The Background of Alberta’s Tribal Casinos

The history of their indigenous peoples and the casino businesses in North America’s two largest countries are linked. While the tribal history of Nevada is well-known worldwide (with two tribal casinos still in operation in the state today), international casino players may not be as familiar with that of the country of Canada. If you’re thinking of taking a gaming holiday in the Great White North, or you’re simply interested in the history of the national iGaming industry, keep reading to learn more about Alberta’s tribal past!

Who are the First Nations of Alberta?

The First Nations of Alberta are a group of people who have been officially recognized as the indigenous peoples (or Plains Indians) of the region. Although the First Nations have ancient roots in Canada, only a tiny portion of the local population still identifies as belonging to this group. The city of Edmonton, the provincial capital of Alberta, has the second-highest First Nations population in Canada after Winnipeg, Manitoba. While the First Nations have been subject to discrimination as a minority over the years, they are now afforded more legal rights in line with traditional reservation boundaries. Tribal groups may legally control casinos or gaming venues that exist within such boundaries.

The beginnings of casino games started with indigenous people playing Slahal. It was invented by indigenous people to beat each other up with bones from deer or other animals. The game includes various components, including a chance to earn money and characteristics that make it a family activity and sacred ceremony. So, the very beginning of online casinos is coming from indigenous people.

Which Tribal Casinos Still Exist in Alberta?

In neighboring Ontario, the indigenous peoples known as the 500 Tribes still maintain control of three casinos: the Casino Rama Resort, the Golden Eagle Charitable Casino & Entertainment Centre, and the Great Blue Heron Charity Casino. In Alberta, the First Nations currently have control of five operating casinos known as Host First Nation venues. These include the Stoney Nakoda Resort & Casino in Morley, the Eagle River Casino & Travel Plaza in Whitecourt, and the Grey Eagle Resort & Casino based in Calgary. The other Host First Nation casinos in Alberta are Casino Dene at Cold Lake and the River Cree Resort & Casino, which is based in Enoch. The tribal casinos are no exception to this kind of modification. And lastly, the top online casinos in Canada can deliver the same sensations as the best tribal casinos – and that’s why they are the most popular choice.

The iGaming Scene in Canada Today

Canada has a rich and fertile casino iGaming history. Canadian players are spoiled for choice these days, whether they want to enjoy slots, card games, table games, or specialty games online or in a land-based venue. The leading land-based casinos in Canada today include the River Cree Resort and Casino, Niagra Falls View Casino Resort, and the famous Hard Rock Casino in Vancouver. The top online casinos available to players based in Alberta this year include Spin Casino, Jackpot City, Golden Tiger Casino, and Casumo Casino. If you’re on the lookout for more of the best Canadian online casinos, check out the full selection of established operators doing business in the country today. Many foreign investors own some of the best online casinos in Canada, but this is not the case with tribal casinos. You can not own tribal casinos if you are not Indian. Location is the main distinction between these two categories of casinos. Indian casinos are located on tribal territories, while commercial casinos are not. Because of this, Indian casinos are frequently fairly huge. The size of commercial casinos is restricted to what would fit on the real estate they buy or rent.

The Future of Tribal Casinos in Canada

Serving as a crucial symbol of the country’s history and indigenous culture, there’s no doubt that tribal casinos in Canada are here to stay. Undoubtedly, casinos operated by Aboriginal nations will remain a part of Canada’s cultural heritage for a long time. With tourism in the region on the rise after a COVID-19-related decline, we’re likely to see more casino enthusiasts visiting Alberta. Let’s hope that they make the most of all that the province’s tribal casinos have to offer!