Gold Horse Casino Review

Nestled in Canada's unique border town, Gold Horse Casino stands out as one of the more remote venues operated by SIGA. But is the experience at Gold Horse Casino worth making the trip? We delve into the gaming options, examine the loyalty system, describe the ambience of the casino, and share an in-depth analysis from our experts.

Gold Horse Casino Ratings

Table of Contents

• Rating and Review Methodology for Gold Horse Casino
• Slot Machines – 5/5
• Casino Games – 3/5
• Staff & Service – 4/5
• Loyalty & Rewards – 5/5
• Casino Atmosphere – 3/5
• House Rules (T&Cs) – 4/5
• Player Feedback – 3.6/5
• Operator – 5/5
• Gold Horse Competitors
• Gold Horse Casino Pros and Cons
• Is Gold Horse Casino’s Slot Machine Experience Worth Trying?

Rating and Review Methodology for Gold Horse Casino

Our detailed evaluation process, which involves visiting each establishment, allows us to thoroughly examine and report on casinos.

Bringing you insights grounded in direct observations, we aim to provide the most reliable and honest evaluation.

How we inspected Gold Horse Casino

• Date of visit: 03/16/2024
• Time of visit: 7 PM – 1 AM
• Initial bankroll: C$100
• What we played: Slots, blackjack
• Final bankroll: C$144
• Next visit: 03/14/2025

What we looked at

To achieve a fair assessment, we incorporate both statistical and personal judgment in our reviews.

For instance, from a data-driven perspective, we consider the presence of progressive jackpots and diverse games. From a personal experience standpoint, we evaluate the casino's atmosphere, assess the policies in place, and look into the benefits offered to customers.

What we found

Slot Machines – 5/5

The casino excels in offering a vast array of slot machines, complete with progressive jackpots, from renowned gaming providers.

Slots we played at Gold Horse Casino

As is routine at every SIGA casino, we attempted to hit the Smoke Signals jackpot. Our luck was limited, but we scored major wins with Rakin’ Bacon, before switching to Buffalo Gold: Revolution, known for its thrilling Win Multipliers.

After several hours of gameplay across various titles, our session concluded with a dive into Stinkin' Rich: Skunks Gone Wild.

Curious about the slot machine availability at Gold Horse Casino?

We verified that there are over 250 slot machines operational at Gold Horse Casino.

Do the slot machines accept coins?

No, the casino accepts only currency bills, vouchers exclusive to the casino, and complimentary play through the Players Card.

Slot machine providers

• IGT
• AGS
• Aristocrat

Local progressive jackpots

Loads of progressive jackpot slot machines take over the expansive floor area of Gold Horse Casino, featuring unique Saskatchewan games like Rider Nation and Smoke Signals.

Casino Games – 3/5

The casino, admittedly, doesn't shine in terms of table games. You'll find two types of blackjack and the more casual, player-friendly Chase the Flush in the live dealer section.

Furthermore, the casino's Circuit features digital table games such as roulette and blackjack, also offering live dealer experiences during nighttime hours.

Game types

• Bonus Spin Blackjack
• Blackjack
• Chase the Flush
• VLTs

Betting limits

Engaging in Circuit VLT games is financially accessible, starting at only C$2 per round. During our exploration, a regular blackjack round was priced at C$10.

Are you required to have VIP status to place high bets?

The upper limits for bets in every game are open to all casino-goers.

Staff & Service – 4/5

Food & Drinks

Gold Horse Casino offers three dining establishments to enhance your visit.

At the Bar & Grill Restaurant, a variety of meals including salads, burgers, steaks, pork belly, sandwiches, and desserts are available. The pricing of most main dishes ranges from moderate to slightly upscale at C$16–19.

Kookum’s Kitchen remains open until late, serving chicken strips and different combos. Despite the selection, the cost is relatively high at C$15 for three chicken pieces. The adjacent Deli & Bar, also open late, provides economical choices such as hot dogs and sandwiches priced between C$4 and C$12.

Bar & Grill

• Operational Hours: Sunday to Thursday from 11 AM to 9 PM and until 10 PM on Friday and Saturday.

Kookum’s Kitchen

• Opening hours: 11 AM – 1 AM

Deli & Bar

• Opening hours: 10 AM – 1 AM (1:30 AM on Fri & Sat)

How much do you tip at Gold Horse?

In Saskatchewan, the typical gratuity falls between 15% and 20%.

Does Gold Horse offer free drinks?

No, free drinks are not available.

Is there a buffet at Gold Horse?

No, Gold Horse Casino does not have a buffet option available.

Parking

There's an abundance of free, unsecured parking surrounding the casino, featuring a large, surprisingly well-lit area in front. Members of the Player’s Club have access to RV parking as well.

Accommodation

While Gold Horse Casino doesn't provide lodging, there are numerous nearby alternatives. We stayed at the Home Inn & Suites, located across from the casino, for just C$100, and found at least six other options in the vicinity.

The surrounding hotels and motels we toured ranged between 1 and 2 stars but remained affordable, each costing under C$100 nightly during our examination.

Are there smoking areas?

Smoking must be conducted outside as per casino policy.

Security

Security staff inspected our IDs upon entry and offered helpful directions. Although CCTV monitors the casino interior, the parking area lacks such surveillance.

Loyalty & Rewards – 5/5

Interested in the workings of the Gold Horse Casino rewards program?

By using the complimentary rewards card at slot machines or live tables, you accumulate points.

What you get

• Free play
• 10% off dining & entertainment
• Exclusive promotions

How to register in the program

1. Visit the Players Club desk when you arrive at Gold Horse Casino.
2. Complete the straightforward registration form to join.
3. Provide your photo ID
4. Receive your Players Club card
5. Casino Atmosphere – 3/5
6. Inside Gold Horse Casino

Our team examines the overall design experience at Gold Horse Casino, assessing the local environment, identifying additional entertainment, and evaluating the unique atmosphere.

Design experience

Boasting sophisticated leather seating, posh blackjack tables, and sleek interiors, Gold Horse Casino embodies an upscale aura. However, the gaming floor is modest, often feeling slightly congested on Saturday nights.

Are you authorized to take photos inside Gold Horse Casino?

Standard policies apply: photography is permissible albeit restrictions on snapping pictures of live gaming tables.

Location and surroundings

Lloydminster is compact, ensuring no landmark or activity is challenging to reach. The casino lies just off Highway 16, surrounded by car showrooms and other businesses.

Fortunately, everything is within a short drive, whether crossing into Alberta, spending a day on a golf course, or enjoying one of the city's beautiful parks.

Is a passport necessary to visit Gold Horse Casino?

While you must present an ID, it needn't be a passport; any government-issued photo identification is accepted by security.

Events

The event space hosts numerous events, predominantly live music. There are opportunities to watch tribute bands, local artists, magicians, dance troupes, and more. However, we found ticket prices to be steep – the C$75 fee for a Tina Turner tribute exceeded the cost of a Broadway TINA show.

House Rules (T&Cs) – 4/5

When is Gold Horse Casino open?

The casino operates from 10 AM to 3 AM, extending until 4 AM on Fridays and Saturdays.

Does Gold Horse Casino charge entry?

No, the casino does not charge entry.

Do you have to book in advance to enjoy games at Gold Horse Casino?

Reservations aren't required. Games are accessible on a first-arrive, first-served basis.

Does Gold Horse Casino require a membership for play?

No, membership isn't mandatory, though the complimentary rewards card offers numerous benefits.

Dress code

There is no rigid wardrobe policy at Gold Horse Casino – casual attire is generally acceptable. Naturally, attire should not feature gang affiliations or offensive and violent imagery.

Standout rules at Gold Horse Casino

Today's SIGA casinos generally reflect a similar standard; no exceptional regulations were observed.

Player Feedback – 3.6/5

Despite few and often outdated reviews, we noticed food feedback was consistently positive.

Gold Horse Casino player reviews

Google – 4.2/5

Numerous patrons applauded the culinary offerings and hospitality of the staff. Some reviewers reported disappointment over the limited poker choices.

Tripadvisor – 3/5

A single Tripadvisor review from 2019 highlighted dissatisfaction regarding absence of accommodations, compounded by interference from ongoing construction activities.

Most common issues

• No poker

Operator – 5/5

Who owns Gold Horse Casino?

Like other First Nations casinos in the region, Gold Horse is operated by the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority (SIGA).

Other casinos by the same operator

• Gold Eagle Casino
• Bear Claw Casino
• Dakota Dunes Casino
• Painted Hand Casino

Contact info

Gold Horse Competitors

In addition to six other SIGA casinos, Saskatchewan also hosts two commercial counterparts, but Gold Horse remains a formidable contender. the best online casinos in Canada Due to distance, Gold Horse largely lacks direct competition from the nearest casino across the Alberta border in Lloydminster.

Comparing Gold Horse Casino and Gold Eagle Casino

Geographically speaking, Gold Eagle Casino is just over 100 km down Highway 16, approximately a little over an hour away from Lloydminster. Both casinos hold striking similarities, offering many of the same games.

An ideal spot for a Lloydminster day trip is Gold Eagle Casino.

Granting a fulfilling casino experience just over an hour away from Lloydminster, Gold Eagle Casino parallels Gold Horse in dining and game selection, adding the bonus of a mini road excursion.

Gold Horse Casino vs Casino Dene

For those considering Saskatchewan alternatives, the next nearest option is significantly further. The closest in Alberta is Casino Dene, under 2 hours away, with abundant games and dining options.

When it comes to poker selection, Casino Dene leads as the top choice.

This location holds Ultimate Texas Hold’em Poker tournaments every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, providing a thrilling experience for poker enthusiasts in Lloydminster.

In what ways does Gold Horse distinguish itself from competitors?

Experience the thrill of live performances right in Lloydminster. For those eager to witness some captivating shows at the Gold Horse Casino, you'll find yourself needing to venture quite a distance. And don't forget, after your entertainment experience, the doors remain open to enjoy the extensive selection of casino games.

Gold Horse Casino Pros and Cons

Pros

• An impressive selection of progressive jackpot slots awaits you, offering the potential for substantial wins.
• Plenty of free parking and RV parking
• Take advantage of complimentary reward cards that come with perks like cashback on your spendings.
• Delight in consistent and high-quality live performances that are a regular feature at this venue.

Cons

• The variety of live table gaming experiences is somewhat restricted, which might not cater to all preferences.
• Poker tournaments are now a thing of the past at this location.

Is Gold Horse Casino’s Slot Machine Experience Worth Trying?

Gold Horse Casino provides an enticing environment for those seeking a relaxed gaming experience, set in a distinctive location complemented by top-notch slot machines. However, those who frequent table games might find the limited variety and low stakes quite underwhelming.