Casino Nanaimo Review

In 2022, a lucky player hit the jackpot with a C$2.1 million win from just a single spin at Casino Nanaimo. Could this place be the ultimate destination for jackpot seekers?

Dive into our detailed examination of Casino Nanaimo as we uncover the latest game selections, promotions, thrilling jackpots, dining experiences, and all that awaits you.

Casino Nanaimo Ratings

Table of Contents

• Understanding the Evaluation and Rating System for Casino Nanaimo
• 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 – 3.6/5
• Operator – 5/5
• Casino Nanaimo Competitors
• Casino Nanaimo Pros and Cons
• Should You Visit Casino Nanaimo?

Understanding the Evaluation and Rating System for Casino Nanaimo

By experiencing the casino firsthand, we've gathered critical insights and first-hand accounts to equip you with everything necessary to plan your gaming adventure.

How we inspected Casino Nanaimo

• Date of visit: 09/14/2024
• Time of visit: 2 PM – 12 AM
• Initial bankroll: C$100
• What we played: Slots, Blackjack, VLT
• Final bankroll: C$145
• Next visit: 09/15/2025

What we looked at

Our seasoned reviewers assess Casino Nanaimo based on both objective benchmarks, like the diversity of slot providers and availability of progressive jackpots, as well as subjective factors, such as the house rules.

What we found

Slot Machines – 5/5

Discover a myriad of engaging themes and a plethora of jackpot opportunities on state-of-the-art machines backed by three leading slot designers.

Slots we played at Casino Nanaimo

We began our night with a few classic favorites such as Gold Stack and Cats, before moving on to try our luck with Wicked Winnings and Rising Fortunes.

Our evening wrapped up in the classic casino tradition—chasing a massive jackpot win. Despite our best efforts on BC Gold, Powerbucks, and Lighting Link, a big win eluded us.

Have you ever wondered how many slot machines there are at Casino Nanaimo?

At Casino Nanaimo, there are more than 400 slot machines for you to try your luck.

Do the slot machines accept coins?

No, slot machines here only work with cash, printed casino vouchers, and free play rewards from Encore cards.

Slot machine providers

• Aristocrat
• IGT
• Bally

Local progressive jackpots

Casino Games – 4/5

The casino hosts six vibrant live tables, each offering a different gameplay experience.

If the live tables are fully occupied, you have the option to play popular games like blackjack, roulette, and baccarat on 10 VLT machines.

Game types

• Kings Bounty Blackjack
• Free Bet Blackjack
• RUYI Baccarat
• Ultimate Texas Hold’em

Betting limits

We tried our hand at Free Bet Blackjack, with the table requiring a modest minimum bet of just C$5.

VLT machines here accommodate even the smallest of bets, starting as low as C$0.50.

Is it possible to place high-limit bets, or does one need special VIP privileges?

Every visitor has the opportunity to wager at high-limit stakes without the necessity for VIP status.

Casino Nanaimo poker tournaments

You can immerse yourself in a game of C$1/C$3 No Limit Texas Hold'em any day of the week, with buy-ins starting at C$100 and re-buys capped at C$500. Remember to secure your seat by contacting Guest Services.

Staff & Service – 3/5

Food & Drinks

Casino Nanaimo features a single dining option—The Well Public House.

The Well Public House starts with breakfast and offers late-night snacks until either 10 PM or midnight. The menu presents a variety of dishes, including Asian flavors, BBQ, Poutine, and finger foods like chicken wings.

Most of the dishes at The Well are priced under the C$17 or C$18 mark, and you'll find a nice selection of hearty roasts for only C$20. They also offer both local and international beers, wines, and cocktails.

Opening hours:

• Sun – Thurs: 11 AM – 10 PM
• Fri & Sat: 11 AM – 12 AM

How much do you tip at Casino Nanaimo?

In British Columbia, tipping is commonly expected to be between 15 and 20%.

Are complimentary beverages offered at Casino Nanaimo?

Yes, non-alcoholic beverages like soda are complimentary, plus there are coffee machines available without charge.

Is there a buffet at Casino Nanaimo?

Unfortunately, Casino Nanaimo does not have a buffet.

Parking

There's ample free parking available right outside Casino Nanaimo.

Accommodation

While Casino Nanaimo does not feature its own hotel, we identified four conveniently located hotels within walking distance.

For budget-conscious travelers, the 1-star Painted Turtle Guesthouse around C$100 per night presents the most economical choice.

The Courtyard Nanaimo, right across from the casino, offers convenience, although it is priced at approximately C$220 per night.

Is it customary to tip for room service at Casino Nanaimo?

While not obligatory, tipping the staff is seen as a nice gesture if the hotel where you're staying offers room service.

Are there smoking areas?

Both the casino and the surrounding hotels are strictly non-smoking. To smoke, you'll need to step outdoors.

Security

We found the security team at the casino to be among the kindest we've encountered throughout British Columbia.

While CCTV covers the entire casino, the parking lot seems to have some gaps in surveillance coverage.

Loyalty & Rewards – 5/5

What can you tell me about Casino Nanaimo's loyalty program?

At Casino Nanaimo, you can use the BC-wide Encore Rewards card. The card is complimentary and encompasses a tiered system with access to exclusive perks.

What you get

• Free play
• Dining discounts
• Exclusive promos, gifts, and draws

How to register in the program

1. Enter Casino Nanaimo
2. Go to Guest Services
3. Ask for an Encore Rewards card
4. Complete the form and provide your ID
5. Receive your Encore Rewards card

Casino Atmosphere – 3/5

Inside Casino Nanaimo

We paid special attention to the interior aesthetics of the casino and took the opportunity to explore the surrounding locale.

Our professionals were on the lookout for additional entertainment options, including any live events taking place.

Design experience

The casino ambiance is dimly lit with low ceilings, evoking a nostalgic feel reminiscent of a vintage arcade.

Though some of the decor might feel a bit dated, it doesn't diminish the fun and engaging atmosphere.

Are photographs permitted at Casino Nanaimo?

Photography is allowed within certain areas of the casino, but not in the live gaming zones.

Location and surroundings

Nanaimo exudes a unique charm with its natural harbor and quaint seaside community feel.

The area boasts numerous trails, parks, and views that encompass one of the longest coastlines in Canada.

Timing your visit right might allow you to partake in local festivals and cultural experiences.

Is a passport needed for entry to Casino Nanaimo?

While a passport is an accepted form of identification, you can also use options like a BCID, a driver's license, or any national ID card with a photograph.

Events

Live entertainment isn’t part of Casino Nanaimo’s offerings. However, the casino does have space for events like weddings and corporate gatherings.

House Rules (T&Cs) – 4/5

When is Casino Nanaimo open?

The casino operates daily from 10 AM to 1 AM, with extended hours on Fridays and Saturdays until 2 AM.

Does Casino Nanaimo charge entry?

No, entry is free.

Do you always have to book a spot before playing at Casino Nanaimo?

Generally, you can take an available seat without a reservation.

Is there a membership fee required to play at Casino Nanaimo?

No membership is necessary or available, though joining the Encore Rewards program is encouraged.

Dress code

We confirmed that Casino Nanaimo doesn't enforce a formal dress code. Many guests wore casual attire ranging from t-shirts to flip-flops.

Use common sense in dressing; avoid attire that is gang-related, offensive, or promotes violence.

Standout rules at Casino Nanaimo

The casino rules are straightforward and standard for British Columbia casinos, with nothing particularly surprising.

Player Feedback – 3.6/5

Our team noted nearly 1,000 reviews for Casino Nanaimo on platforms like Tripadvisor and Google.

Casino Nanaimo player reviews

Google – 3.8/5

Players appreciated the swift service, reasonably priced restaurant, and friendly live dealers.

However, reservations for poker games were a struggle for some.

Tripadvisor – 3.5/5

Reviewers consistently enjoyed their visits, building upon others' accounts of excellent service.

A few avid gamblers described the casino as 'basic', likely due to the smaller number of live gaming tables.

Most common issues

• Tables can get very busy
• Limited table numbers

Operator – 5/5

Who owns Casino Nanaimo?

Great Canadian Entertainment, a major player in the industry, runs the casino.

Other casinos by the same operator

• Great Canadian Casino Vancouver
• Casino Ajax
• Elements Casino Grand River

Contact info

Casino Nanaimo Competitors

On Vancouver Island, Casino Nanaimo faces competition from two other casinos. online casinos in Canada In-Depth Look at Casino Nanaimo: Games, Services, and More

Dive into our deep examination of Casino Nanaimo to find out which jackpots are up for grabs, get authentic insights on their services, and discover much more.

Back in 2022, a lucky visitor clinched a C$2.1 million prize with a single spin. So, could Casino Nanaimo truly be the jackpot haven?

We thoroughly explore Casino Nanaimo to offer you the freshest insights into its vast game selection, enticing promotions and jackpots, and delightful dining opportunities.

Understanding the Grading and Evaluation Method for Casino Nanaimo

Our firsthand experiences from visiting the casino allow us to deliver crucial insights. We aim to provide you with everything you need for a well-informed choice for your next visit.

Our team of experts evaluates both subjective impressions and objective facts to create comprehensive reviews. Objectively, we verify the presence of a good variety of slot providers and progressive jackpots. Subjectively, we delve into the details of the house rules.

Discover a plethora of themes and plenty of jackpots with exhilarating machines developed by three leading slot providers.

Our journey began with some classic slot titles like Gold Stack and Cats. Following that, we ventured into exciting games such as Wicked Winnings and Rising Fortunes.

We capped off our evening trying our luck at some major jackpots. We aimed for the big wins on games like BC Gold, Powerbucks, and Lightning Link, but none came our way.

What is the slot machine count at Casino Nanaimo?

There are more than 400 slot machines at Casino Nanaimo.

Unfortunately, the slot machines only take cash, printed casino vouchers, and free plays earned through Encore Rewards cards.

and others powered by wagers throughout British Columbia, including BC Gold and Powerbucks, the network where Erralyn J. nabbed a C$2.1 million jackpot in 2022.

The casino houses six live tables offering four distinct games.

If live tables are fully occupied, 10 VLT machines provide electronic versions of timeless favorites such as blackjack, roulette, and baccarat.

We played Free Bet Blackjack, and the minimum bet was a mere C$5.

VLT machines accommodate minimal betting starting as low as C$0.50.

Casino Nanaimo Pros and Cons

Pros

• History of jackpot payouts
• Casual-friendly low bet limits
• Weekly No Limit Hold’em games

Cons

• Only six live gaming tables

Should You Visit Casino Nanaimo?

Can anyone wager the highest limits, or do you need exclusive VIP access?

Anyone is entitled to wager the highest limits on any game. VIP access isn’t a prerequisite.

You can engage in C$1/C$3 No Limit Texas Hold’em every single day. Entry starts at C$100, with a maximum re-buy cap of C$500. Ensure you contact Guest Services to claim your spot.

There’s one dining establishment at Casino Nanaimo – The Well Public House.