Rivers Casino & Entertainment Centre
Claiming a position as the premier entertainment hotspot of Fort McMurray, the Rivers Casino & Entertainment Centre makes some bold assertions about what they offer and what they hope to achieve. Featuring live entertainment, a strong lineup of dining opportunities, and special events, there's a lot to explore in this small town's popular casino establishment.
It’s not just betting that Rivers Casino & Entertainment Centre sets its sights on. This location also boasts an important place in the local entertainment and cultural scene. Its comedy and music shows are some of the biggest hits in the Fort McMurray area, and the business has made a mark in raising funds for over 300 registered charities.
Table of Content:
- History and Background
- Location and Accessibility
- Casino Gaming Experience
- Gaming promotions and events
- Accommodations
- Nearby accommodation alternatives
- Hours of Operation
- Entry Requirements
- FAQs
Rivers Casino & Entertainment Centre aims to bring a little bit of Vegas to this Canadian town, and they've done an admirable job of accomplishing this monumental task. Taking a look at what interested travellers, locals, and gamblers need to know, we at LeoVegas want to break down what exactly makes this location special.
History and Background
Founding and early years
The Rivers Casino & Entertainment Centre was founded in 1978, quickly earning an important place within Fort McMurray's entertainment scene. With a population of less than 30,000, Fort McMurray has had no shortage of fantastic entertainers, but the town lacked the venues for local and travelling names to find the spotlights they deserved.
The development of the Rivers Casino & Entertainment Centre helped musicians and comedians, while also contributing to the local economy as the largest casino in the area. Focussing initially on slots and poker, the options at Rivers Casino & Entertainment Centre continued to evolve, following betting trends and keeping up with changing demands.
Expansion and growth over the years
Data on the expansion of the Rivers Casino & Entertainment Centre is also difficult to find, though we do know the establishment has continually evolved and expanded over the years. The population of Fort McMurray has grown significantly over the last few decades. This has contributed to the expansion and upgrades of the Rivers Casino & Entertainment Centre, so it can cater to a larger customer base.
As of 1985, the census of the town reached almost 37,000 residents. Today, this number has grown to an urban population of 68,000, or 73,000 if working by the municipal census.
Location and Accessibility
Geographic location and surrounding area
The Rivers Casino & Entertainment Centre is located within Fort McMurray, a town in Wood Buffalo in northeast Alberta. Surrounded by forest, this town has played a key role in Canada’s developing petroleum industry.
Found to the north of Edmonton, Fort McMurray might be a little far for a day trip, so the Rivers Casino & Entertainment Centre has become a central betting location for anyone in the surrounding area.
Transportation options
Transportation to Rivers Casino & Entertainment Centre might be best achieved by car from Edmonton, though other options like bus travel also exist to help travellers. Within the town, taxis and ride-share options like Uber can be fantastic for getting around.
Public transportation
The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo (RMVB) offers bus services around the urban areas of Fort McMurray. These schedules and locations can be checked online.
Parking facilities
Rivers Casino & Entertainment Centre shares parking with the Peter Pond Mall. This is free and offers enough space that players can always find a spot.
Accessibility for people with disabilities
The Rivers Casino & Entertainment Centre operates as a party to the Accessibility Act, meaning it has been developed to cater to people with disabilities. If you have special needs and concerns, it can still be worth investigating their contact page for more information.
Casino Gaming Experience
Variety of casino games offered
Slot machines
There are more than 400 slot games available to play at the Rivers Casino & Entertainment Centre. These operate on a coinless ticket-in/ticket-out basis and include both provincial and regional progressive slot jackpots.
Table games
The Rivers Casino & Entertainment Centre features some choice big table game hits for players to try. These include blackjack, roulette, and Chase the Flush.
Poker rooms
Rivers Casino & Entertainment Centre includes three dedicated poker tables with variable rules. They also include special setups for Ultimate Texas Hold’em Progressive Jackpot, and Three Card Poker Progressive Jackpot.
High-stakes gaming
Rivers Casino & Entertainment Centre focuses on high-stakes gaming mostly through its various poker games, instead of featuring high-stakes table games.
Gaming promotions and events
Most of the special features and promotions available at Rivers Casino & Entertainment Centre work through their VIP Winner’s Edge system. Here, players earn points in slots and electronic table games that can be redeemed for entry into members-only contests, and discounts on select menu items.
Rivers Casino & Entertainment Centre also features live performances from musical and comedic talent. Check their online calendar for an updated list of what you can expect.
Accommodations
On-site hotel options
Rivers Casino & Entertainment Centre does not offer on-site accommodation.
Room types and amenities
Though there are no rooms available to stay in, Rivers Casino & Entertainment Centre does feature a well-balanced restaurant menu which includes weekly food and drink specials.
Packages and promotions
At the time of writing, there are no available accommodation packages and promotions at the Rivers Casino & Entertainment Centre.
Nearby accommodation alternatives
Clearwater Suit Hotel
Located at 4 Haineault St, Fort McMurray, 0.2 miles from the Rivers Casino & Entertainment Centre. This three-star hotel offers free parking, a hot tub, free breakfast, babysitting options, and a fitness centre. It's also pet-friendly, for anyone travelling with a companion.
Nomad Hotel and Suites
Located at 10006 Macdonald Ave, Fort McMurray, 0.2 miles from Rivers Casino & Entertainment Centre. This quiet three-star hotel features free parking, a gym centre, conference facilities, a business centre, and a golf course for travellers looking to get in a few holes before or after hitting the tables.
Merit Hotel & Suites
Located at 8200 Franklin Ave, Fort McMurray, 1.3 miles from the Rivers Casino & Entertainment Centre. A three-star hotel features free parking, a fitness centre, and a taxi service to help customers get to and from their destinations within Fort McMurray. Also offering meeting rooms, a banquet room, and complimentary instant coffee, this location could be well-suited for smaller business trips, or just for getting some work done.
Hours of Operation
Slots
Sunday to Thursday: 9:30 am to 3 am.
Friday and Saturday: 9:30 am to 4am.
Table Games
Sunday: 2 pm to 1 am.
Monday to Thursday: 3 pm to 2 am.
Friday and Saturday: 2 pm to 3 am.
Lounge
Every day: 9:30 am to 2am.
Entry Requirements
Shirt, pants (or other appropriate bottoms), and shoes are required. Gamblers must be at least 18 years of age with a valid government ID.
FAQs
What are the operating hours of Rivers Casino & Entertainment Centre?
The operating hours of the Rivers Casino & Entertainment Centre are typically from 9:30 am but are slightly different depending on the activity.
Is there an age restriction for entry?
Yes, guests must be at least 18 years old to enter Rivers Casino & Entertainment Centre, and they must have a valid government ID to prove their identity.
How do I book tickets for shows and events?
You can book tickets either in person with Guest Services or by phone at 780-790-9739, Ext 102. If this number changes, you can check for a list of upcoming entertainment, which you can explore further for booking information.
Are pets allowed on the premises?
This will depend on the pet, its function, and its training. Visit the contact page for a form and phone number you can use to ask more direct questions about your pet concerns.
What is the best way to get to Rivers Casino & Entertainment Centre?
Getting to Fort McMurray can be best achieved via a rental car or bus. Once there, ride-share options like Uber are often the best form of 24/7 transport, or taxi services can also get the job done.
What are the dining options for vegetarians and vegans?
Rivers Casino & Entertainment Centre offers a selection of dining options for vegetarians including vegetable samosa, stir-fry vegetables, and a chef salad. They do not currently offer a vegan selection, but checking ahead might reveal options on request.
How do I enrol in the loyalty program?
The VIP Club for Rivers Casino & Entertainment Centre is accessible online. All you need is your email, full name, and date of birth to get started.
What are the parking fees and options?
Free parking is available thanks to the Rivers Casino & Entertainment Centre sharing a parking lot with the Peter Pond Mall. This includes plenty of space, though there are other free parking options available nearby if customers prefer.