Casino Nanaimo Review

In 2022, a fortunate player hit a substantial jackpot of C$2.1 million with a single lucky spin at Casino Nanaimo. Could this place be the epicenter of major wins?

Explore our review of Casino Nanaimo, where we cover up-to-date information on the kinds of games you can play, active promotions and jackpots, dining facilities, and so forth.

Casino Nanaimo Ratings

Table of Contents

• Evaluating Casino Nanaimo: How We Rate and Review
• 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 – 3.6/5
• Operator – 5/5
• Casino Nanaimo Competitors
• Casino Nanaimo Pros and Cons
• Should You Visit Casino Nanaimo?

Evaluating Casino Nanaimo: How We Rate and Review

By experiencing the casino firsthand, we gather crucial insights and aim to equip you with everything you need to decide on your next visit.

How we inspected Casino Nanaimo

• Date of visit: 09/14/2024
• Time of visit: 2 PM – 12 AM
• Initial bankroll: C$100
• What we played: Slots, Blackjack, VLT
• Final bankroll: C$145
• Next visit: 09/15/2025

What we looked at

Our assessment approach balances both measurable factors and personal experiences. Objectively, we assess features such as the variety of slot machine providers and the presence of progressive jackpots. Subjectively, we scrutinize the casino's operational rules.

What we found

Slot Machines – 5/5

You’ll encounter numerous machines with diverse themes and numerous jackpots powered by leading slot developers.

Slots we played at Casino Nanaimo

We began our adventure with some classic slot games like Gold Stack and Cats, then transitioned to Wicked Winnings and Rising Fortunes.

At the end of the evening, our goal was to win big, attempting to score the major jackpots on BC Gold, Powerbucks, and Lightning Link, but ended up empty-handed.

What is the quantity of slot games available at Casino Nanaimo?

There are more than 400 slot machines for players to enjoy at Casino Nanaimo.

Do the slot machines accept coins?

Slot machines restrict payment methods to cash notes, printed casino vouchers, and complimentary play from Encore Rewards cards.

Slot machine providers

• Aristocrat
• IGT
• Bally

Local progressive jackpots

Casino Games – 4/5

There are six live gaming tables in the casino featuring four different games.

If you find the tables occupied, you can switch to 10 VLT machines offering electronic versions of classics like blackjack, roulette, and baccarat.

Game types

• Kings Bounty Blackjack
• Free Bet Blackjack
• RUYI Baccarat
• Ultimate Texas Hold’em

Betting limits

We tried our luck with Free Bet Blackjack, which had a starting wager of just C$5.

VLT machines allow for bets as low as C$0.50, making them approachable for all players.

Are exclusive privileges necessary to bet at the highest limits?

Anyone is free to wager the maximum limits at any game without needing a VIP status.

Casino Nanaimo poker tournaments

Engage in C$1/C$3 No Limit Texas Hold’em every day. Entry fees start at C$100, with additional re-buy opportunities up to C$500. Remember to reserve through Guest Services before joining.

Staff & Service – 3/5

Food & Drinks

Dining options include one restaurant, The Well Public House, in Casino Nanaimo.

The Well serves up an array of meals from breakfast till late night, with menus featuring Asian dishes, BBQ specialties, Poutine, and snacks like chicken wings, staying open until 10 PM or even midnight.

Most meal choices are affordable, costing under C$17 or C$18, and offer large roast options for C$20. In addition, The Well offers an assortment of local and international beers, wines, and cocktails.

Opening hours:

• Sun – Thurs: 11 AM – 10 PM
• Fri & Sat: 11 AM – 12 AM

How much do you tip at Casino Nanaimo?

Customarily, tipping in British Columbia stands between 15 and 20%.

Is there any complimentary beverage service at Casino Nanaimo?

Yes, guests can enjoy free non-alcoholic beverages such as soda and can avail themselves of complimentary coffee machines.

Is there a buffet at Casino Nanaimo?

Casino Nanaimo doesn't feature a buffet.

Parking

Conveniently located just outside the casino, there is ample free parking.

Accommodation

While Casino Nanaimo lacks an on-site hotel, there are four hotels within a short walking distance available for accommodation.

The most affordable hotel choice nearby is Painted Turtle Guesthouse, a one-star option with costs around C$100 per night.

For proximity and convenience, the Courtyard Nanaimo, located directly across from the casino, costs roughly C$220 for a night's stay.

Should room service be tipped when staying in a hotel near Casino Nanaimo?

If the chosen hotel offers room service, tipping staff is appreciated though not obligatory.

Are there smoking areas?

Both the hotels and the casino enforce non-smoking policies, requiring smokers to step outdoors.

Security

The security personnel at the casino were notably welcoming, setting a positive tone for our visit compared to others in British Columbia.

Understanding that the entire casino interior is under CCTV surveillance, parking areas still need better coverage.

Loyalty & Rewards – 5/5

How does Casino Nanaimo’s loyalty program function?

The Encore Rewards card, valid province-wide, is accepted at Casino Nanaimo. It’s free to acquire and includes several tiers offering exclusive privileges.

What you get

• Free play
• Dining discounts
• Exclusive promos, gifts, and draws

How to register in the program

1. Enter Casino Nanaimo
2. Go to Guest Services
3. Ask for an Encore Rewards card
4. Complete the form and provide your ID
5. Receive your Encore Rewards card

Casino Atmosphere – 3/5

Inside Casino Nanaimo

Paying close attention to the casino's interior design and a tour around its vicinity provided us with better insights.

We also researched additional entertainment opportunities, like live events, that could interest visitors.

Design experience

The casino is characterized by a darker interior and low ceilings, creating an ambience akin to what you'd find in a boardwalk arcade.

Despite the decor appearing a bit outdated, it maintained an enjoyable atmosphere overall.

Is it permissible to take pictures in Casino Nanaimo?

While you can take photos in most areas of the casino, it is not allowed within live gaming sections.

Location and surroundings

Nanaimo captivates with its picturesque harbor and charming small-town coastal essence.

One can explore a variety of trails, parks, and scenic vistas along one of Canada’s longest coastlines.

By timing your visit right, you might experience the vibrant local festivals and cultural happenings.

Is a passport required to enter Casino Nanaimo?

A passport is one of the acceptable identification methods for entry. Alternatively, BCID, a driver's license, or a national ID card with a photo can be used.

Events

Live performances aren’t featured at Casino Nanaimo. Nevertheless, it has spaces reserved for corporate and personal occasions like weddings and conventions.

House Rules (T&Cs) – 4/5

When is Casino Nanaimo open?

Casino Nanaimo welcomes guests daily from 10 AM until 1 AM, extending hours to 2 AM on Fridays and Saturdays.

Does Casino Nanaimo charge entry?

No, entry is free.

Is making a reservation necessary for visiting Casino Nanaimo?

Typically, you can join any available game without booking a spot.

Is it necessary to be a member to play at Casino Nanaimo?

No membership is needed nor offered at Casino Nanaimo. It is advisable to join the Encore Rewards program though.

Dress code

There isn’t a stringent dress code enforced at Casino Nanaimo. Most guests were casually attired in comfortable clothing like t-shirts and flip-flops.

Use your best judgment to avoid clothing linked with gangs, offensive content, or promoting violence.

Standout rules at Casino Nanaimo

Casino regulations in British Columbia are generally clear-cut; our examination didn’t uncover any unique rules.

Player Feedback – 3.6/5

We noticed nearly 1,000 reviews available on platforms like Tripadvisor and Google.

Casino Nanaimo player reviews

Google – 3.8/5

Gamers appreciated the prompt service, attractive pricing at the restaurant, and the friendliness of the live dealers.

A common complaint among players was the difficulty in reserving seats for busy poker games.

Tripadvisor – 3.5/5

Reviewers repeatedly noted positive experiences and echoed sentiments about the courteous and efficient service.

Some avid gamers described the casino as 'basic', likely referring to the limited number of live-table games available.

Most common issues

• Tables can get very busy
• Limited table numbers

Operator – 5/5

Who owns Casino Nanaimo?

The casino is part of the Great Canadian Entertainment family, a major player in the Canadian gaming industry.

Other casinos by the same operator

• Great Canadian Casino Vancouver
• Casino Ajax
• Elements Casino Grand River

Contact info

Casino Nanaimo Competitors

Only two other casinos in Vancouver Island online casinos in Canada pose notable competition for Casino Nanaimo.

If you venture across the Strait of Georgia, you'll find a multitude of casinos clustered closely together, making them easily accessible by car.

Comparing Casino Nanaimo with Chances Courtenay

About ninety minutes north of Casino Nanaimo, you'll come across Chances Courtenay.

This smaller venue hosts around 200 slot machines but lacks live table games, and its bingo section is temporarily shut down.

Chances Courtenay is an ideal spot for enjoying entertaining events.

Each Friday and Saturday night, the place comes alive with performances from live bands and DJs, and it's also a popular spot for watching major sports.

An event like their annual Drag Brunch is worth traveling to experience in its own right.

Assessing Casino Nanaimo against Elements Casino Victoria

Traveling south from Casino Nanaimo, Elements Casino Victoria is also an hour and a half away.

This establishment boasts 14 live gaming tables for classic games, over 700 slot machines, off-track betting, and bingo.

Elements Casino Victoria is a fantastic choice for those eager to play live poker.

The poker room offers different stakes, including C$1/C$3 No Limit Poker and C$2/C$5 No Limit Poker.

Players can also take a shot at winning two Bad Beat Jackpots, including a special Local Bad Beat Jackpot.

What makes Casino Nanaimo unique compared to its rivals?

The exciting promotional activities are a major highlight that allows Casino Nanaimo to shine within the British Columbia gambling scene.

There are always at least three poker-related promotions running, including a generous local Bad Beat Jackpot and a progressive High Hand Jackpot across several tables.

Additionally, regular slot tournaments and captivating prize draws add to the experience.

Casino Nanaimo Pros and Cons

Pros

• History of jackpot payouts
• Casual-friendly low bet limits
• Weekly No Limit Hold’em games

Cons

• Only six live gaming tables

Should You Visit Casino Nanaimo?

For anyone with a penchant for casino games, Casino Nanaimo offers a wide assortment of options.

From various table games to poker and hundreds of slot machines, although weekends may see the tables get crowded quickly. While the betting limits cater to casual gamers, more serious players can still enjoy No Limit poker sessions nightly.

Notably, there is an appealing dining aspect, with quick and friendly service enhancing the experience.

Given its picturesque location by Nanaimo harbour, this destination could certainly be a prime spot for a casino getaway.