Starlight Casino Review

Editorial Team

Casino expert

 Updated:
Starlight Casino Review

In this detailed evaluation, we cover every aspect you might be curious about regarding Edmonton's well-known Starlight Casino.

Starlight Casino Ratings

Overall Rating 3.8/5

Slot Machines

3/5

Casino Games

3/5

Staff & Service

3/5

Loyalty & Rewards

4/5

Casino Atmosphere

3/5

House Rules (T&Cs)

4/5

Player Feedback

3.5/5

Operator

4/5

Table of Contents

How We Rate and Review: Starlight Casino

Our review team believes that hands-on experiences are crucial for an authentic review. We actually go to places like Starlight Casino, engage with several types of games, and provide insights based on our presence there, removing any guesswork.

Actual interaction is priceless for a casino evaluation, driving our team to personally visit and test out games with a budget in hand. This helps us get genuine feedback from players and staff, especially regarding any recent changes that might not be reflected online yet.

How we inspected Starlight Casino

  • Date of visit: 10/06/2023
  • Time of visit: 9h-11h
  • Initial bankroll: $150
  • What we played: Blackjack, slots
  • Final bankroll: $0
  • Next visit: 19/04/2024

What we looked at

To begin our review of Starlight Casino, we explored their site and scoured online feedback for a preliminary understanding before heading to Edmonton. We verified the number of games and ensured that the popular opinions matched the reality we observed.

Besides diving into the casino's gaming offerings, we sampled food at different restaurants and made observations on staff interactions, which aren’t captured by statistics alone.

What we found

Address

Starlight Casino, #2710, 8882-170 Street, Northwest Edmonton, AB T5T 3J7

Open hours

09:00 – 05:00

Membership

Required (free to join)

Minimum age

18

ID checks

Yes

Game types

Slots, table games, poker

Tables

40+

Slot machines

760+

Gaming terminals

35+

Payment

Cash, card

Average betting range

$5 – $100

Free drinks (Canada)

No

Restaurant

Yes

Hotel

No

Poker tournaments

Yes

Slot Machines – 3/5

At the time of our review, Starlight Casino boasted over 750 slot machines, providing numerous options for players. Notably, they have a Starlight Room for high-stakes slots, although it seemed surprisingly quiet during our visit.

Slot machine providers

  • AGS
  • Aristocrat
  • IGT
  • Lightning Box
  • Microgaming
  • SG Digital
  • WMS

Local progressive jackpots

The extensive selection of over 750 slots at Starlight Casino is backed by numerous software providers, offering chances to pursue progressive jackpots on specific games.

big names like Microgaming

Curious about the number of slots at Starlight Casino? They have over 750 machines available as of our latest investigation.

Coins aren't an option for the slots at Starlight Casino. Instead, players can use bills or tap into a convenient ticket system.

A significant facelift took place at Starlight Casino in 2018 at a steep price of $57 million, considerably expanding its gaming offerings since its inception.

Do the slot machines accept coins?

Despite the upgrades, it's not Canada's largest casino. With approximately 40 table games and over 750 slots, it caters well to most, and the 'Replay Arena' area was full of action during our visit.

Casino Games – 3/5

The management seems focused on drawing millennials in, with the 'Replay Arena' serving as an introduction to new games, creating an upbeat atmosphere despite having only 18 terminals.

While some Canadian casinos offer even more diversity, Starlight Casino holds its allure—especially if you're into slot games.

Is high-stakes gaming open to everyone at Starlight Casino, or is VIP access required?

Situated within a mall, Starlight Casino may not be as spacious as some competitors, yet it includes a high-stakes gaming area known as the Starlight Room.

Oddly enough, poker isn't spotlighted on the Starlight Casino website, though there are nonetheless eight tables ready for play. It's a bit of a hidden treasure.

During our review, we noted that no area within Starlight Casino seemed understaffed, which is admirable for a casino of this scale. The staff proved friendly, yet don't expect the luxurious service perks—like complimentary drinks—one might find in larger Canadian and U.S. casinos, which affected our rating a bit.

Starlight Casino poker tournaments

At the time we conducted the Starlight Casino review, a few dining spots like MATCH, the buffet, and Halley’s Club were shut. Thus, we based our critique on the open eateries such as Atlas Steak & Fish, Nova Bar, and CHOW Lucky Noodle Bar.

Staff & Service – 3/5

It was disappointing to find Atlas Steak & Fish open only Thursday to Sunday, leaving CHOW as the only consistently available dining venue. Nova Bar, however, offered tempting options like dirty fries ($10) and a Philly steak flatbread pizza ($14). For fans of Asian fare, CHOW is a solid choice, though we hoped for more variety during weekdays.

Food & Drinks

How much should you tip while at Starlight Casino?

There's no fixed tipping rule at Starlight Casino, so we opted for a general range of 10% to 20%.

Are complimentary beverages part of the experience at Starlight Casino?

Regrettably, Starlight Casino doesn't serve free drinks, yet they do have 'happy hours' from 10:00 to 19:00, Thursday through Sunday, featuring draft beer under $5.

Is there an option for a buffet meal at Starlight Casino?

Indeed, Starlight Casino has a buffet, aptly named The Buffet, but it was temporarily closed during our assessment.

Visitors agree that free parking at Starlight Casino is a standout benefit, a convenience of its mall location.

No accommodation is directly provided by Starlight Casino. However, nearby choices like Fantasyland Hotel and West Edmonton Mall Inn are easily accessible.

Parking

Located within West Edmonton Mall, Starlight Casino is a non-smoking venue, with designated smoking areas at the entry points.

Accommodation

Security measures were tightened post-pandemic, making Starlight Casino's staff well-prepared and vigilant without being intrusive.

Are there smoking areas?

The loyalty program at Starlight Casino is known as the Winner’s Edge. It's a familiar scheme around Alberta, packed with welcome bonuses and free spins.

Security

To enjoy these rewards, you can cost-free register for the My Club Rewards program upon your visit to Starlight Casino.

Loyalty & Rewards – 4/5

How does Starlight Casino's rewards program operate?

While at Starlight Casino, head over to Guest Services to sign up for their rewards initiative. It's complimentary and designed to unlock various benefits as you enjoy the games.

  • Go to Starlight Casino and visit the Guest Services desk
  • Inform them about your interest in joining the My Club Rewards program
  • Swipe your member card at entry kiosks to gather points
  • Exchange your accumulated points for exciting bonuses and rewards

The focus on attracting millennials—along with traffic from the adjoining mall—makes Starlight Casino's ambiance friendly and welcoming. But, it doesn’t quite capture the grandeur of Canada’s larger casinos or those boasting facilities absent here.

What you get

  • Welcome bonus
  • Birthday gift
  • Weekly and monthly free spins
  • Boosted points on selected days

How to claim rewards

  1. Though placed within West Edmonton Mall, Starlight Casino underwent a huge refurb in 2018, breathing life with a contemporary vibe. The 'Replay Arena' especially encapsulates the lively energy as new gamers flock to it.

  2. The entryway incorporates the mall’s aesthetics with a sharp design, while Nova Bar's circular theme evokes a nightclub mood. Meanwhile, the main floor keeps it classic with slots, gaming tables, and carpeted areas—an old-school casino layout.

  3. You’ll receive a membership card

  4. Is photography allowed in Starlight Casino?

  5. Players can't use cameras while gaming at Starlight Casino. However, given its proximity to other mall stores, general phone usage was observed to be more relaxed than in some other Canadian casinos.

Casino Atmosphere – 3/5

Being ensconced in West Edmonton Mall means Starlight Casino lacks the breathtaking vistas that other Canadian casino sites offer, like the scenic views at certain mentionable others.

View from the inside

Need a passport for entry at Starlight Casino?

Design experience

Yes, entry to Starlight Casino necessitates a government-issued ID, and patrons must be at least 18 years old to enter.

Throughout our Starlight Casino review, we observed individuals well past the age threshold being requested to show ID, so it's imperative to carry yours.

While some Canadian casinos book major entertainers, Starlight Casino doesn’t facilitate such events. Nonetheless, the modest stage near Nova Bar adds to the amusement with live performances, albeit on a lesser scale than larger casino venues.

Location and surroundings

At Starlight Casino, enticing strict rules aren't on the docket, allowing for a laid-back visit. Conversations with staff hinted at stricter enforcement when COVID emerged, which has since eased, so security isn't overly forceful.

Fallsview Casino which overlooks the Niagara Falls.

Operating hours for Starlight Casino range from 09:00 to 05:00. Ideally, it could be open round-the-clock, but mall premises impose specific limitations.

There's no entry fee to access Starlight Casino from the mall.

Is reserving a spot necessary to play at Starlight Casino?

Events

Starlight Casino skews towards casual guests, so there's no need for prior reservations.

House Rules (T&Cs) – 4/5

Getting to Know Starlight Casino Membership

When is Starlight Casino open?

You'll need to present a government-issued ID for joining the My Club Rewards program at Starlight Casino.

Does Starlight Casino charge entry?

The dress code at Starlight Casino is casual and relaxed, with most people opting for smart-casual attire.

Starlight Casino Overview: Is a Visit a Good Bet?

Check out our insights on Edmonton's Starlight Casino covering its gaming options, rewards program, and a lot more.

Our dive into Starlight Casino unveils everything you need to know about this renowned hotspot in Edmonton.

How Do We Rate and Review Starlight Casino?

Dress code

Who Stands as Starlight Casino's Chief Rivals?

Standout rules at Starlight Casino

  • Restricted camera use
  • No smoking

Player Feedback – 3.5/5

Considering a Gamble at Starlight Casino?

Starlight Casino player reviews

Google – 3.9/5

Our approach to reviewing establishments such as Starlight Casino is hands-on, entailing on-site visits and engagement with various games. This experiential method guarantees a thorough and informed review devoid of assumptions. Got a question about Starlight? We've probably got it covered.

TripAdvisor – 3/5

Experiencing a casino like Starlight firsthand is unparalleled. We allocate funds to our team to dive into various games, allowing them to engage with both patrons and staff. This enables us to capture their opinions and insights, especially if the venue has seen recent transformations. A casino that might have had a tarnished image online could have undergone a makeover, making it worth the trip now.

Most common issues

  • Some issues with staff
  • Claims of low-paying slots

Operator – 4/5

In our Starlight Casino review, we began with an online sweep before heading to Edmonton. Our mission: verify game numbers and cross-check if details align with online chatter.

Who owns Starlight Casino?

Apart from gaming, we dined at several eateries on-site, taking notes on non-statistical elements like the hospitality of the staff.

Other casinos by the same operator

Contact info

Website

https://edmonton.starlightcasino.ca/

Email address

Telephone number

(780) 444-2112

Other

N/A

Discover who stands as Starlight Casino's major competitors in the gaming world.

Starlight Casino, #2710, 8882-170 Street, Northwest Edmonton, AB T5T 3J7

Starlight Casino houses over 750 slot machines, offering a vast array of choices, although some Canadian casinos boast larger numbers. The exclusive Starlight Room is dedicated to high-stakes enthusiasts, although it felt relatively calm during our review.

With a modest 405 slots and 14 tables games, River Cree Resort and Casino Players will find a wealth of software providers among the 750+ slots at Starlight Casino, ensuring opportunities for hitting progressive jackpots on select machines.

What is the count of slot machines at Starlight Casino?

As our latest review indicates, over 750 slot machines await at Starlight Casino.

Slots at Starlight Casino don't accept coins. Instead, transactions are made with bills or through the ticket system.

A massive renovation took place at Starlight Casino in 2018 with an investment of $57 million, markedly expanding their gaming offerings.

While it's not Canada's largest, the casino possesses around 40 gaming tables and 750+ slots. The 'Replay Arena' witnessing ample participation.

Management's focus is on attracting millennials, and the Replay Arena has been a savvy move, infusing a lively setting into that casino section, though only featuring 18 terminals.

While some Canadian competitors offer more diverse gaming options, Starlight Casino still has plenty to entertain, especially for fans of the slot games.

Are high-limit bets accessible to everyone, or is VIP access required?

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Good loyalty scheme
  • Accessible location
  • Poker available
  • Family-friendly restaurants
  • Cool Replay Arena

Cons

  • Nestled within a mall, Starlight Casino lacks the expansiveness of some competitors but boasts an elite section called the Starlight Room for high-limit slot gaming.
  • Not quite open 24/7

Is Starlight Casino the Right Choice for Your Gaming Adventure?

Surprisingly, while not highlighted on the website, Starlight Casino features eight poker tables, making it an under-the-radar treasure.