My Honest Review of Casino Wolinak: What I Liked and What I Didn't

First Impressions and Arrival

Location and Accessibility

I made the trip to Casino Wolinak—also known as Grand Royal Wolinak—on may 7th, 2025. Located in Wôlinak, Quebec, the casino sits a little off the main road, about 10 minutes from Bécancour and 25 minutes from Trois-Rivières. Google Maps got me there with no trouble, and there was ample free parking. If you're not driving, though, good luck—public transport options are limited.

What the Entrance and Staff Were Like

The building itself feels modern with some Indigenous-inspired design elements, which I appreciated. The entrance was clean and well-lit. Staff at the front desk were polite but clearly overwhelmed. It took about 10 minutes to get help signing up for the LYNX Rewards program—not ideal, but not a dealbreaker either.

Games and Casino Floor

Slot Machines Variety

The casino claims to have over 450 slot machines. That seems accurate—I saw a solid mix of old-school reel machines and new digital ones. I spent most of my time on the newer video slots, which were smooth and well-maintained. Machines were spread out decently, so it didn’t feel cramped even on a Friday night.

Table Games & Poker Rooms

There were a few standard table games—Blackjack, Roulette, Baccarat—and a designated poker room with around 8 tables. Texas Hold’em was the main game on rotation, and they had a small tournament running when I dropped by. Nothing super high-stakes, but enough to keep things interesting if you're a casual player.

Sports Betting Area

They've recently added a sports betting section, which is good news if that’s your thing. You can place bets on hockey, football, MMA, and more. I only tried a quick bet on an NHL game (Canadiens vs. Leafs), and the process was smooth. But be warned—staff seemed less trained here than at the gaming tables.

Loyalty Program – LYNX Rewards

How It Works

The LYNX Rewards program has five tiers: Perle, Saphir, Or, Platine, and Noir. Like most casino loyalty programs, it works on a points-per-dollar-spent basis. You rack up points by playing slots or table games and can redeem them for meals, free play, or merch.

Is It Actually Worth It?

If you're planning just one visit, probably not. I barely scratched the surface of Perle status. Regulars might find value, but the perks (like free drinks or VIP parking) only really kick in at the Or or Platine level. So unless you're playing big and often, don’t expect much.

Food, Drinks, and Facilities

Ginko Resto Bar

I had dinner at Ginko Resto Bar, and I’ll be honest—food was decent, but overpriced. My steak was well-cooked, but the presentation was underwhelming. The menu is French-Italian with a touch of Mediterranean, but don’t expect gourmet.

Octogone Sports Bar

This was probably my favorite spot in the casino. A laid-back sports bar with plenty of screens and a wide drink menu. I grabbed a beer and watched part of the Raptors game—nice vibe, not too noisy, and fast service.

Cleanliness and Ambience

The casino floor was clean overall, though I noticed some trash near the slot areas later at night. The air didn’t feel too smoky, which is a plus. Lighting is comfortable, and music volume is just right—not too loud to have a conversation.

The Good, The Bad, and Final Verdict

Pros and Cons List

Pros

• Good variety of slot machines

• Friendly bar and wait staff

• Ample parking and easy to access by car

• Sports betting section available

Cons

• Undertrained staff at peak hours

• Food is pricey for the quality

• Loyalty program benefits are hard to reach for casual visitors

• Limited public transportation options

Would I Come Back?

Honestly? Maybe. If I’m in the area again, I'd consider returning—especially for the sports bar and poker room. But it’s not a destination casino like the ones in Montreal or Ottawa. If you’re a local or nearby, Grand Royal Wolinak is a solid option for a casual evening out. Just go in with tempered expectations.

If you're deciding whether Casino Wolinak is worth your time, I’d say it depends on what you're after. For casual gaming and drinks, it's decent. For a full-on Vegas-style experience? Probably not. Either way, now you know what to expect.