Casino Dene Review

Tucked away in Cold Lake lies an underrated treasure of Alberta. But does Casino Dene justify the journey? Continue reading as we uncover the exciting gaming adventures available, guide you on how to obtain free play incentives, and give you a glimpse into the distinctive experience that Casino Dene offers in Alberta.

Casino Dene Ratings

Table of Contents

• Understanding Our Rating Methodology for Casino Dene
• Slot Machines – 5/5
• Casino Games – 4/5
• Staff & Service – 3/5
• Loyalty & Rewards – 5/5
• Casino Atmosphere – 3/5
• House Rules (T&Cs) – 4/5
• Player Feedback – 3.7/5
• Operator – 3/5
• Casino Dene Competitors
• Casino Dene Pros and Cons
• Contemplating Your Luck at Casino Dene?

Understanding Our Rating Methodology for Casino Dene

We've crafted a one-of-a-kind review system that allows our industry experts to meticulously assess Canadian casinos, delivering unprecedented insights. By personally visiting and testing each site, our experts offer an authentic review of the casino atmosphere.

Our mission is to equip you with essential, factual information, enabling sound decision-making. We achieve this by delineating the potential games you might play, evaluating the quality of service, and validating the credibility of the casino's operators.

How we inspected Casino Dene

• Date of visit: 11/18/2023
• Time of visit: 6 PM – 1 AM
• Initial bankroll: C$100
• What we played: Roulette, Slots
• Final bankroll: C$131
• Next visit: 11/17/2024

What we looked at

Our rating consistency is preserved through applying both objective and subjective factors when appraising casinos. This involves identifying exclusive features, checking for specific games, and comprehensively experiencing the casino's ambiance.

What we found

Slot Machines – 5/5

With 250 slot machines sourced from the top three slot providers in the industry, Casino Dene holds a significant, albeit not the largest, slot selection in Alberta.

Slots we played at Casino Dene

Our first encounter was with the Wheel of Fortune slot. Despite not securing the jackpot, we journeyed to Pompeii slots, a nostalgic experience. Our final attempt was at Diamond Millions, a progressive jackpot currently exceeding C$1 million—though luck wasn't on our side.

What is the Slot Machine Count at Casino Dene?

We verified and recorded that Casino Dene houses 250 slot machines.

Do the slot machines accept coins?

Slot machines operate solely with cash notes or utilizing the Winner’s Edge rewards card.

Slot machine providers

• Aristocrat
• IGT
• Light & Wonder

Local progressive jackpots

Casino Dene is equipped with the comprehensive Alberta Progressive lineup, featuring Alberta Gold, Jackpot Junction, and the illustrious Diamond Millions, which boasts a minimum jackpot of C$1 million.

Casino Games – 4/5

We were genuinely impressed by the authentic blackjack tournaments, not limited to poker. Roulette and diverse poker games are featured as well, although craps and baccarat are confined to VLT machines.

Game types

• Roulette
• Blackjack
• Poker
• Craps (VLT only)
• Baccarat (VLT only)

Betting limits

Table games like roulette, blackjack, and three-card poker at Casino Dene permit bets up to C$100.

Is Special VIP Status Required for Max Bets?

No, at Casino Dene, anyone is free to place bets at the specified table limits.

Casino Dene poker tournaments

Diverse poker tournaments, primarily No Limit Texas Hold’em, are regularly held at Casino Dene on weekends with varying stakes and buy-ins.

Staff & Service – 3/5

Food & Drinks

Aurora Bar & Lounge is the singular dining establishment at Casino Dene, offering a concise menu of casino classics such as chicken wraps, steak sandwiches, and beet bannock. Late-night patrons can also enjoy lighter snack selections.

Dining is budget-friendly, with the majority of main plates priced between C$14 to C$19. Additionally, themed specials like Prime Rib Fridays, Wings Wednesdays, and Thursday Braised Beef Ribs are a highlight.

Aurora Bar & Lounge

• Every day: 11 AM – 2 AM

How much do you tip at Casino Dene?

Tipping is usually around 15-20% in Alberta.

Does Casino Dene offer free drinks?

Aurora Bar & Lounge serves complimentary coffee, but free alcoholic beverages are not provided to players.

Is there a buffet at Casino Dene?

During our visit, there were no buffet services, and staff informed us that none were presently on the schedule.

Parking

Plentiful free parking is conveniently available at the casino's front, offering a couple hundred spots, even though it's more of an open lot than a secured facility.

Accommodation

Adjacent to Casino Dene is Hotel Dene, providing various room options, a bistro, and easy access to the casino's gaming floors. Room rates hover around C$80 during weekdays but may exceed C$110 during peak times.

Do you tip room service at Casino Dene?

While room service is not an option, staff gratuities are welcomed at the BirchBark Bistro onsite.

Are there smoking areas?

Indeed, there's an interior smoking area within the casino, also featuring slot machines.

Security

Our entrance was smoothly facilitated by security, who checked our IDs and provided helpful directions. With CCTV coverage throughout the casino, a sense of security prevailed. However, minimal security presence was observed in the outer parking lots, though Route 28 isn't known for crime.

Loyalty & Rewards – 5/5

How Does Casino Dene's Rewards Program Function?

The Winner’s Edge card is a loyalty scheme accessible at all Alberta casinos. Players collect one point for every C$1 to C$5 spent on slots or table games, redeemable for free play. In addition to confirming several exclusive bonuses, attractive rewards were also noted.

What you get

• Welcome bonus of up to C$1,000 free-play
• 10% dining discounts
• Additional free play

How to register in the program

There are a trio of easy ways to acquire a Winner’s Edge card.

1. Visit winnersedge.ca and fill out the registration form.
2. Approach any Winner’s Edge kiosk within an Alberta casino.
3. Register at Guest Services inside Casino Dene.
4. Whichever method you choose, collect your card by presenting an ID at Guest Services.

Casino Atmosphere – 3/5

Inside Casino Dene

To shed light on Casino Dene's ambiance, we share our observations on the casino’s design, entertainment offerings beyond gaming, and activities you can enjoy in the vicinity.

Design experience

Casino Dene's appearance is typical, with nostalgic yet slightly outdated decor. Subtle nods to the Cold Lake First Nations heritage can be observed through the artwork lining the walls and ceilings.

Is Photography Permitted Inside Casino Dene?

Photography is allowed, except at live tables. Feel free to capture memories around the slot machines.

Location and surroundings

Candidly, this casino is somewhat isolated. Located on Route 28, entertainment outside the casino is sparse for several kilometers, though Cold Lake is a manageable 16-minute ride north.

Is a Passport Required to Enter Casino Dene?

A passport isn’t necessary; a government-issued ID suffices at Casino Dene. Tourists might prefer using passports if their local IDs could be challenging to verify.

Events

Casino Dene regularly presents free live music on Friday and Saturday nights, featuring local talents and excellent cover bands, often without an entry fee.

House Rules (T&Cs) – 4/5

Casino Dene opening hours

The casino operates from 11 AM to 2 AM Sunday through Thursday and stays open an additional hour on Fridays and Saturdays.

Does Casino Dene charge entry?

No entry fees apply to Casino Dene patrons.

Is a Reservation Required at Casino Dene?

Reservations aren’t needed; just walk in and play. If tables or slots are occupied, simply wait your turn.

Is Membership a Prerequisite at Casino Dene?

Joining Casino Dene doesn’t require membership, nor is one offered, but getting a Winner’s Edge rewards card is suggested.

Dress code

There is no strict dress code at Casino Dene. Casual attire is accepted, but clothing displaying offensive, violent, or gang-related themes is prohibited.

Standout rules at Casino Dene

All the regulations we encountered met our expectations for a Canadian casino.

Player Feedback – 3.7/5

Casino Dene stands with strong ratings from nearly 390 reviews on both Google and Tripadvisor. Though Tripadvisor reviews are a bit dated, Google frequently receives fresh feedback.

Casino Dene player reviews

Google – 4/5

Google reviews celebrate attentive staff and free entertainment, although some note the limited selection of gaming options.

Tripadvisor – 3.5/5

While the entertainment and gaming variety receive high praise, some feel the culinary offerings could improve.

Most common issues

• Underwhelming food
• Small gaming offering

Operator – 3/5

Who owns Casino Dene?

Managed by the Denesuline Tribe of the Cold Lake First Nations, Casino Dene operates under the governance of the Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission.

Contact info

Casino Dene Competitors

Besides online casinos in Canada Casino Dene functions without direct competitors. While Alberta is home to numerous casinos, its remote location distances it from others—the nearest being Gold Horse Casino, over 150 kilometers away.

Casino Dene Pros and Cons

Pros

• Exciting Blackjack Tournaments with Major Jackpots
• Low C$100/C$200 poker tournament buy-in cost
• Designated Smoking Area Featuring Slot and VLT Machines
• Free live music on the weekends

Cons

• Only 250 slot machines in total

Contemplating Your Luck at Casino Dene?

Casino Dene, located in the somewhat secluded Cold Lake, offers 250 games, live weekend entertainment, and affordable poker tournaments, making it worth a prolonged visit.

Game variety isn’t extensive, potentially leading plenty of players to rapid exhaustion of their favorites. Even with remarkable entertainment, those unfamiliar might feel lost amidst local music acts. Casino Dene is enjoyable for most, but precise planning of your visit is advisable.