Casinos in Nova Scotia
In Nova Scotia, there are two main casinos, both owned and operated by Great Canadian Entertainment. In Halifax, you’ll find the total casino experience at Casino Nova Scotia. Over in Sydney, you’ll find the Casino Nova Scotia Sydney sister venue. While this selection may not be comparable to that of the Ontario casino gaming market, there’s plenty in the province to entertain its residents.
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According to statistics provided by the Nova Scotia Gaming Corporation, gambling provides $37.6 million in tax revenue to Nova Scotia, along with $34.7 million in total salaries and benefits, making it a notable contributor to the local economy.
Casino Nova Scotia began as a temporary part of the Sheraton Hotel Halifax in 1995. It became a Las Vegas-style resort owned by Caesars in 2000 before being sold to the Great Canadian Gaming Corporation in 2005. At this time, the GCGC also acquired what is now the Halifax site’s sister venue, Casino Nova Scotia Sydney.
Major Casinos in Nova Scotia
There are two major casinos situated in Nova Scotia, and here’s what you should know about each of these gaming venues.
Casino Nova Scotia Halifax
History and Background
On June 1, 1995, what is now Casino Nova Scotia Halifax first opened as a temporary location to provide additional entertainment options to guests staying at the Sheraton Hotel Halifax. Just five years later, a permanent location was opened up on the waterfront of downtown Halifax, running as a Caesars venue. In 2005, Great Canadian Gaming Corporation took over, giving it a big renovation in 2006 and continuing to build out its offering throughout the years.
Location and Accessibility
You can find Casino Nova Scotia Halifax on the waterfront to the east of downtown Halifax at 1983 Upper Water Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3J 3Y5. There’s plenty of on-site parking, and it’s easy to reach from the city.
Key Features and Attractions
Casino Nova Scotia Halifax offers the province’s most complete casino gaming experience. Here, you’ll find more than 600 slots and table games encompassing everything from classic hits to new and modern variants, poker rooms, jackpots, a selection of restaurants, and the Bruce Guthro Theatre, which often has live entertainment on the schedule.
Casino Nova Scotia Sydney
History and Background
Just two months after Casino Nova Scotia opened at the Sheraton Hotel Halifax, a sister location opened on the other side of the province. When the GCGC came in for the Halifax venue, they also acquired Casino Nova Scotia Sydney to the northeast.
Location and Accessibility
Casino Nova Scotia Sydney is only a few minutes inland from the Sydney Boardwalk and offers free parking to its guests. You can find the gaming venue at Casino Nova Scotia Sydney, 525 George St, Sydney, NS B1P 1K5.
Key Features and Attractions
Casino Nova Scotia Sydney features more than 250 slot machines, jackpots to spin for, and a bunch of blackjack and roulette electronic table games. You can also enjoy free live music and some food at the Celtic Junction Bar & Grille, or test your swing on the golf simulator.
Casino Amenities and Services
As you’d expect from major casinos, you’ll be able to find all of the classic casino game types and hit new variants on the casino floors. At the venues, you can also try fine dining, great bars, and live entertainment.
Gaming Options
Slot Machines
There are hundreds of slot machines at both of the Nova Scotia casino houses. At Casino Nova Scotia Halifax, you’ll get to choose from more than 500 slots, while in Sydney, the selection totals around 250 slots.
Table Games
Table games are a specialty of the Halifax casino. On the gaming floor, you’ll find a whole host of hit table games, including blackjack, roulette, free bet blackjack, ultimate Texas Hold’em, and Let it Ride. During High Limit Hours, you’ll also get to bet on blackjack, roulette, EZ baccarat, and Ultimate Texas Hold’em. At the Sydney casino, you can play table games such as roulette and blackjack, but only as electronic table games.
Poker Rooms
Poker rooms are available for games of no-limit Texas Hold’em between 4 pm and 2 am from Wednesdays to Saturdays at Casino Nova Scotia Halifax.
Dining and Restaurants
Fine Dining Options
While both casinos host stellar dining options, there isn’t a fine dining restaurant in either of the Casino Nova Scotia venues.
Casual Dining and Buffets
At Casino Nova Scotia Halifax, you can choose from the international dining options of May Garden or the 3Sixty restaurant and lounge. Plus, on Fridays and Saturdays, you can indulge in the buffet specials at 3Sixty. Over at Casino Nova Scotia Sydney, you can enjoy the ambience at the house restaurant, Celtic Junction Bar & Grille.
Bars and Lounges
Both 3Sixty in Halifax and Celtic Junction in Sydney function as restaurants and bar lounges.
Entertainment and Shows
Live Music and Performances
At Casino Nova Scotia Sydney, you’ll be treated to live music for free at Celtic Junction on Fridays and Saturdays, just as you will at the 3Sixty lounge at the Halifax venue.
Special Events and Promotions
For special events, turn to Casino Nova Scotia Halifax, which has an extended schedule of upcoming live performances taking place on site at the Bruce Guthro Theatre. Both the Halifax and the Sydney casinos have a constant stream of promotions for dining and gaming to explore, in addition to ever-growing jackpots.
Accommodation Options
On-Site Hotels and Resorts
Despite originating as a hotel-based casino, neither Casino Nova Scotia Halifax nor Casino Nova Scotia Sydney have on-site hotels or resorts. The casino offering in Halifax is certainly Vegas-esque, but it doesn’t come with the option to stay on site.
Nearby Accommodation Alternatives
Thanks to its proximity to downtown Halifax, Casino Nova Scotia Halifax visitors have plenty of accommodation options that are close enough to be convenient. You can get a view of the waterfront at the four-star Halifax Marriott Harbourfront Hotel or choose a much more cost-effective room at Hotel Halifax near the Scotia Square shopping centre. The best in the area, however, is Sutton Place Hotel Halifax, which is a highly-rated five-star hotel.
You’ll have three decent hotels to choose from if you’re headed to Casino Nova Scotia Sydney, and best of all, they’re all down by the waterfront. The Simon Hotel Sydney can give you views of the waterway, as can the Holiday Inn Sydney Waterfront. Alternatively, there’s the higher-rated, four-star hotel Spanish Bay Inn & Suites.
Packages and Deals for Casino Visitors
Members of The Player’s Club can earn points for playing at Casino Nova Scotia Halifax and Sydney. When you play with your members’ card, you can gain access to stacks of rewards, including play-based comps for events, show tickets, and hotels.
FAQs
Does Nova Scotia Have Casinos?
Nova Scotia has two main casinos. Run by Great Canadian Entertainment, you’ll find Casino Nova Scotia in Halifax and a sister casino in Sydney.
What is the Capacity of the Casino in Nova Scotia?
With more than 500 slot machines, poker rooms, several table games, and many electronic tables, it would be fair to assume that Casino Nova Scotia in Halifax has a capacity of some 700 people across its total gaming space. Casino Nova Scotia Sydney, however, is a much smaller venue.
How Big is Halifax Casino?
The Halifax casino, Casino Nova Scotia, boasts a total gaming space of 34,900 square feet.
How Many Slots Does Halifax Casino Have?
At Casino Nova Scotia in Halifax, you’ll find more than 500 slot games.
Who Owns the Casino in Nova Scotia?
Great Canadian Entertainment owns both of the casinos in Nova Scotia. Casino Nova Scotia in Halifax and Casino Nova Scotia Sydney were both acquired by the entertainment company in 2005.
What are the Legal Gambling Ages in Nova Scotia?
In Nova Scotia, the legal gambling age for playing casino games is 19; the legal gambling age to play lotteries is also 19.
How Do I Get to Casino Nova Scotia, Halifax?
Casino Nova Scotia in Halifax is very close to the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site, sitting on the nearby waterway. You’ll just need to get to Upper Water Street and then turn onto Purdys Lane.
Are There Any Dress Codes for the Casinos?
There isn’t a formal dress code in place at Casino Nova Scotia and Casino Nova Scotia Sydney. The only restrictions beyond a socially acceptable casual dress code are that clothes and accessories can’t have ties to gangs, obscene graphics, or profane language.