River Cree Resort & Casino Review

A short trip from Edmonton leads you to a unique gaming experience set in a First Nations context. While Edmonton hosts numerous casinos, River Cree Resort & Casino might easily be overlooked, prompting our experts to explore its offerings. Continue reading to find out about the various games, rules, and highlights of this particular venue.

River Cree Resort & Casino Ratings

Table of Contents

• Evaluation and Appraisal Method for River Cree Resort & Casino
• Slot Machines – 5/5
• Casino Games – 4.5/5
• Staff & Service – 5/5
• Loyalty & Rewards – 4/5
• Casino Atmosphere – 3/5
• House Rules (T&Cs) – 4/5
• Player Feedback – 4/5
• Operator – 5/5
• Rival Casinos to River Cree Resort & Casino
• River Cree Casino Pros and Cons
• Is River Cree Resort & Casino the Right Bet for You?

Evaluation and Appraisal Method for River Cree Resort & Casino

Our thorough evaluation relies on a unique and specialized reviewing process, enabling us to scrutinize casinos all across Canada meticulously. Our experts utilize this system and personally visit each casino to deliver unparalleled insights.

The Process Behind Our Examination of River Cree Resort & Casino

• Date of visit: 11/25/2023
• Time of visit: 5 PM – 1 AM
• Initial bankroll: C$100
• What we played: Blackjack and slots
• Final bankroll: C$345
• Next visit: 10/18/2024

What we looked at

We didn't just spin a few slot reels; our experts embarked on an impartial examination that considered aspects such as the quality of games, variety of dining options, and essential features like lodging and entertainment.

We also reviewed the casino more personally, by getting a feel of the general ambiance, evaluating the house rules, and verifying the operator's credentials.

What we found

Slot Machines – 5/5

Hosting Alberta's only C$25 slot machine, River Cree's high roller section 'Embers' features a wide range of game themes and launches several slot promotions each year.

Our Slot Machine Adventure at River Cree Resort & Casino

First drawn to a progressive jackpot game, Life of Luxury, we then explored various Konami slot machines. An hour of blackjack later, we concluded the evening with a jackpot try on Alberta Gold.

Quantity of Slot Machines at River Cree Resort & Casino

The casino is home to 1,370 slot machines, with 405 located in the Embers smoking and gaming area.

Do the slot machines accept coins?

Only cash notes are accepted at the slots, though players can swipe their rewards card as well.

Slot machine providers

• WMS Gaming
• Konami
• IGT
• Bally

Local progressive jackpots

Back in 2016, a fortunate winner walked away with a million-dollar prize after playing Diamond Millions at River Cree Casino. Besides numerous local progressive slots with multiple jackpots, there are also machines linked with the Alberta progressive network, featuring games such as Alberta Gold and Jackpot Junction. progressive jackpot slot The main casino floor hosts 15 tables and 14 more reside in the Embers smoking section. Available games include tried-and-true favorites like blackjack, roulette, and craps, alongside 11 high roller tables that feature enhanced betting limits for blackjack and baccarat.

Casino Games – 4.5/5

The 12-room poker facility operates non-stop on Fridays and Saturdays, equipped with a private smoking area and dedicated bar, and frequently runs promotions.

Roulette commands a C$5 minimum for straight bets, with some games such as blackjack requiring up to a C$20 minimum. Non-tournament poker games can yield a maximum win per hand of C$25,000.

Game types

• Roulette
• Blackjack
• Poker
• Craps
• Baccarat

Betting limits

Is there a VIP requirement to wager at the highest levels?

No, the maximum table limits are accessible to all players.

River Cree Resort & Casino's Poker Tournaments

The poker room hosts tournaments featuring Omaha and Hold’em games, with buy-ins starting around C$75 and exceeding C$300.

With nine dining establishments including well-known brands like Starbucks and Fatburger, River Cree offers a variety of culinary choices. We chose to enjoy a meal at The Kitchen, which provides a buffet service from 4 PM onward on weekends. While prices are generally moderate, the Sunday buffet is priced at C$64.99.

Staff & Service – 5/5

Food & Drinks

Main dish prices at the diverse dining venues typically range from C$12 to C$20.

A tip between 15-20% is standard in Alberta, contingent on the level of service.

Does River Cree Resort & Casino provide complimentary drinks?

Players at the Enoch casino won't find free drinks at slots or tables, although happy hour deals are available.

Is there a buffet option at River Cree Resort & Casino?

Yes, The Kitchen offers several buffet services held during Friday through Sunday evenings, with adult prices ranging from C$49.99 to C$64.99 and children's rates at about half-price.

Parking is abundant and free, with valet service between 9 AM and 3 AM but no secured parking facilities. Keep in mind, the lot can be dark at night.

Parking

Adjacent to the casino, a four-star hotel features 249 rooms including 11 suites, augmented by amenities like a pool, whirlpool, and fitness center, alongside 24/7 room service.

Accommodation

Rates for accommodations range from C$150 to C$250 per night, though suites will cost extra.

Yes, tipping the room service staff is a customary practice.

While hotel guests need to smoke outside, the casino's Embers section provides a dedicated smoking area with 400 slot machines and 14 table games supported by a robust ventilation system. The poker room includes a secluded smoking space.

Are there smoking areas?

Security personnel checked our IDs at entry – a flattering sign considering we're over 30. CCTV monitors the casino floor along with dining and bar areas and hallways.

Security

There seems to be a lack of surveillance in a significant portion of the parking area.

Loyalty & Rewards – 4/5

The Players Club provides a point-based VIP system that's free to join, with additional benefits for guests over 50, through the Cruiser’s Club, offering increased discounts and bonus points.

Points are accumulated through activities like gaming and dining, with swipes of the card upon entry.

For every 2,000 points accrued, players earn C$1 in River Cree Bucks, which can be redeemed at the gift shop or for food and drinks.

What you get

• Monthly promotions
• 10% dining discounts
• Redeem points for River Cree Bucks
• We evaluated and shared insights on the casino's interior design and general ambiance.

How to register in the program

1. Visit the Players Club at the casino
2. Fill out the form
3. Provide your government-issued ID
4. Receive your Players Card

Casino Atmosphere – 3/5

Inside River Cree Resort & Casino

The interior boasts contemporary aesthetics with elements reflecting the Enoch Cree Nation. The vibrant finish on the timber and the open layout contribute to a perception of a space larger than 25,000 square feet.

Design experience

Is photography allowed inside River Cree Resort & Casino?

Yes, you're welcome to take photos within the casino, except at gaming tables.

Located away from the city's hustle, the casino is about a 30-minute drive from downtown, lying near Winterburn Road with much open terrain around.

Location and surroundings

Is a passport necessary for visiting River Cree Resort & Casino?

No, a government-issued photo ID suffices, although international visitors might prefer using a passport.

The Venue stages various performers from bands to comedians, with ticket rates generally commencing at about C$30.

Events

River Cree Resort & Casino Operating Hours

House Rules (T&Cs) – 4/5

The Enoch venue operates round the clock, with poker and table games from 11 AM to 3 AM.

Is there an entrance fee at River Cree Resort & Casino?

Is a reservation consistently required at River Cree Resort & Casino?

No, entry is free.

No, available seating at the tables is open without needing a reservation.

Is membership mandatory for playing at River Cree Resort & Casino?

Membership isn't necessary, but joining offers numerous advantages for free.

The dress code is casually applied, prohibiting offensive or gang-related attire while requiring basic footwear and shirts.

Dress code

Noteworthy Regulations at River Cree Resort & Casino

Identification checks occur if patrons appear under 30.

• Reviewed extensively over 7,700 instances on platforms like Tripadvisor, general feedback is predominantly positive with common themes echoed across reviews.

Player Feedback – 4/5

River Cree Resort & Casino Player Impressions

Google reviewers appreciate River Cree Casino's warm atmosphere and culturally rich design. While earlier reviews noted smoke issues, these were addressed with the Embers section.

Google – 4.2/5

The common consensus praises friendly personnel, pleasant ambiance, and great dining, yet mentions of thin walls and costly hotel rates were noted.

Tripadvisor – 4/5

River Cree Resort & Casino is managed by River Cree Enterprises Limited Partnership, associated with the Enoch Cree Nation.

Most common issues

• Expensive hotel rooms
• Noisy hotel rooms

Operator – 5/5

Who owns River Cree Resort & Casino?

In 2020, the casino allocated 10% of its earnings to support other First Nations across Alberta.

Contact info

Rival Casinos to River Cree Resort & Casino

Our in-depth review of River Cree Casino covers everything from the plethora of games available to enticing promotions and the all-important safety of the casino. online casinos in Canada too.

Just a short drive from Edmonton's city limits, you'll discover a unique First Nations gaming experience at River Cree Resort & Casino. With the abundance of casinos in Edmonton, River Cree might not be as well-known. Our experts dive into what makes this casino stand out. Read on for insights into the games, regulations, and special features offered here.

Exploring the Process of Evaluating and Rating River Cree Resort & Casino Starlight Casino Who are the main competitors of River Cree Resort & Casino?

Is taking the gamble at River Cree Resort & Casino worth your while?

Our rating methodology is unlike any other, incorporating a comprehensive review process to provide a thorough analysis of casinos across Canada. We ensure credibility by personally visiting and evaluating each casino.

What did our assessment of River Cree Resort & Casino involve?

PURE Casino Edmonton Beyond just playing a few games, our experts took a thorough approach—examining gaming quality, dining varieties, and essential aspects like accommodations, as well as entertainment options.

Additionally, we assessed the casino's ambience from a subjective viewpoint, keeping an eye on house policies and the credibility of its operations.

River Cree is proud to offer the only $25 slot machine in Alberta, located in the high-roller zone at Embers. There are numerous themes to choose from, and the casino hosts multiple slot promotions throughout the year.

Our machine gaming experience at River Cree Resort & Casino

We tried our hand at the first progressive jackpot in sight called Life of Luxury. Without a jackpot win, we then explored some Konami slots. An hour of blackjack followed before we ended the night trying our luck for a jackpot with Alberta Gold. How extensive is the slot machine offering at River Cree Resort & Casino? River Cree features 1,370 slot machines, 405 of which are located in the Embers section dedicated to smoking and gaming.

River Cree Casino Pros and Cons

Pros

• The slot machines operate on a cash note basis only, although players can swipe their rewards cards.
• Long table gaming hours ending at 3 AM
• Back in 2016, a fortunate visitor walked away with a million dollars after winning on Diamond Millions at River Cree Casino. There are several progressive jackpots available from local slots and through Alberta's network featuring games like Alberta Gold, Jackpot Junction, and Diamond Millions.
• The main casino area has 15 gaming tables, while the Embers section offers 14 more. Classic games such as blackjack, roulette, and craps are available. High rollers have access to 11 tables with increased betting limits specifically for blackjack and baccarat.

Cons

• Hotel can be a little bit expensive
• The dedicated poker room, open 24/7 on weekends, includes 12 tables, a smoking room, a bar, and weekly promotions for its patrons.

Is River Cree Resort & Casino the Right Bet for You?

Playing roulette here costs a minimum of $5 for a straight bet. Blackjack tables can see minimum bets reaching up to $20. Non-tournament poker games have a maximum payout cap of $25,000 for a single hand.

Who can place the highest bets at River Cree Resort & Casino?