PURE Casino Edmonton Review

After a few years since its revamp, PURE Casino Edmonton is drawing back its crowd. But does it truly stand as the top gaming destination north of the Saskatchewan River?

Join us as we take a closer look at PURE Casino Edmonton, uncovering the diverse gaming options and entertainment experiences available. We’ll also share what you can expect in terms of service and size up PURE against its main rivals in Edmonton.

PURE Casino Edmonton Ratings

Table of Contents

• Our Evaluation Methodology for PURE Casino Edmonton
• Slot Machines – 5/5
• Casino Games – 5/5
• Staff & Service – 3/5
• Loyalty & Rewards – 5/5
• Casino Atmosphere – 4/5
• House Rules (T&Cs) – 4.5/5
• Player Feedback – 3.4/5
• Operator – 5/5
• PURE Casino Edmonton Competitors
• PURE Casino Edmonton Pros and Cons
• Is Paying the Blind a Wise Move at PURE Casino Edmonton?

Our Evaluation Methodology for PURE Casino Edmonton

We utilize a unique review framework to thoroughly assess and rank each casino we encounter. We ensure our reviews are authentic by personally visiting every venue rather than relying solely on what’s advertised online.

Our seasoned experts, well-versed in the gambling scene, offer insights that others might miss. To ensure a thorough review of PURE Casino Edmonton, we tasted the cuisine, sampled the drinks, joined the gaming tables, and powered through the slots.

Our Approach to Reviewing PURE Casino Edmonton

• Date of visit: 10/07/2023
• Time of visit: 7 PM – 1 AM
• Initial bankroll: C$100
• What we played: Slots, poker, roulette
• Final bankroll: C$250
• Next visit: 10/15/2024

What we looked at

Our team of casino experts scrutinized PURE Casino Edmonton, employing a blend of established metrics. We assessed game availability and delved into specifics such as table limits. On another note, we absorbed the ambiance of the gaming floor and compared all facets against other Edmonton casinos.

What we found

Slot Machines – 5/5

With an impressive array of slot machines from over three software developers, a specific high-limit room, and plenty of progressive jackpot games tied to Alberta's lucrative networks, PURE Casino Edmonton offers serious slot enthusiasts a treat.

Slot Experience at PURE Casino Edmonton

Our journey began by spinning the reels on 'Makin’ Cash,' a slot with a thrilling progressive jackpot and a bonus round of free spins. Up next was 'Quick Spin,' especially since AGT games were noticeably missing from the latest casinos we scoped out. We wrapped up our session with a final slot, 'Great Eagle II.'

The Slot Machine Count at PURE Casino Edmonton

We were delighted to learn from a casino floor manager that PURE Casino Edmonton boasts over 850 slot machines.

Do the slot machines accept coins?

The slot machines only take cash and free play, which you can activate via your rewards card. While cashiers handle cashouts, they’ll keep your change safe if needed.

Slot machine providers

• IGT
• Konami
• WMS
• Ainsworth Game Technology
• Aristocrat

Local progressive jackpots

Like many beloved Alberta casinos, PURE Casino Edmonton features several popular progressive jackpot machines. Among them, Alberta Gold, American Original, and Queen of Olympus. The Alberta Gold prize starts at a substantial C$20,000.

Casino Games – 5/5

Classic games are playable across 26 tables, complemented by a 12-table poker room.

Game types

• Blackjack
• Free Bet Blackjack
• Craps
• EZ Baccarat
• Four Card Poker
• Roulette
• DJ Wild Stud Poker

Betting limits

Blackjack bets range from C$2 to C$500, while the American roulette tables accommodate bets as high as C$200.

Is Exclusive VIP Access Required for High Stakes Play?

No, all players have the opportunity to play at the high-limit tables or slots without needing any special VIP status.

Poker Tournaments at PURE Casino Edmonton

Every day, poker tournaments take place in the 24-hour poker room, including no-limit games. While most require a C$80 buy-in, larger tournaments are available throughout the year, featuring Texas Hold’em and Omaha poker.

Staff & Service – 3/5

Dining options are plentiful at PURE Casino Edmonton with four dedicated spots, although you’ll need to seek lodging nearby as it isn’t provided. Fortunately, accommodation is conveniently located and there’s ample free parking.

Food & Drinks

The Mezz comes alive from late afternoon until early morning on Fridays and Saturdays. This remarkable sports bar boasts an enticing cocktail menu alongside a selection of local brews, all at wallet-friendly prices between C$7 to C$12.

Operating all day, ALTA Kitchen serves a typical casino menu filled with chicken wings, ribs, steaks, and burgers.

SNAX covers everything from sandwiches to pizza and pasta. Meanwhile, the central bar is open daily from 9:30 AM to 2 AM serving the ALTA menu. Numerous dining promotions, like free donuts and daily specials, are available too.

The Mezz

• Sun-Thu: 4 PM – 11 PM
• Fri-Sat: 5:30 PM – 2 AM

ALTA Kitchen

• Sun-Thu: 9:30 AM – 2 AM / 4:30 PM – 9 PM
• Fri-Sat: 9:30 AM – 2 AM / 4:30 PM – 10 PM

SNAX

• Every day: 11:30 AM – 2 AM

Center Bar

• Every day: 9:30 AM – 2 AM

Tipping Norms at PURE Casino Edmonton

Given Edmonton’s modest wages, a tip between 15-20% is generally appreciated.

Complimentary Drinks at PURE Casino Edmonton?

Regrettably, players will not find a complimentary drinks service at the tables or slots just yet.

Is a Buffet on Offer at PURE Casino Edmonton?

No buffet is available, though guests have two other dining options to choose from.

Parking

With free parking surrounding the building, although not heavily monitored, there are over 300 parking places at PURE Casino Edmonton.

Accommodation

Conveniently located across the road, Four Points Sheraton offers rooms starting at C$80. In contrast, a 15-minute walk will lead you to Radisson Hotel, where room rates are comparatively lower.

Are there smoking areas?

Edmonton hotels maintain a non-smoking policy, akin to PURE Casino. Smoking is permitted only outside at both sites.

Security

Security took us by surprise with their thorough ID checks for all, irrespective of age. Surveillance cameras were discreetly placed throughout.

Loyalty & Rewards – 5/5

You’ll find two rewards systems at PURE Casino – the local PURE rewards and Alberta's Winner’s Edge program. Both options offer discounts on food & beverages, free play, and access to exclusive perks.

Navigating the PURE Casino Edmonton Reward Program

To enroll in Winner’s Edge, you must create an online account and collect your card during your casino visit. Simply swipe your card while playing slots or VLT games to rack up points, redeemable for free play.

From our understanding, swiping at any electronic game rewards you points.

What you get

• Casino free-play
• C$1,000 free-play welcome bonus
• Access member-only contests
• 10% food & drink discounts
• Promotional draws
• Exclusive rewards

How to register for the program

PURE Rewards

1. Visit Guest Services upon entering the casino
2. Fill in the registration forms and present your ID
3. Receive your rewards card

Winner’s Edge

1. For signup, head to winnersedge.ca and complete the required forms
2. Stop by the Guests Services kiosk at PURE Casino Edmonton
3. Pick up your card by showing a government-issued ID

Casino Atmosphere – 4/5

Featuring a striking modern design, tons of live music every weekend, and being just a stone’s throw from Edmonton’s downtown, PURE Casino is bound to rev up your excitement.

Inside PURE Casino Edmonton

Our insights on the casino's layout and the surrounding area will be shared, including further details on the entertainment options available within the casino complex.

Design experience

PURE Casino boasts a trendy ambiance, maintaining its fresh look since its 2020 reopening post-refurbishment. We admired the slightly Romanesque exterior, but the inside is significantly more modern. Despite the modern designs, gaming tables didn’t seem excessively pricey.

Photo Policy at PURE Casino Edmonton?

You’re welcome to snap photos throughout the casino and while engaging with electronic machines. However, refrain from taking photos around live table games and shun phone usage at gaming tables.

Location and surroundings

Much like other Canadian casinos, PURE Casino Edmonton resides in an industrial district. Situated on a key road near a hot tub store, small hospital, and insurance firm. Nevertheless, downtown Edmonton and its myriad of attractions are just a 15-minute drive away.

Is a Passport Necessary for Entry to PURE Casino Edmonton?

No passport is essential; any government-issued ID suffices. Though if your ID is neither in English nor as high-quality as Canadian IDs, using a passport might be preferable.

Events

The Social Room is bustling with free live music performances on Fridays and Saturdays from 8 PM to midnight. Hosting a variety of local musicians, the vibe ranges from hard rock to cover bands and dance music. There’s also room booking available for private parties up to 85 people.

House Rules (T&Cs) – 4.5/5

PURE Casino Edmonton flaunts round-the-clock operations and a reasonable photo policy, but its house rules, although seemingly relaxed, aren’t particularly straightforward. Below, our experts provide more clarity.

PURE Casino Edmonton opening hours

The doors of the casino are open 24/7. However, gaming tables follow a 10 AM to 3 AM schedule, while poker and slot machines remain accessible all day and night.

Entry Fees at PURE Casino Edmonton?

Absolutely no charge for entering PURE Casino Edmonton.

Is a Reservation Needed to Play Games at PURE Casino Edmonton?

No reservations are needed to indulge in games, provided there’s space. Although, reservations may be necessary for select poker tournaments.

Is a Membership Essential at PURE Casino Edmonton?

There’s no membership requirement for entry, granting guests access to all facilities.

Dress code

We didn’t spot a formal dress code, so it appears to be quite lenient. Men sported shorts, t-shirts, and tank tops, yet most adhered to a smart-casual code, which we’d recommend sticking to. A pair of jeans and a t-shirt should suffice.

Notable Rules at PURE Casino Edmonton

During our visit to this casino, we couldn't find any particularly outrageous or one-of-a-kind rules that stood out.

Player Feedback – 3.4/5

We've meticulously sifted through over 1,615 reviews from both Google Reviews and Tripadvisor. PURE Casino Edmonton averaged at a 3.4 rating, enjoyed by locals, though some recurring negative remarks appeared on both platforms.

PURE Casino Edmonton player reviews

Google – 3.9/5

A significant number of patrons noted the casino's positive transformation post-renovation. However, some reviewers pointed out that the security staff occasionally struggled with verifying IDs.

Tripadvisor – 3/5

While Tripadvisor didn't host a plethora of reviews, many customers applauded the 24-hour poker room and had commendable things to say about the staff. Nonetheless, comments were made about the insufficient staffing during busy times and challenges with their government-issued IDs.

Most common issues

• There were issues in how security handled ID checks.
• During bustling periods, there's a noticeable shortage of staff.

Operator – 5/5

Who owns PURE Casino Edmonton?

Tracing back to Casino ABS, this enterprise has a rich history in Alberta's gaming landscape since 1973, establishing the operator as Canada's most seasoned in the field.

Other casinos by the same operator

• PURE Casino Calgary
• PURE Casino Yellowhead
• PURE Casino Lethbridge

Contact info

PURE Casino Edmonton Competitors

With Edmonton boasting 13 casinos, PURE Casino contends with numerous local rivals and has to hold its ground against the burgeoning online casinos in Canada. Yet, we identify two Edmonton establishments as its most significant contenders.

Head-to-head: PURE Casino Edmonton versus Grand Villa Casino.

Grand Villa Casino Featuring more slots than PURE Casino Edmonton, Grand Villa also boasts a bigger poker area in terms of space, though not in tables. Nevertheless, we found the dealers at PURE to be more engaging, and the slots are strategically placed to soak up the vibrant atmosphere of the table games.

Grand Villa Casino is perfect for a lively night out.

With top-tier DJs spinning tracks every Friday, plus six diverse dining and drinking spots, gaming is merely one highlight of the Grand Villa experience. Though we preferred pure gaming at PURE Casino, if it's nightlife you're after, Grand Villa is worth a visit.

Head-to-head: PURE Casino Edmonton versus Pure Casino Yellowhead.

PURE Casino Yellowhead bears a close resemblance to its Edmonton counterpart. It's no shocker, considering slight differences like fewer slots and distinct dining options, while still featuring a 24-hour poker room.

For those in North Edmonton, PURE Casino Yellowhead stands as the prime alternative.

Given its similarity to PURE Casino Edmonton, Yellowhead serves as an excellent option for those desiring the same experience without traveling across town.

What makes PURE Casino Edmonton truly stand out among its peers?

PURE Casino Edmonton distinguishes itself with top-notch free live music, a sleek modern interior, and exceptional staff.

PURE Casino Edmonton Pros and Cons

Pros

• The 24-hour poker room here hosts daily tournaments across 12 tables.
• Low minimum table betting limits
• The establishment is home to a variety of progressive jackpot slot machines.
• Enjoy complimentary live music performances every Friday and Saturday night.

Cons

• You'll find no accommodation on site, unfortunately.
• Compared to nearby Grand Villa Casino, there are fewer slot machines.

Is Paying the Blind a Wise Move at PURE Casino Edmonton?

PURE Casino Edmonton truly offers something for everyone, whether you're just getting into casino games or you're a seasoned player. From penny slots to high-stakes baccarat, there's a game to suit every taste, not to mention numerous table games and VLTs.

With reasonably priced dining options and free musical entertainment, it's quite a draw, though you'll need to rely on Booking.com or Agoda for accommodation since they don't have their own hotel. Downtown Edmonton is close by for more fun activities.