Bear Claw Casino Review

Positioned in one of Canada's most stunning landscapes, Bear Claw Casino might be a long drive, but is it worth the journey? Follow our expert breakdown of game types, the value of the rewards card, and an exploration of the one-of-a-kind atmosphere at Bear Claw Casino.

Bear Claw Casino Ratings

Table of Contents

• Assessing Bear Claw Casino: Our Rating and Review Methodology
• Slot Machines – 4/5
• Casino Games – 3/5
• Staff & Service – 5/5
• Loyalty & Rewards – 5/5
• Casino Atmosphere – 3/5
• House Rules (T&Cs) – 4/5
• Player Feedback – 4.3/5
• Operator – 5/5
• Bear Claw Casino Competitors
• Bear Claw Casino Pros and Cons
• Should You Visit Bear Claw Casino?

Assessing Bear Claw Casino: Our Rating and Review Methodology

Our team of professionals, with experience across various casino services, employs a specialized approach to reviewing casinos. This allows us to maintain consistency and stay updated with the latest information by visiting the casinos we evaluate. Coupled with this methodology, our experts provide comprehensive insights into every casino aspect.

How we inspected Bear Claw Casino

• Date of visit: 02/24/2024
• Time of visit: 6 PM – 12 AM
• Initial bankroll: C$100
• What we played: Slots, VLT roulette
• Final bankroll: C$240
• Next visit: 04/25/2025

What we looked at

To ensure a thorough assessment, we combined objective metrics with subjective experiences. For instance, we verified the presence of certain features and ensured specific games were available while also considering the vibe on the casino floor.

What we found

Slot Machines – 4/5

We explored the casino, testing a variety of machines from basic penny slots to exciting progressive jackpots. Our findings highlighted Bear Claw Casino as a modern hub for slot enthusiasts with a forward-thinking approach.

Slots we played at Bear Claw Casino

We kicked off with Wolf Run Eclipse and achieved some impressive wins almost immediately. We then attempted to hit the jackpot on the Smoke Signals Jackpot, a game where a lucky player recently won C$1.7 million, though we weren't as fortunate. Finally, we enjoyed a few rounds on Lucky Link and concluded with Wild Leprechauns.

Curious about the slot machine count at Bear Claw Casino?

Bear Claw Casino houses about 140 slot machines, making it a more intimate selection.

Do the slot machines accept coins?

Unfortunately, coin acceptance is not available at the slot machines.

Slot machine providers

• IGT
• Konami

Local progressive jackpots

The casino offers an exciting variety of slot games. progressive jackpot slots This includes popular Canadian titles like Life of Luxury and the Saskatchewan exclusive Smoke Signals Jackpot, which starts at a whopping C$1 million.

Casino Games – 3/5

Instead of traditional live gaming tables, Bear Claw Casino features sophisticated VLT machines in The Circuit, where you can enjoy games like Baccarat, Blackjack, Roulette, and Three Card Poker, hosted by a real live dealer between 4 PM and midnight.

Game types

• Roulette
• Blackjack
• Poker
• Baccarat

Betting limits

With a minimum bet of just C$2 at The Circuit, these VLT games are easily accessible for casual players.

Do you need special VIP access to wager high limits at Bear Claw Casino?

There is no need for VIP access – anyone is free to wager at the highest limits, as exclusive VIP games are not available.

Staff & Service – 5/5

Food & Drinks

Dining at Bear Claw Casino presents three choices. You have Kookum’s Kitchen, a common feature in many Saskatchewan casinos. The main dining option is Growler’s Restaurant, serving classic casino dishes such as burgers, salads, wings, and seafood.

The Deli Bar provides a lighter menu with items like hot dogs, soups, and pizza, all offered at moderate prices—Growler's even has ribs or steak under C$20.

Growler’s Restaurant

• Opening hours: 10 AM – 9 PM

Kookum’s Kitchen

• Opening hours: 11 AM – 1 AM

Deli Bar

• Opening hours: 11 AM – 1 AM

How much do you tip at Bear Claw Casino?

It's customary in Saskatchewan to leave a tip ranging between 15 and 20%.

Thinking of complimentary drinks at Bear Claw Casino?

While alcoholic drinks are not complimentary, you can enjoy free coffee and soft drinks.

Is there a buffet at Bear Claw Casino?

Though the Sunday buffet was once a highlight, currently, Bear Claw Casino does not offer a buffet.

Parking

Similar to other SIGA establishments in Saskatchewan, Bear Claw Casino provides RV parking with no stay duration limit. There’s also ample free parking at the front of the casino.

Accommodation

Within the same complex, Bear Claw Hotel offers 35 standard and lodge-style rooms, starting at around C$109 during our visit. Guests can also enjoy perks like Golf Kenosee and White Bear Lake Golf Course access.

Do you tip room service at Bear Claw Casino?

There is no room service at Bear Claw Hotel, so tipping isn't applicable.

Are there smoking areas?

Given the smoke-free environment of the establishment, smoking is only permitted in designated outdoor areas.

Security

Security checked IDs as we entered, demonstrating their commitment to stringent safety protocols, seemingly checking everyone regardless of age.

Loyalty & Rewards – 5/5

Understanding the Bear Claw Casino rewards program.

Signing up for the Players Club card is free and provides access to exclusive offers, discounts, and free play opportunities. Players can earn C$5 for every 1,000 points accrued while enjoying slots or live dealer games.

What you get

• Free slot play
• 10% off dining
• Exclusive prize draws & promotions
• Enjoy a 10% discount on event tickets, including concerts.

How to register in the program

1. Go to Bear Claw Casino
2. Find the Players Club desk
3. Simply fill out a straightforward form and present your government-issued photo ID.
4. Receive your free membership

Casino Atmosphere – 3/5

Inside Bear Claw Casino

Our experts evaluated the ambiance at Bear Claw Casino, drawing insights from studying the interior design and soaking in the surrounding scenery.

Design experience

Bear Claw is one of the most obvious First Nations casinos that embody their communities through the design of the casino.

At times, playing here feels like stepping inside a vast teepee.

Is photography allowed inside Bear Claw Casino?

Photography is permitted within and around the casino premises, but refrain from using cameras near electronic gaming tables and slot machines.

Location and surroundings

While the rural setting limits traditional entertainment options, the backdrop of White Bear Lake couldn't be prettier. In the summer, you can indulge in wakeboarding, waterskiing, fishing, or other aquatic activities. The White Bear Lake Golf Course offers an idyllic 18-hole experience too.

Do you need a passport to visit Bear Claw Casino?

No passport is required; any government-issued photo ID suffices. However, if you're coming from abroad with an ID that might be hard to read or comprehend, your passport is advisable.

Events

Bear Claw Casino hosts a vast array of events, from live music and cabaret to mediums, magicians, and comedians. Alas, pricing felt a bit high—C$40 for a Medium act and C$65 for a cover performance during our visit.

House Rules (T&Cs) – 4/5

When is Bear Claw Casino open?

Bear Claw Casino welcomes guests from 10 AM to 2 AM every day.

Does Bear Claw Casino charge entry?

No, entry is free.

Is a reservation always necessary to play at Bear Claw Casino?

No, you just turn up and play.

Is a membership obligatory at Bear Claw Casino?

Playing at Bear Claw Casino requires no membership, but you will need one to utilize RV parking facilities.

Dress code

Like other Saskatchewan casinos, the dress code maintains a casual stance. Feel free to dress comfortably, as long as attire isn't offensive or associated with gangs or violence.

Standout rules at Bear Claw Casino

No peculiar or noteworthy rule changes are currently implemented.

Player Feedback – 4.3/5

Google and Tripadvisor reviews have amassed over 350 feedbacks, largely positive.

Bear Claw Casino player reviews

Google – 4.2/5

Google reviewers particularly appreciated the staff, and one mentioned the casino being a great stargazing spot. However, the limited number of gaming machines did raise some concerns.

Tripadvisor – 4.5/5

Again, the staff receives high praise. Further observations highlighted enjoyable hotel stays and fair menu prices, though indoor smoking has upset some patrons.

Most common issues

• Minimal CCTV covering parking lot
• Relatively small number of games

Operator – 5/5

Who owns Bear Claw Casino?

The casino falls under the ownership and management of the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority (SIGA), a nonprofit organization.

Other casinos by the same operator

• Living Sky Casino
• Gold Horse Casino
• Gold Eagle Casino
• Painted Hand Casino
• Dakota Dunes Casino
• Northern Lights Casino

Contact info

Bear Claw Casino Competitors

There are seven other casinos in Saskatchewan plus an endless list of online casinos in Canada challengers to land-based casinos like Bear Claw Casino.

Bear Claw Casino vs Painted Hand Casino

Painted Hand Casino is another SIGA adventure, situated further north in Yorkton. Expect a similar ambiance with comparable games, dining, and overall size to Bear Claw Casino.

Painted Hand for those less keen on travel

Bear Claw Casino lies near the North Dakota border, while Painted Hand is in Yorkton. If you’re heading south and prefer to save some miles, Painted Hand Casino offers a SIGA casino vibe akin to Bear Claw.

Bear Claw Casino vs Casino Regina

Casino Regina: A Giant in the Poker Scene

Casino Regina is a breakthrough with over 800 slots and holds substantial poker tournaments with weekly events in its dedicated poker room.

Casino Regina: The top choice for intense poker

You can join various no-limit Texas Hold'em tournaments, featuring reasonable buy-ins yet promising high payouts, every Tuesday and Wednesday night.

Why does Bear Claw Casino stand apart from competitors?

Bear Claw Casino Pros and Cons

Pros

• Location, location, location is key, and while Bear Claw stretches deep into southern Saskatchewan, it's not far from Winnipeg and arguably, one of Canada's most scenic casinos. Gorgeous lakes and landscapes envelop it.
• An exceptional rewards card offering, with free play and discounts aplenty.
• Bear Claw Casino Overview 2025 - Entertainment, Services & More
• Check out our Bear Claw Casino analysis for exclusive details on games, benefits of their rewards card, and all the key information you need.

Cons

• Nestled in one of Canada's most picturesque settings, Bear Claw Casino beckons. But is it worth the journey? Join us as our specialists delve into the variety of available games, assess the value of the rewards card, and immerse in the singular vibe of Bear Claw Casino.

Should You Visit Bear Claw Casino?

Evaluation and Rating Methodology at Bear Claw Casino

Our panel, comprising experts seasoned in every casino service, leverages a distinctive review protocol to scrutinize casinos. This approach ensures consistent, up-to-date insights as we personally visit the venues we assess. With this framework, our team can examine every facet of a casino, delivering in-depth perspectives.