Casino Dene Review

Nestled in the secluded area of Cold Lake, Casino Dene might just hold the title for Alberta's best-kept gem. But is it worth your time and travel? Delve into this article as we uncover the dynamic gaming experiences available, guide you on how to earn free play rewards, and describe the distinct atmosphere of Casino Dene.

Casino Dene Ratings

Table of Contents

• How We Rate and Review Casino Dene
• Slot Machines – 5/5
• Casino Games – 4/5
• Staff & Service – 3/5
• Loyalty & Rewards – 5/5
• Casino Atmosphere – 3/5
• House Rules (T&Cs) – 4/5
• Player Feedback – 3.7/5
• Operator – 3/5
• Casino Dene Competitors
• Casino Dene Pros and Cons
• Should You Take a Chance on Casino Dene?

How We Rate and Review Casino Dene

Our unique evaluation system is meticulously designed to allow our specialists to scrutinize Canadian casinos and offer unparalleled insights. By personally visiting each location, our reviewers can share genuine insights based on their firsthand encounters.

Our mission is to equip you with thorough and factual information so you can make knowledgeable choices. We achieve this by detailing the variety of games available, the quality of customer service, and an in-depth examination of the casino’s trustworthiness.

How we inspected Casino Dene

• Date of visit: 11/18/2023
• Time of visit: 6 PM – 1 AM
• Initial bankroll: C$100
• What we played: Roulette, Slots
• Final bankroll: C$131
• Next visit: 11/17/2024

What we looked at

To provide consistent reviews, we apply both objective and subjective measures in our casino evaluations. This includes verifying the presence of key features, ensuring a diverse game selection, and taking the time to appreciate the ambiance the casino offers.

What we found

Slot Machines – 5/5

Casino Dene boasts a collection of 250 slot machines sourced from three top-tier slot manufacturers. However, this isn’t the largest selection you'll find in Alberta.

Slots we played at Casino Dene

Starting our gaming adventure, we tried our luck at the iconic Wheel of Fortune slot. Without hitting a jackpot, we switched to Pompeii, where nostalgia is in the air. Our finale was a spin at the progressive jackpot on Diamond Millions, which, despite our efforts, still retains a whopping jackpot of over C$1 million.

Wondering about the number of slot machines at Casino Dene?

Our count confirmed a total of 250 slot machines available at Casino Dene.

Do the slot machines accept coins?

Slot machines operate on a cash note basis and also accept the Winner's Edge rewards card.

Slot machine providers

• Aristocrat
• IGT
• Light & Wonder

Local progressive jackpots

Casino Dene is host to the Alberta Progressive series, featuring Alberta Gold, Jackpot Junction, and the notable Diamond Millions, which is known for its starting jackpot of C$1 million.

Casino Games – 4/5

We were especially thrilled to witness authentic blackjack tournaments and not just standard poker ones. Other game options include roulette and several poker variants, though craps and baccarat are only found on VLT machines.

Game types

• Roulette
• Blackjack
• Poker
• Craps (VLT only)
• Baccarat (VLT only)

Betting limits

For table games, players can wager up to C$100, with options including roulette, blackjack, and three-card poker.

Does betting the highest limits require special VIP privileges?

No special VIP access is needed; everyone can enjoy betting up to the table limits at Casino Dene.

Casino Dene poker tournaments

Casino Dene offers numerous poker tournaments, mainly featuring No Limit Texas Hold'em, typically held over weekends. On our visit, they promoted a C$1/C$2 game with a buy-in of C$100.

Staff & Service – 3/5

Food & Drinks

Dining at Casino Dene is limited to the Aurora Bar & Lounge, offering a selection of classic casino meals such as chicken wraps, steak sandwiches, and beet bannock. Their later hours cater to late-night guests with more snack-like choices.

The food prices are reasonable, with main dishes ranging from C$14 to C$19. They also feature weekly deals like Prime Rib Fridays, Wings Wednesdays, and Thursday Braised Beef Ribs.

Aurora Bar & Lounge

• Every day: 11 AM – 2 AM

How much do you tip at Casino Dene?

Tipping is usually around 15-20% in Alberta.

Does Casino Dene offer free drinks?

Aurora Bar & Lounge serves free coffee, though alcoholic beverages are not complimentary for guests.

Is there a buffet at Casino Dene?

During our visit, there wasn’t a buffet scheduled, as confirmed by the waiting staff.

Parking

The casino provides ample free parking at its entrance, offering a couple of hundred spaces, though it is an open parking area, not a secured facility.

Accommodation

Hotel Dene, located adjacent to Casino Dene, provides diverse room options, a bistro, and three-star comforts with easy access to the casino. Weekday stays are priced around C$80, while weekends can go beyond C$110.

Do you tip room service at Casino Dene?

Hotel Dene lacks room service, but patrons can leave tips for staff at the on-site BirchBark Bistro.

Are there smoking areas?

Yes, smokers can enjoy an indoor section within the casino, which also houses slot machines.

Security

Security was vigilant at the entrance, verifying IDs and offering guidance. The casino is monitored via ample CCTV, which provided us a sense of security, though we observed minimal surveillance around the parking area, which isn't known for crime.

Loyalty & Rewards – 5/5

How is the rewards program structured at Casino Dene?

The Winner's Edge card is an Alberta-wide loyalty program allowing players to collect 1 point for every C$1-C$5 spent on gaming. These points can be exchanged for free play, and the program includes exclusive perks and bonuses.

What you get

• Welcome bonus of up to C$1,000 free-play
• 10% dining discounts
• Additional free play

How to register in the program

You have three ways to register for a Winner’s Edge card.

1. Visit winnersedge.ca and complete the online registration.
2. Visit any Winner's Edge kiosk at an Alberta casino.
3. Register at Casino Dene’s Guest Services desk.
4. Whichever method you choose, you can collect your card upon showing your ID at the Guest Services desk.

Casino Atmosphere – 3/5

Inside Casino Dene

In our effort to capture the overall vibe at Casino Dene, we’ve detailed our observations on its interior design, the non-gaming activities available, and what the surrounding area has in store for visitors.

Design experience

Casino Dene's interior sports a classic casino look with decor that might evoke nostalgia. Its walls and ceilings subtly reflect the heritage of the Cold Lake First Nations.

Are photography rules strict inside Casino Dene?

Photography is allowed but not at live gaming tables. Feel free to capture moments around the slot machines.

Location and surroundings

Truth be told, this casino isn’t exactly in a bustling area. Positioned along Route 28, you won’t find much else for kilometers, until you reach Cold Lake just 16 minutes north.

Do visitors need a passport for Casino Dene entry?

A government-issued ID suffices for entry, though we suggest tourists bring their passports since local IDs might present assessment challenges.

Events

Casino Dene frequently hosts free live music on Friday and Saturday nights, featuring local artists and impressive cover bands with no cover charge.

House Rules (T&Cs) – 4/5

Casino Dene opening hours

Operating hours are 11 AM to 2 AM from Sunday to Thursday. On weekends, Friday and Saturday, the casino stays open for an additional hour.

Does Casino Dene charge entry?

Casino Dene welcomes you without the need for an entry fee.

Is it necessary to make reservations for Casino Dene games?

No reservations are needed. Just arrive, and if needed, wait for a spot to become available at the tables or slots.

Is being a member necessary at Casino Dene?

Membership is neither required nor available, though you can still join the Winner's Edge rewards for benefits.

Dress code

While there isn't a strict dress code at Casino Dene, casual attire seems acceptable. However, clothing displaying offensive, violent, or gang-related messages is prohibited.

Standout rules at Casino Dene

The rules encountered are consistent with standard Canadian casino regulations.

Player Feedback – 3.7/5

Casino Dene enjoys high ratings from nearly 390 reviews on Google and Tripadvisor. Google often receives new feedback, though some Tripadvisor reviews appear older.

Casino Dene player reviews

Google – 4/5

Google reviews are overwhelmingly positive, highlighting attentive staff and free entertainment. While some noted that the selection of games was somewhat limited.

Tripadvisor – 3.5/5

Customers praised the entertainment and gaming options, although some considered the food offerings to be a bit subpar.

Most common issues

• Underwhelming food
• Small gaming offering

Operator – 3/5

Who owns Casino Dene?

The Denesuline Tribe of the Cold Lake First Nations owns and operates Casino Dene under an agreement with the Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission, contributing community development through its profits.

Contact info

Casino Dene Competitors

Besides online casinos in Canada Despite being an out-of-the-way establishment, Casino Dene lacks competition from other brick-and-mortar casinos. Alberta hosts multiple casinos, yet Casino Dene is relatively remote, with Gold Horse Casino being the nearest, over 150km away.

Casino Dene Pros and Cons

Pros

• Offers regular blackjack tournaments with generous jackpots
• Low C$100/C$200 poker tournament buy-in cost
• Features designated smoking areas equipped with slots and VLT machines
• Free live music on the weekends

Cons

• Only 250 slot machines in total

Should You Take a Chance on Casino Dene?

Casino Dene, situated in Cold Lake, serves as more than just a detour. With 250 gaming options, complimentary weekend entertainment, and affordable poker tournaments, there are numerous reasons to go. Plan an overnight stay to enjoy everything the casino has to offer.

While the variety of games isn’t vast and some gamers may quickly exhaust their preferences, Casino Dene provides notable entertainment. Non-local visitors might find the music scene unfamiliar, but most will find their experience enjoyable. Careful planning can enhance your visit.