Casino Nova Scotia Halifax Review

Our team recently visited Casino Nova Scotia in Halifax to gather firsthand insights on all the aspects of the largest casino there — from penny slot machines to the tables with higher stakes.
Discover the variety of dining options, every type of game available, and much more in our thorough evaluation of Casino Nova Scotia.
Casino Nova Scotia Ratings
Overall Rating |
4.2/5 |
Slot Machines |
5/5 |
Casino Games |
4/5 |
Staff & Service |
4/5 |
Loyalty & Rewards |
4/5 |
Casino Atmosphere |
4/5 |
House Rules (T&Cs) |
4.5/5 |
Player Feedback |
3.7/5 |
Operator |
5/5 |
Table of Contents
- How We Rate and Review: The Process Behind Our Casino Nova Scotia Evaluation
- Slot Machines – 5/5
- Casino Games – 4/5
- Staff & Service – 3/5
- Loyalty & Rewards – 4/5
- Casino Atmosphere – 4/5
- House Rules (T&Cs) – 4.5/5
- Player Feedback – 3.7/5
- Operator – 5/5
- Casino Nova Scotia Competitors
- Casino Nova Scotia Pros and Cons
- Is Casino Nova Scotia the Right Place to Try Your Luck on the Slot Machines?
How We Rate and Review: The Process Behind Our Casino Nova Scotia Evaluation
While anyone can quickly glance at a Canadian casino's website, we provide a tailored analysis that gives readers an insider’s perspective, thanks to our direct visits to these venues. Our experienced reviewers not only analyze data and conduct extensive research, but also engage with the casinos as genuine players. review system Having stepped into Casino Nova Scotia's glass doors in Halifax, we immersed ourselves in various games, explored the dining menus, and enjoyed watching sports at the bar. Our firsthand experience offers you trustworthy insights.
The Games We Tried Out: Slot Machines, Roulette, Blackjack
How we inspected Casino Nova Scotia
- Date of visit: 07/07/2023
- Time of visit: 5 PM – 9 PM
- Initial bankroll: C$100
- In our deep dive into Casino Nova Scotia, we explored every facet: we test-drove numerous table games, engaged with a variety of slot machines, and checked out how substantial the progressive jackpots might get. But we didn't stop there – we also dined at the casino’s eateries and experienced live music performances at the lounge.
- Final bankroll: C$340
- Next visit: 03/29/2024
What we looked at
This thorough exploration provided us with a distinctive perspective on the casino's atmosphere and ambiance – insights you'll likely find valuable when you first visit. Spending over four hours at Casino Nova Scotia ensured we gathered ample vital information to assist with your next visit.
Indeed, there are No Limit Hold’em and Omaha poker tournaments hosted here.
What we found
Address |
1983 Upper Water St, Halifax, NS B3J 3Y5 |
Open hours |
Mon – Thur 10 AM – 4 AM 24 hours on weekends |
Membership |
Not required |
Minimum age |
19 |
ID checks |
Yes |
Game types |
Slots, table games, poker |
Tables |
27 |
Slot machines |
600+ |
Payment |
Cash, Card, Chips |
Average betting range |
C$0.01 – C$1,000 |
Free drinks (Canada) |
Yes |
Restaurant |
Yes |
Hotel |
No |
Poker tournaments |
With a collection exceeding 600 slot machines jam-packed with engaging features, alongside a wide selection of progressive jackpot games, Casino Nova Scotia stands out as a haven for slot machine enthusiasts with options ranging from low to high stakes and themes that cater to diverse preferences. |
Slot Machines – 5/5
As soon as we arrived at Casino Nova Scotia, we gravitated towards a collection of slot machines set just across Guest Central in the lobby. We tried Kilimanjaro and bagged some winnings, and then moved to Buffalo Diamond, which provides 2,400 chances to win with bets starting at just one cent.
Slots we played at Casino Nova Scotia
What’s the Count on Slot Machines at Casino Nova Scotia?
The current slate of more than 600 slot machines, as reported by Guest Services, offers a plethora of unique themes, including Egyptian, fruit machines, and fishing.
No, during our complete audit of the casino’s gaming area, none of the machines accepted coins. You can transact using cash or an intuitive ticketing system. fantasy slots .
Do the slot machines accept coins?
We encountered several local progressive jackpot slot games like Pan Am Mighty Cash, which had a mega jackpot of roughly C$2,000 at our visit. Smokin' Hot Stuff Wicked Wheel’s progressive jackpot was already more than C$15,000.
Slot machine providers
- Aristocrat
- IGT
- Everi
- Bally
Local progressive jackpots
Housing 27 tables with various formats of roulette, blackjack, and poker, Casino Nova Scotia presents a vibrant gaming scene. High-stakes players might relish the elevated wagering limits on exclusive high-limit tables, but the stakes might be a bit steep for casual participants.
Casino Games – 4/5
Table limits differ across the different games available, with the highest limit observed at C$2,000 on the baccarat tables. We also saw a blackjack table with a high-limit of C$1,000. During our visit, roulette tables had a minimum bet set at C$10.
Game types
- Roulette: 3 tables
- Blackjack: 13 tables
- Poker: 8 tables
- Baccarat: 3 tables
Betting limits
Can Anyone Place the Highest Bets, or Is VIP Status Required?
No VIP status is needed to bet the topmost limits. Any player joining a table can bet maximum limits. The exclusive high-limit tables open from 5 PM to 4 AM.
All About Poker Tournaments at Casino Nova Scotia
Participate in $1/$2 No Limit Hold’em or $5/$5 Pot Limit Omaha Hi poker games within the casino’s designated poker room. Reservations might be advisable for these events. The buy-in for the No Limit Hold’em is traditionally $40, whereas for Omaha, it’s usually $200 per seat.
Two restaurants, expansive buffets, and secure parking are part of the amenities at Casino Nova Scotia. Though parking isn't complimentary unless you have a specific Player’s Club status, the staff’s exceptional hospitality enhances the gaming experience – we even received complimentary drinks twice.
Staff & Service – 3/5
Beyond the Italian and BBQ buffet on Fridays and Saturdays, Casino Nova Scotia offers two distinct dining experiences: 3Sixty Lounge and May Garden.
Food & Drinks
May Garden is a traditional Chinese eatery serving numerous flavorful dishes at budget-friendly rates. A dinner for two ranges between C$38 and C$48, and you can spend even less by customizing your order. Groups dining together can relish a generous serving of food for just C$95.
3Sixty Lounge functions both as a restaurant and entertainment center with live music, big screen sports, and a diverse menu ranging from burgers to seafood chowder. Player’s Club members enjoy reduced prices, saving about C$1 on each menu item.
How Much Should You Tip at Casino Nova Scotia?
3Sixty Lounge
- Monday – Sunday: 12 PM – 10 PM
- Tuesday (Club 55): 11 AM – 10 PM
May Garden
- Friday – Saturday: 3 PM – 12 AM
- Sunday – Thursday: 3 PM – 10 PM
A 15% tip aligns with Nova Scotia’s standard HST rate and is generally appreciated.
Does Casino Nova Scotia Provide Free Drinks?
Yes, complimentary drinks, including alcohol, are offered to players engaged in slot and table games. However, these drinks must be consumed while seated; moving around with drinks is not permitted.
Is a Buffet Available at Casino Nova Scotia?
Yes, on Fridays and Saturdays from 5 PM to 10 PM, enjoy an Italian feast on Friday or a Prime Rib Buffet on Saturday. Prices for Player’s Club Members start at $19.99.
A large multi-story parking facility with 550 spaces, including 14 designated for wheelchair access, serves Casino Nova Scotia.
Parking
Player’s Club members with Silver, Gold, and Privé statuses get free parking, while Bronze members can earn complimentary parking by accumulating 10 Player’s Club points.
Upon its inception within the Sheraton Hotel in 1995, Casino Nova Scotia provided accommodations. Even though the casino relocated in 2000, their hotel partnership continued until both establishments sold in 2005. Today, the Marriot Halifax Harbourfront, connected via a pedway, remains accessible from the casino.
Parking charges
- 1 hour: C$3.00
- Daytime: C$15.00
- Overnight: C$8.00
Accommodation
Should You Tip Room Service at Casino Nova Scotia?
If dining at the Marriot Halifax Harbourfront or utilizing room service, a 15% gratuity is customary.
The Marriot Halifax Harbourfront adheres strictly to a non-smoking policy. In line with this, Casino Nova Scotia has also transitioned to smoke-free, removing previously designated smoking areas. Smokers must step outdoors for indulging in smoking or vaping.
Are there smoking areas?
Like most modern casinos, the premises are equipped with numerous discreet cameras, which employ facial recognition technology.
Security
Security staff have stringent ID checks for those appearing younger than 30, a protocol they adhere to rigorously – evidenced during our visit as young-looking 30-something guests.
The free-to-join Casino Nova Scotia Player’s Club offers numerous complimentary gifts and buffet discounts. The captivating loyalty program can yield casino bonuses, and the Player’s Club allows point accumulation for cash redemptions.
Loyalty & Rewards – 4/5
Insight into the Casino Nova Scotia Rewards Program
Player membership cards can be scanned during game play to accrue points. Over six months, collected points determine membership tiers: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Club Privé, each delivering unique benefits.
Points Redeemable for Dining and Parking Privileges
What you get
- Free gifts
- Visit Guest Services upon casino entry
- Cash rewards
- Monthly rewards
- Qualification for free parking
How to register for the program
- Head to Casino Nova Scotia
- Complete necessary forms and present government-issued ID
- Ask to sign up for the Player’s Club
- Each week, different live bands and shows can be enjoyed, alongside the scenic views of the Halifax waterfront in this classic casino setting.
Casino Atmosphere – 4/5
Our goal is to encapsulate Casino Nova Scotia’s complete experience. Hence, beyond the games, we considered the facility's layout and design as key points of interest.
Inside Casino Nova Scotia
Unlike some Canadian casinos that might feel like mere gaming rooms, Casino Nova Scotia exudes the aura of an upscale casino. High ceilings impart a sense of vastness, and the expanse of slot machines seems boundless.
Design experience
Despite its grandeur, the decor might remind visitors of the mid-2000s.
Strategically positioned centrally, the 3Sixty Lounge is perfect for quick breaks or catching sports scores.
Can You Take Photos at Casino Nova Scotia?
Photography restrictions apply; capturing images of the casino floor or gaming tables isn't allowed. Even photographing a slot machine could catch security's attention. Captures should be limited to selfies or meals.
Nestled on Halifax's picturesque waterfront, Casino Nova Scotia offers stunning views of the North Atlantic. Nearby, explore artisan shops, galleries, the historic Halifax Citadel, and a charming boardwalk, with vibrant downtown Halifax and its cafes just a short stroll away.
Location and surroundings
Is a Passport Required for a Visit to Casino Nova Scotia?
No passport is necessary for entry with a valid government-issued ID. However, travelers from other countries must present a passport since other forms of ID may not be accepted.
Review of Casino Nova Scotia Halifax - An Overview of Games, Operating Times & More
Events
Discover everything there is to know about Casino Nova Scotia with our comprehensive review, detailing the various games, entertainment options, and perks of the most prominent casino in Nova Scotia.
House Rules (T&Cs) – 4.5/5
Our recent visit to Casino Nova Scotia allowed us to bring you detailed insights into all aspects of Halifax's largest casino, from penny slots to premium gaming tables.
Casino Nova Scotia’s opening hours
Our extensive review of Casino Nova Scotia delves into the details of every dining option, type of game, and much more.
How We Rate and Review Casino Nova Scotia
Is It Worth Trying Your Luck at Casino Nova Scotia?
While a quick visit to any Canadian casino website can give you some basic information, we've developed a unique approach
that offers our readers a distinct perspective on the casino ambiance because we physically experience it. Our team of experts not only analyzes statistical data and carries out in-depth research, but we also immerse ourselves in the casino environment, playing and experiencing as actual patrons.
By stepping through the glass doors of Casino Nova Scotia in Halifax, we engaged in a variety of games, sampled the menu, and enjoyed watching sports at the bar, ensuring that our insights are based on real firsthand experiences.
The games we played included: Slot Machines , Roulette, and Blackjack.
Dress code
We left no area unexplored at Casino Nova Scotia. This entailed sitting at multiple tables, trying countless slot machines, and observing the potential size of progressive jackpots. Our experience wasn't limited to gaming, as we also tasted the dishes at the casino's restaurants and enjoyed live performances at the lounge.
This allows us to provide an accurate picture of the casino's ambiance and the overall experience you can expect from your own visit. Our visit lasted more than four hours, during which we gathered all the essential details to guide you on your first trip.
Yes, there are tournaments for both No Limit Hold'em and Omaha.
With an impressive collection of over 600 feature-rich slot machines, a wide range of progressive jackpot titles, games for all budgets, and a variety of themes, Casino Nova is truly a destination for slot enthusiasts.
Player Feedback – 3.7/5
Upon entering Casino Nova Scotia, we immediately headed for the slot machines in the grand lobby, located opposite Guest Central. We tried the Kilimanjaro game and won some money. Next, we decided on Buffalo Diamond for its 2,400 ways to win and low betting requirement of just a penny.
Casino Nova Scotia player reviews
Google – 3.9/5
What's the slot machine count at Casino Nova Scotia?
Tripadvisor – 3.5/5
Guest Services confirms that the casino boasts over 600 slot machines with diverse themes including Egyptian, fruit-themed, and fishing among others.
Most common issues
- Lack of gaming variety
- Some long queues at the buffet
Operator – 5/5
No, we examined the casino floor and noted that none of the machines accept coins. You can use either cash or their intuitive ticket system.
There are many local progressive slot games, such as Pan Am Mighty Cash, where the jackpot was at about C$2,000 during our visit. Meanwhile, the Smokin’ Hot Stuff Wicked Wheel's jackpot surpassed C$15,000.
Who owns Casino Nova Scotia?
Featuring 27 tables with various forms of roulette, blackjack, and poker, Casino Nova Scotia presents players with a broad assortment of games. High-stakes players will appreciate the limits on these tables, though regular players might find the minimum bets slightly high.
Other casinos by the same operator
- Casino Nova Scotia Sydney
- Great Canadian Casino Resort
- Casino New Brunswick
- Hard Rock Casino Vancouver
- River Rock Casino Resort
Contact info
Website |
www.casinonovascotia.com |
Email address |
|
Telephone number |
+1 902 425 7777 |
Other |
Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram |
Casino Nova Scotia Competitors
The table limits change depending on the game, and the highest limit we observed was C$2,000 for baccarat tables. There was a blackjack table with a C$1,000 limit, and during our visit, roulette tables had a minimum bet of C$10.
Can anyone bet the highest amounts directly or is VIP access needed?
No, there aren't any special requirements for betting the maximum limits. Every player at the table can place the highest bet allowed. The top limit tables operate between 5 PM and 4 AM.
Poker Events at Casino Nova Scotia
In the specialized poker room, you can join $1/$2 No Limit Hold'em or $5/$5 Pot Limit Omaha Hi games. It's advisable to reserve a seat for popular tournaments. Typically, the No Limit Hold'em buy-in is $40, whereas Omaha usually requires $200 for a seat.
There are two restaurants at Casino Nova Scotia, complete with lavish buffets and secure paid parking – free only if you're at a specific Player's Club rank, as there is no accommodation on site. The staff was exceptionally friendly during our visit, and we even received free drinks on two separate occasions.
In addition to Italian and BBQ buffets on weekends, guests can enjoy meals at 3Sixty Lounge and May Garden. online casino in Canada .
Casino Nova Scotia Pros and Cons
Pros
- May Garden serves authentic Chinese cuisine with hundreds of dishes priced reasonably. A “Dinner for Two” might cost between C$38 and C$48, and you'll spend even less if you customize your meal. If you're with a group, a large banquet is available for C$95.
- Centered around entertainment, the 3Sixty Lounge functions both as a bar and restaurant, featuring live music and sports broadcasts alongside a varied menu with dishes from burgers to seafood chowder. Player’s Club members receive a discount of approximately C$1 on each item.
- Numerous progressive jackpot slots
- C$2,000 maximum bet on high-limit tables
Cons
- What is the customary tip at Casino Nova Scotia?
Is Casino Nova Scotia the Right Place to Try Your Luck on the Slot Machines?
In Nova Scotia, the usual custom is to tip around 15% following the HST rate, and such tips are greatly appreciated.
Does Casino Nova Scotia offer free beverages?