Northern Lights Casino Review

With several SIGA casinos located in Saskatchewan, we felt it was essential to evaluate Northern Lights Casino's standing among these renowned establishments. As one of the casinos with a strong First Nations theme, it was crucial to determine if its gaming matched the atmosphere.

Join us as we delve into the extensive gaming selections available, highlight the benefits of the rewards card program, and share our unbiased expert insights from our initial visit to Northern Lights Casino in Saskatchewan, Canada.

Northern Lights Casino Ratings

Table of Contents

• Understanding the Ratings and Reviews for Northern Lights Casino
• Slot Machines – 5/5
• Casino Games – 2.5/5
• Staff & Service – 4/5
• Loyalty & Rewards – 5/5
• Casino Atmosphere – 3.5/5
• House Rules (T&Cs) – 4/5
• Player Feedback – 3.7/5
• Operator – 5/5
• Northern Lights Casino Competitors
• Advantages and Drawbacks of Northern Lights Casino
• Is Northern Lights Casino Worth a Visit?

Understanding the Ratings and Reviews for Northern Lights Casino

Our ratings and reviews stem from a team of seasoned casino evaluators with years of experience. We insist on visiting each physical casino we review to ensure our insights are as honest and detailed as possible.

This approach allows us to offer insights that competitors can't match. For instance, our ability to interact with the casino's staff lets us accurately assess the atmosphere and customer service quality at Northern Lights Casino.

Methodology for Our Northern Lights Casino Evaluation

• Date of visit: 10/21/2023
• Time of visit: 7 PM – 1 AM
• Initial bankroll: C$100
• Games We Tried: Virtual Lottery Terminal-based roulette, an array of slot machines, and blackjack.
• Final bankroll: C$184
• Next visit: 10/30/2023

What we looked at

Our evaluation considers both objective factors like game variety, game types, and the existence of progressive jackpots, as well as subjective elements like general ambiance, location, and house policies.

What we found

Slot Machines – 5/5

With an extensive collection of slot machines from a variety of providers, including those with substantial progressive jackpots, Northern Lights Casino holds a significant position in the competitive Saskatchewan market.

Slot Machine Experiences at Northern Lights Casino

We began with the Jinse Dao slot because its vibrant colors and animations immediately caught our attention. We also attempted to win big on the Smoke Signals Jackpot, though luck wasn't on our side. Eventually, we ended our gaming session with Crown Egypt for a touch of Egyptian excitement. fantasy-themed slots Total Number of Slot Machines at Northern Lights Casino

Northern Lights Casino offers around 600 slot machines catering to bets from $0.01 to $1.00. The Smoking Room alone contains approximately 200 of these machines.

Note that at Northern Lights Casino, slot machines only accept cash notes and the casino's rewards card.

Do slot machines accept coins?

Slot machine providers

• IGT
• Bally
• Konami

Local progressive jackpots

Table gaming options at Northern Lights Casino are somewhat limited, with only poker and blackjack tables available live. Roulette enthusiasts will find their game on VLT machines located in an area of the casino known as 'The Circuit.'

Casino Games – 2.5/5

VLT machine plays start from C$2.00, whereas live table bets range from C$5 to C$15 at the minimum. Table limits top out at either C$100 or C$300.

Game types

• Roulette
• Blackjack
• VLT machines : Blackjack, roulette, poker

Betting limits

Is VIP status required to bet at maximum limits?

No, any visitor is allowed to play at the highest table limits set by the casino.

Dining Options Available at Northern Lights Casino

Staff & Service – 4/5

Food & Drinks

The Northstar Restaurant offers a typical casino dining menu with diverse snacks and main dishes, complemented by a small but suitable selection of wines and beers.

Kookum’s Kitchen focuses on dishes like chicken, alongside offerings such as Bannock and potato salad. Prices can be on the higher side, with a two-piece chicken dish costing C$8.50, while a 10-piece meal reaches C$39. The deli and bar cater to those looking for a variety of drinks and light snacks like jello, pies, and hot dogs.

Northstar Restaurant

• Sun – Wed: 9 AM – 8 PM
• Thurs – Sat: 9 AM – 9 PM

Northstar Restaurant Buffet

• Thu – Sat: 5 PM – 8 PM

Kookum’s Kitchen

• Every day: 11 AM – 2 AM

Deli & Bar

• Every day: 11 AM – 2 AM

Customary Tips at Northern Lights Casino

10% is a minimum but 15 – 20% is typical.

Do they serve complimentary beverages at Northern Lights Casino?

Does Northern Lights Casino provide a buffet?

Yes, the Northstar Restaurant offers a budget-friendly buffet from Thursday to Saturday evening, priced at C$24 per person. It runs from 5 PM until 8 PM.

Parking

Visitors will find numerous available parking spots in front of the casino premises, including an auxiliary lot providing additional spaces. Moreover, Northern Lights Casino allows RV parking permits, valid for a three-day duration and extendable as needed.

Accommodation

While Northern Lights Casino doesn't feature an onsite hotel, visitors can easily stay at the neighboring Holiday Inn Express. This 2-star accommodation costs approximately C$90 per night and comes with modern rooms and complimentary breakfast.

Are there smoking areas?

While smoking is not allowed indoors, guests are welcome to smoke outside or make use of the designated Smoking Room, where they will also find hundreds of slot machines to enjoy.

Security

Maintaining security is a top priority, consistent with the standards expected of a highly-respected SIGA establishment.

Loyalty & Rewards – 5/5

How Does the Northern Lights Casino Rewards Program Operate?

The free Players Club rewards card allows you to accumulate points with every game you play, redeemable for complimentary play within the casino. Accumulating 1,000 points translates to C$5 in free gameplay. Additionally, this rewards card is accepted at all other casinos operated by the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority.

What you get

• Free slot play
• Member-only promos
• 10% off entertainment
• 10% off dining

How to register in the program

1. A quick guide to acquiring a Players Club card: visit the Player’s Club desk within Northern Lights Casino, complete the registration form, and present a valid ID to receive your card.
2. Ask to sign up for a players reward card
3. Emphasizing tribal heritage is a hallmark of Northern Lights, reflected in the decor and ambiance throughout the venue.
4. The casino embraces its native theme, adorned with an array of timber, teepees, wall designs reminiscent of Saskatchewan’s natural setting, and restaurant designs inspired by traditional tribal structures.

Casino Atmosphere – 3.5/5

Inside Northern Lights Casino

Is photography allowed in Northern Lights Casino?

Design experience

Feel free to take photographs of your dining experience or when attending a concert; however, photography is prohibited at live gaming tables.

The North Saskatchewan River is just a five-minute drive from the casino, offering scenic views—especially during the winter months. The area also boasts beautiful golf courses and several other amenities, although it is primarily filled with car dealerships and auto shops.

Is a passport necessary for entry to Northern Lights Casino?

Location and surroundings

A passport is not required for entry; any government-issued identification suffices. Yet, international travelers may prefer to use a passport if doubts over the legitimacy of a national ID card arise.

Hosting renowned acts from comedy icons to music legends, the Northern Lights Casino concert hall garners attention from all genres.

Operating Hours for Northern Lights Casino

Events

Open daily from 9 AM to 4 AM, the casino provides ample time for entertainment and gaming.

House Rules (T&Cs) – 4/5

When is Northern Lights Casino open?

Is entry to Northern Lights Casino subject to a fee?

Are reservations always necessary for playing at Northern Lights Casino?

No, entry into the casino is free.

Is a membership at Northern Lights Casino mandatory for playing?

No, you can just turn up and play.

Membership isn’t necessary; the cards are solely for rewards. Participation in games doesn't require a rewards card.

Northern Lights Casino has a relaxed dress policy, welcoming attire such as T-shirts, shorts, jeans, and sandals, while eschewing any clothes deemed inappropriate, violent, unlawful, or gang-related in nature.

Dress code

Unique Policies at Northern Lights Casino

We did not encounter any unusual or remarkable policies during our visit to this casino.

Northern Lights Casino boasts over 1,100 reviews on platforms like Tripadvisor and Google.

Player Feedback – 3.7/5

The feedback is overwhelmingly positive, particularly touching on the level of customer care and dining experiences.

Many first-time visitors highlight helpful staff and appreciate the buffet offerings. Negative reviews tend to be older and considered outdated.

Google – 4/5

Consistent service quality is praised, along with approval for the buffet, though a few note the casino's limited size and focus on slot machines.

Tripadvisor – 3.5/5

The Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority oversees Northern Lights Casino, confirming its nonprofit model by channeling 100% of revenue back into the community. SIGA’s integrity and transparency benefit locals through accolades and contributions.

Most common issues

• High slot-to-table game ratio

Operator – 5/5

Who owns Northern Lights Casino?

Northern Lights Casino faces competition within the province but thrives due to geographic spacing, with the nearest competitor more than 160km away.

Other casinos by the same operator

• Bear Claw Casino
• Dakota Dunes Casino
• Gold Eagle Casino
• Gold Horse Casino
• Living Sky Casino
• Painted Hand Casino

Contact info

Northern Lights Casino Competitors

Comparing Northern Lights Casino with Dakota Dunes Casino online casinos in Canada Dakota Dunes presents a similar slot game setup but stands out with a special high-limit room and numerous live gaming tables for private sessions. This casino also charms with its mesmerizing 'Teepee of Light' spectacle.

For those seeking exclusive high stakes, Dakota Dunes Casino is the go-to destination, featuring diverse high-limit tables including baccarat and blackjack, complete with private playing rooms.

Exploring Northern Lights Casino: Can It Be Considered the Best SIGA Casino?

Dive deep into our comprehensive review of Northern Lights Casino where we explore jackpot offerings, the dining experience, and a plethora of essential details.

In the landscape of Saskatchewan, which boasts a total of six other SIGA casinos, we took a closer look to evaluate Northern Lights Casino's standing. Emphasizing a First Nations ambiance, we examined how this theme translates into the gaming experience.

Join us as we delve into the extensive gaming choices that Northern Lights Casino provides, uncover the benefits tied to the rewards card, and share our candid and expert assessments from our inaugural trip to this Canadian casino.

Understanding the Evaluation Process at Northern Lights Casino

Strengths and Drawbacks of Northern Lights Casino

Is Northern Lights Casino Worth a Visit?

Our evaluation method stems from decades of accumulated expertise within our review team, prioritizing real-world visits to each casino for an intensive critique.

This leads us to present a level of detail and valuable insights unattainable in many other reviews. Being physically present allowed us to evaluate the atmosphere comprehensively and gauge the service quality through actual interactions with the casino's staff. An Inside Look at Our Visit to Northern Lights Casino .

Advantages and Drawbacks of Northern Lights Casino

Pros

• What We Experienced: Games like VLT roulette, slots, and blackjack
• Has a dedicated smoking gaming area
• Low minimum bets on VLT machines
• Our judgment encompasses a variety of criteria, weighing both tangible factors like game diversity and the availability of progressive jackpots, and more nuanced elements such as the vibes and specific house regulations.

Cons

• Very few live table games to play
• Minimum table bet can be C$15

Is Northern Lights Casino Worth a Visit?

Home to hundreds of slot machines sourced from various game developers, Northern Lights Casino stands strong in the competitive environment of Saskatchewan's casino scene, especially with its impressive progressive jackpot slots.

Our Slot Machine Experience at Northern Lights Casino