Alberta Casinos Guide

You’ll find a casino scene filled with entertainment, culture, and variety in Alberta. There is a wide range of venues to visit, ranging from huge resort-style establishments to Indigenous-run casinos. These all play a pivotal role in the province’s economy, creating jobs, supporting the community, and generating revenue.

Table of Content:

• History of Casinos in Alberta
  • Influence of Indigenous Communities
• Types of Casinos in Alberta
  • Land-Based Casinos
  • First Nations Casinos
  • Online Casinos
• Major Casino Locations
  • Edmonton
  • Calgary
  • Red Deer
  • Lethbridge
• Top Casinos in Alberta
  • River Cree Resort and Casino
  • Grand Villa Casino Edmonton
  • Pure Casino Calgary
  • Grey Eagle Resort and Casino
• Casino Games and Entertainment
  • Popular Table Games
  • Slot Machines
  • Specialty Games
• FAQs

Our guide takes a closer look at Alberta’s casinos, giving you an insight into the sector’s history, as well as the types of casinos that exist, their main locations, and the variety of games they offer.

History of Casinos in Alberta

The casino industry in Alberta has gone through quite a journey, influenced for the most part by the local culture, legal changes, and economic factors. Betting and games of chance had existed for a long time, and these were largely unregulated around the province. But in the mid-1900s, the provincial government began shifting its approach towards gambling.

1967 brought about the first huge change for the province, with the introduction of legalized lotteries. This laid the groundwork for the gambling industry to expand and grow. In the 1970s, the Alberta Gaming Control Branch was established, regulating gambling activities to make sure that they operated fairly and securely. Finally, by the 1980s, the first casinos began opening around the region, leading to the thriving sector that Alberta is host to today.

The first of these was the Casino ABS Calgary which opened in 1980. The casino’s success set the stage for huge growth in the sector, leading to the opening of several large-scale casinos in the 1990s and 2000s. The 1980s also saw the introduction of charitable gambling which let non-profit organizations benefit directly from casino revenues, which in turn embedded casinos further into the very social fabric of Alberta.

Influence of Indigenous Communities

The Indigenous communities of Alberta still play a huge role in the province’s casinos sector. Several First Nations have built casinos on their respective reserves, with these venues bringing in significant revenue for their economies. The Eagle River Casino & Travel Plaza is one such venue, providing the area with significant employment opportunities and economic stability for the community.

Types of Casinos in Alberta

You get a very mixed range of casinos in Alberta, each catering to different audiences with different purposes in mind.

Land-Based Casinos

These are the most common types of casinos in Alberta. Land-based establishments come with a full range of gambling options complete with slot machines and table games. They also host other forms of entertainment such as live shows and dining facilities.

The most popular of Alberta’s land-based casinos are River Cree Resort and Casino in Edmonton, Deerfoot Inn & Casino in Calgary, and Century Casino, which can be found in several locations around the province. Land-based casinos give the economy a significant boost, attracting locals and tourists alike and building Alberta’s broader entertainment industry.

First Nations Casinos

The First Nations casinos of Alberta hold a very unique and relevant place in the province’s casino sector. They’re operated by Indigenous communities and are built on reservations, with revenues going towards the benefit of their respective communities.

This includes the Eagle River Casino & Travel Plaza which is operated by the Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation, as well as the Grey Eagle Resort and Casino which is run by the Tsuut’ina Nation. Through these casinos, the community gets essential revenue, as well as infrastructure development and employment opportunities. In their success, these establishments have boosted the First Nations of Alberta’s economic strength, as well as enhanced their cultural and financial autonomy.

Online Casinos

With the rise of online casinos, many in Alberta can play their favourite games from their phones and mobile devices. Although the province doesn’t have a fully regulated online casino system like other jurisdictions, locals can still play casinos based outside of the region. They’re a convenient way to quickly jump into a game without having to travel anywhere, get ready, or socialize.

On the one hand, you’re missing out on the more traditional casino experience, but at the same time, you’re also getting a more personal and comfortable way to play. Given all these options, players in Alberta can choose to have whichever casino experience they prefer, without having to pick between one or the other for good.

Major Casino Locations

Casinos in Alberta can be quite spread out, with major venues set in cities like Edmonton, Calgary, Red Deer and Lethbridge. The casinos in these areas have had a significant impact on the entire entertainment sector, bringing in a mix of entertainment, gaming, dining, and more.

Edmonton

Edmonton is Alberta’s capital city and it boasts some of the largest and most popular casinos in the province. The River Cree Resort and Casino is perhaps one of the region’s most sought-after casinos and it is located just outside the city. It has an excellent selection of gaming options as well as a luxury hotel and several dining options. You’ll also find the Pure Casino Edmonton which is renowned for its lively atmosphere and huge gaming floor.

These casinos have proven to be essential to Edmonton’s entertainment sector, bringing in more tourists and boosting the city’s economy in the process.

Calgary

Despite not being the province’s capital, Calgary is Alberta’s largest city and comes with a very robust casino scene. Here you’ll find the Grey Eagle Resort and Casino which is operated by the Tsuut’ina Nation. You also find the Deerfoot Inn and Casino which offers a well-rounded entertainment package, complete with live music, fine dining, and several gambling options. The casinos in Calgary also serve as venues for conferences and events which integrates them further into the city’s dynamic culture.

Red Deer

Red Deer is located between Edmonton and Calgary. It's home to the popular Cash Casino which provides a more intimate gaming experience when compared to some of the larger venues in the province. Even so, it has a solid selection of slot machines and table games. The casino also hosts regular live entertainment, making it a convenient spot for travellers and locals alike.

Lethbridge

Lethbridge is found in the southern part of Alberta and it hosts the Pure Casino Lethbridge. The venue offers a vast range of gaming options ranging from poker to blackjack, slot machines and more. Here you can also try different dining experiences and live entertainment such as concerts and live performances. The casino has become one of the main reasons for visitors to travel to southern Alberta, enhancing the city’s entertainment offerings.

Top Casinos in Alberta

We’ve already mentioned some of the top-tier casinos you’ll find in Alberta, but now we’ll be giving you an even better insight into what each venue specifically has to offer.

River Cree Resort and Casino

Found just outside of Edmonton, River Cree Resort and Casino is one of the province’s finest gaming venues. It's operated by the Enoch Cree Nation and offers more than 1,300 slot machines, 40 table games and a dedicated poker lounge. Accompanying the gaming options are the casino’s luxury hotel, several dining venues, and a dual-rink hockey arena. So, you’re bound to get some form of entertainment that suits you, whether or not you’re into gambling.

Grand Villa Casino Edmonton

The Grand Villa Casino is situated in the heart of downtown Edmonton, within the ICE District which is known to be Edmonton’s main spot for entertainment. The Grand Villa Casino has a modern gaming floor complete with more than 600 slot machines, several table games, and a VIP gaming lounge catering to high-stakes players. The casino also shares a connection with Rogers Place, the home of the Edmonton Oilers, so it's also a prime destination for sports fans in the area.

Pure Casino Calgary

One of Calgary and Alberta’s most well-known casinos is the Pure Casino Calgary, offering a vibrant and diverse gaming venue. It boasts more than 850 slot machines, 27 table games, and an exclusive poker room that caters to all kinds of players. The casino is also home to several regular live performances and concerts, broadening its appeal to an even wider spectrum of visitors. You’ll find several bars, lounges, and dining options here, making it a central hub for the city’s nightlife.

Grey Eagle Resort and Casino

Operated by the Tsuut’ina Nation, the Grey Eagle Resort and Casino is one of Calgary’s main destinations for gaming and entertainment. The resort sports over 900 slot machines, 40 table games, and a poker room. It also offers a hotel, multiple dining venues, as well as a fully equipped events centre that regularly hosts concerts, shows, and conferences. The Grey Eagle also champions the nation’s Indigenous heritage, making it a standout in Alberta’s casino scene.

Casino Games and Entertainment

You’ll get the chance to play through a vast variety of games at casinos in Alberta, which offer tailored experiences for all kinds of players. Whether you prefer the strategy of table games or the speed of slot machines, you’re bound to find something that’s right for you.

Popular Table Games

Table games are found across all of Alberta’s casinos including popular games like blackjack, roulette, and poker.

Blackjack is the classic card game where you compete against the dealer to get a hand value as close to 21 as possible without busting out of the game. It has rather straightforward rules and you can use some strategies to improve your chances of success.

Roulette, on the other hand, is more of a chance-based game, where you place bets on specific numbers and combinations and hope that the spinning wheel will land the ball in your favour. Here, you can bet on numbers, colours, or combinations for the chance of winning various prizes.

Poker is yet another card game and Texas Hold’em is one of the most popular variations found at Alberta casinos. Most of the casinos in the province offer dedicated poker rooms and you can take part in tournaments or single games to win cash prizes.

Slot Machines

Perhaps the most accessible form of casino games at Alberta casinos is slot machines. Casinos tend to come with hundreds of machines that offer a variety of themes, gameplay styles, and payouts. You get classic three-reel slots, as well as more complex video slots that boast bonus features and multiple paylines. Some slot machines also offer progressive jackpots that pool bets from several machines or even multiple casinos to build potentially life-changing pot prizes. These jackpots gradually grow until one lucky player finally hits the winning combination and claims the prize.

Specialty Games

If you’re looking for something completely different, then be sure to check out specialty games like bingo and keno at Alberta casinos.

Bingo halls in Alberta casinos give you a more social and interactive style of game, where you mark numbers off your cards as they’re called out. On the other hand, keno takes on a more lottery style where you pick numbers and hope they match the ones drawn by the game’s operators. Both games are incredibly accessible and offer a more relaxed pace compared to the high energy found in table games and slot machines.

FAQs

How Many Casinos Are There in Alberta?

There are 21 casinos currently operating in Alberta, this includes both major casinos, encompassing resorts and hotels, as well as smaller venues.

What are the Payouts for Casinos in Alberta?

The payouts for casinos in Alberta vary from one casino to another. This also depends on the game in question.

Are Casinos in Alberta Privately Owned?

Some casinos in Alberta are privately owned, while others are run by charitable organizations.

Does Edmonton Have a Casino?

Yes, Edmonton has several casinos including the Pure Casino Edmonton and the River Cree Resort and Casino.

What is the Legal Gambling Age in Alberta?

You must be over 18 to gamble in Alberta.

Are Online Casinos Legal in Alberta?

Yes, online casinos are legal in Alberta, although players need to play at online casinos registered in other provinces and regions.

What are the Most Popular Casino Games in Alberta?

Slot machines, roulette, blackjack, and poker are the most popular casino games in Alberta.