Welcome to a thrilling journey through the vibrant nightlife and exhilarating gaming experiences that define Alberta’s capital. This article is your passport to the heart of Edmonton’s entertainment scene, where the clattering of slot machines, the swift dance of roulette wheels, and the electric tension of poker games come alive under glimmering lights. Each casino in our list offers a unique blend of games, entertainment, and ambiance, promising an experience that transcends the ordinary. From the majestic River Cree Resort and Casino, hailed as the city’s finest, to the bustling Pure Casino Edmonton, one of Western Canada’s largest casinos known for its joyful hospitality; we’ll delve into a world where each establishment tells its captivating tale. Whether you’re enticed by the charm of Century Casino or the grandeur of Starlight Casino, this tour will guide you through a diverse range of unforgettable experiences. So, let’s embark on this adventure and bring the city’s glittering casino scene right to your fingertips!
1. Pure Canadian Gaming
Immerse yourself in the world of Pure Canadian Gaming, a prestigious institution founded by Heinz Oldach, a visionary who began his journey with Casino ABS, formerly known as Casino ABS. With roots that trace back to over 30 years of operating charitable casinos in Alberta, Oldach, together with his friend and colleague from Acme, purchased Carnival Company when he was just 28. They set forth on an ambitious path, adding new rides, expanding operations, and establishing Alberta Bingo Supplies Ltd. in 1973.
Today, ABS stands as Canada’s oldest and largest casino operator, proudly located in the heart of Alberta. In 2011, ABS was sold to Onex and transformed, reemerging as Pure Casino on April 2, 2013. Located at 7055 Argyll Rd NW, Edmonton, AB T6C 4A5, Canada, Pure Casino has established itself as a beacon of fine entertainment, thrilling gaming, and authentic hospitality.
The team at Pure Casino excels in creating an environment where every guest feels valued and welcomed, embodying a spirit of unrivaled customer service that we’re confident is the best in Alberta. Committed to our communities, Pure Casino continually strives to raise the bar, aiming to be the city’s top casino.
With an extensive rewards program that features exclusive coupons, promotional drawings, ballots, special rewards for hand-pay Jackpots and specific buy-ins at tables, Pure Casino offers more excitement and action than any other establishment. Guests can also enjoy a 10% discount on all Food and beverage orders (excluding alcohol, promotions, or specials), and receive invitations to special events. As Alberta’s longest-running casino company, Pure Canadian Gaming continues to offer Albertans exceptional customer service and entertainment while demonstrating an unwavering commitment to the community.
2. Century Mile Racetrack And Casino
Situated at 4711 Airport Perimeter Rd, Edmonton International Airport, AB T9E 0V6, Canada, Century Mile Racetrack and Casino serves as an ideal spot for both horse racing aficionados and casino enthusiasts. With a one-mile racetrack that accommodates Thoroughbred and Standardbred races throughout the year, it offers its patrons an adrenaline-filled experience. Besides the thrill of live racing, Century Mile facilitates pari-mutuel betting. The casino section boasts over 600 slot machines and VLTs, supplemented by electronic table games in the Replay Arena. For those desiring a break from the gaming excitement, the venue’s bar and sports lounge provide a laid-back setting. The Derby Restaurant is on hand with a wide array of delectable dishes. Century Mile Racetrack and Casino, with its assortment of both trendy and classic games and a variety of betting options from $5 to penny slot machines, guarantees a fun-filled and unforgettable experience for all visitors.
3. River Cree Resort And Casino
Situated at 300 East Lapotac Boulevard, Enoch, AB T7X 3Y3, Canada, River Cree Resort & Casino provides a thrilling casino experience that has made it a favorite among the Edmonton community. The resort is designed to meet all your needs, whether you’re in search of high-quality entertainment or a cozy lodging experience. It houses Edmonton’s only smoke-free venue, while also providing Embers, a gaming center for smokers.
The Venue at the resort covers a vast area of 24,000 square feet and can accommodate up to 2,400 guests, making it an excellent choice for private events, festive celebrations, and wedding receptions. Whether you’re in town for business or leisure, River Cree Resort guarantees a memorable stay with its sophisticated hotel facilities.
The casino offers a total of 40 table games, including 15 on the main floor featuring favorites like Blackjack, Roulette, and Ultimate Texas Hold’em. For those looking for high-stakes gaming, the casino has 11 additional table games in a separate, smoke-free section on the main floor, offering games like Baccarat and Blackjack. Book your reservation today and experience the excitement and luxury River Cree Resort & Casino has to offer.
4. Pure Casino Edmonton
Situated at 7055 Argyll Rd NW, Edmonton, AB T6C 4A5, Canada, Pure Casino Edmonton has been a premier spot for gaming enthusiasts in Edmonton for over ten years. What began as an abandoned warehouse turned into a bingo hall and now stands as a cherished casino. The facility spreads across 72,000 square feet and features more than 800 slot machines, 28 VLTs, 26 table games, and a lively poker room open 24/7.
The casino hosts are ready to tailor your gaming experience to your preferences. Their lounge offers a sophisticated and modern nightlife environment, complete with an open-concept design, a sky stage, The Mezz, and complimentary PPV UFC and top sports on our screens! In addition to live music, Pure Casino Edmonton also screens pay-per-view sports events.
Wind down after a thrilling day of gaming and entertainment at their restaurant, which serves a range of meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. They also have daily dining promotions. Following a comprehensive renovation in the late summer of 2020, the casino has reopened with enhancements across the entire facility. This refurbished casino delivers a distinct gaming and entertainment experience.
5. Century Casino & Hotel Edmonton
Located at 13103 Fort Rd NW, Edmonton, AB T5A 1C3, Canada, Century Casino Edmonton brings thrilling entertainment to your doorstep, complete with underground heated parking. The casino boasts some of the best slots, VLTs and gaming tables in the region, complemented by off-track betting options. Step into Alberta’s premier high-limit gaming room, featuring an exclusive salon that promises a unique experience.
The casino also offers a plethora of amenities for guests to enjoy. These include a showroom, bar, restaurant, the Yuk Yuk comedy club, and a boutique hotel. Whether you’re a fan of Blackjack, Roulette, or Four Card Poker, They have got you covered. Dive into the excitement as they shuffle the cards and immerse you in the fun! With their luxurious high-limit table gaming area and a private salon, your gaming experience at Century Casino Edmonton will undoubtedly be memorable.
6. Starlight Casino
Nestled within Pure Casino Yellowhead in North Edmonton, Starlight Casino stands as the ultimate destination for poker enthusiasts, slot machine devotees, culinary explorers, and fans of live entertainment. The casino boasts Edmonton’s most exclusive High Limit Room, which houses 727 slot machines, 24 lottery terminals, and 27 live-action table games. With a diverse game offering that includes 12 Blackjack, 1 Crap table, 7 Baccarat, 2 Pai Gow Tiles, 2 Roulette, 8 Video Roulette, 1 Ultimate Texas Holdem, Crazy Four Card Poker, and 12 Poker Tables, it has cemented its status as the city’s favorite poker hotspot.
Thrilling limit/no-limit and tournament games await you at the Edmonton Poker Room. VIP Casino Hosts stand ready to personalize your casino experience. Additionally, Pure Casino Yellowhead presents a variety of weekly dining deals.
Their expansive gaming floor features the Replay Arena and a vast selection of slot machines and table games (Poker excluded). Starlight also offers a diverse range of food and beverage options. Relish authentic Asian noodle dishes at Chow Lucky Noodle Bar, and enjoy the convenience of the Nova Bar situated on the gaming floor.
7. Pure Casino Yellowhead
Situated at 12464 153 St NW, Edmonton, AB T5V 1S5, Canada, Pure Casino Yellowhead offers the best limit/no-limit gaming experience in Alberta. The highlight is their high-limit area, which boasts 7 Baccarat 2 Blackjack tables, and an additional Pai Gow table. Their exclusive VIP gaming lounge features 2 more Baccarat tables for a premium experience. You can even engage in a personalized gaming session with their dedicated casino host.
Pure Casino Yellowhead stands out as a memorable destination, enhancing Edmonton’s nightlife with the Pearl Showroom – the city’s most esteemed venue. Here, you can catch all your favorite high-octane events, fights, and entertainment. The venue’s unique mood lighting and fully-stocked bar ensure you won’t miss a moment of the action.
Beyond gaming and entertainment, Pure Casino Yellowhead impresses with its dining options. After soaking up the exciting entertainment and gaming, you can relax with a meal at one of their multiple locations, serving a wide range of breakfast, lunch, and dinner options. Daily dining promotions add to the appeal. Whether you’re looking for live entertainment, a poker game, or a chance to explore the newly opened high-limit room, Pure Casino Yellowhead is an essential stop on any Edmonton casino tour.
8. The Patio At River Cree
Located at Box 179 300 East Lapotac Blvd, Enoch, AB T7X 3Y3, Canada, The Patio at River Cree, is a distinctive outdoor dining destination designed for families. It typically operates from Wednesday to Sunday, from 4 pm to 11 pm. It provides a setting where you can savor your preferred beer or cocktail under the sun while sporting your favorite sunglasses. The Patio takes the dining experience to another level with its exquisite food, socially distanced seating arrangements, patio heaters, and charming string-lit tents. An additional feature that enhances the ambiance is a large outdoor screen displaying all the games. While making a reservation is suggested, walk-ins are also appreciated. Known for hosting an impressive Playoff Party with the largest screens in Edmonton, River Cree Resort offers a reservation package for just $10. This includes a drink of your choice and a ticket for possible door prizes and giveaways. They also have a special offer on select beers for $5.00, and a concession stand is readily available in the pub.
9. Grand Villa Casino
Situated at 10204 104 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T5J 0H6, Canada, Grand Villa Casino provides a remarkable venue for gaming and entertainment. Joining the My Club Reward program is an effortless and cost-free process. Simply show your ID at the Guest Services Desk of the casino and enroll for My Club Rewards. The casino houses a diverse array of table games and Dynasty Roulette, in addition to hundreds of well-liked slot machines such as 88 Fortunes and Jungle Wild. Whether you’re a fan of reel-style or video slots, the options are plentiful. The casino serves as a perfect spot for a memorable night with friends. At The Grand Villa, you have the opportunity to play in style, making it a top destination for those in search of an exciting casino experience.
10. Century Casino
Century Casino St. Albert, situated at 24 Boudreau Road just north/west of Edmonton, is a hub of thrilling entertainment complete with ample free parking. The casino boasts the most extensive array of slot machines and VLTs, ensuring an adrenaline-pumping experience for avid gamers. Navigate your way to us by turning left onto Campbell Road and taking the Henday Highway. We invite you and your companions to explore the broad spectrum of slot themes we offer, promising diverse winning jackpots and payouts. Their dynamic gaming floor provides non-stop fun and excitement.
Online Gambling In Edmonton, Alberta
Alberta, known for hosting some of the oldest casinos in Canada, boasts a vibrant gambling history that goes back to the 1920s, marked by organized gambling activities such as church bingo and horse race betting. As time passed, the province saw the emergence of lotteries, sweepstakes, and gaming machines, complemented by temporary casino exhibitions at summer fairs.
The 1980s ushered in the era of permanent charitable casinos, with Calgary’s Cash Casino opening in 1980 and Edmonton’s Casino ABS following suit in 1981. By 1995, a total of eleven casinos had been established in the province, gradually evolving into today’s luxurious destinations. As of 2023, Alberta is home to 24 land-based casinos, with Edmonton and Calgary hosting six each.
The dawn of the Internet age saw online casinos gaining traction in Canada. Similar to their physical counterparts, Alberta’s online casinos accepting CAD have flourished, drawing in Albertan players who previously could only make infrequent trips to land casinos.
Noteworthy events in Alberta’s gambling history include the launch of the first land-based casinos in the 1990s, the establishment of the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission (AGLC) in 1995 to regulate gambling, and the legalization of single-game betting in September 2021.
In 1996, slot machines made their debut in Alberta’s charitable casinos. Currently, the largest land-based casino in the province is the River Cree Resort & Casino.
On the digital front, PlayAlberta became the first regulated online gambling site in 2020. Internationally licensed online casinos also welcome players from Alberta, with top platforms including Jackpot City, Spin Casino, and Ruby Fortune.
Online gambling is fully legal in Alberta for those aged 18 and above, with regulation provided by the AGLC. PlayAlberta stands as the sole regulated online casino in the region.
Looking to the future, the AGLC has plans to authorize sports betting for two private operators. Despite interest from operators, Alberta’s casino laws currently remain unchanged.