orillia & Lake Country Tourism.
Where They Are
Today, Casino Rama Resort is a true four-season destination, and 2026 marks another exciting chapter with the completion of an extensive resort refresh. Its 5,000-seat Entertainment Centre continues to attract major performers, while the resort offers accommodations, dining, gaming and events. Guests can now experience newly renovated all-suite hotel accommodations, a new spa conveniently located on the main floor, a refreshed fitness centre and a revitalized dining lineup that includes ATLAS steak + fish at St. Germain’s, MATCH Eatery & Public House, CHOW Lucky Noodle Bar, Couchiching Court Buffet, The Weirs and Tim Hortons. The resort is also an important destination for meetings, conferences, weddings and group events, offering nearly 40,000 square feet of event space, from intimate meeting rooms to the 6,600-square-foot Silvernightingale Ballroom.
The experience extends beyond the resort itself. Visitors can explore The Gathering Place Stores, businesses of Rama First Nation located within the Casino Rama complex. From Biindigen Gift Shop, offering gifts and sundries, to Explore, featuring Indigenous arts, crafts and gifts, these shops provide another opportunity for visitors to connect with and support the community whose vision made this destination possible.
Together, the resort’s entertainment, accommodations, dining, wellness, events and shopping offerings have transformed Casino Rama into far more than a gaming destination; it is a place to stay, gather, celebrate, experience and discoverm which makes it an important anchor within the broader Orillia & Lake Country tourism experience.
Where They Are Going
Thirty years later, the vision continues to evolve.
With ongoing investment in its accommodations, dining, entertainment and guest experience, Casino Rama is positioning itself for the next generation of visitors. As travel continues to become more experience-driven, the opportunity is enormous: encourage visitors to stay longer, explore farther and discover more of our region.
Thirty years ago, Casino Rama was a bold vision. Today, it is an iconic destination, and we look forward to seeing where that vision takes us next.
Happy 30th Anniversary, Casino Rama Resort!
