Living in Calgary, we have to grin and bear the occasional cold snap. Thankfully, with so many casinos in our city, the opportunity to go on a real heater is ever-present. Since 1980, when Alberta got its first permanent privately run Casino (Cash Casino, in Calgary), we immediately encouraged a vibrant culture of gaming in our city. No matter your game, Calgary has all bets covered. If luck be your lady tonight, try pressing it at one of these winning establishments.
Poker: Grey Eagle Casino & Bingo
Located on the Tsuu T’ina First Nation, Grey Eagle’s tournament-heavy 24-hour poker room (daily tourneys at noon and 8 p.m.) and abundance of cash games make it easy to be part of big limit or No-Limit Texas Hold’em games. Its player-friendly environment encourages rookies and pros alike to come together and compete for the big pots. If you’re a smoker, the gift of being able to publicly light up indoors — Alberta’s Tobacco Reduction Act doesn’t apply to First Nations casinos — will likely determine Grey Eagle as some sort of personal gaming utopia. 3777 Grey Eagle Dr. SW
Blackjack: Stampede Casino
One of Calgary’s oldest gaming sites (opened in 1988 as Frontier Casino), Stampede is where you go when you’re ready to swim with the sharks. As it shares a close proximity to the Saddledome, there’s a decent chance one of those sharks will be a famous athlete or entertainer (the casino has three high-limit blackjack tables). Its lively CentreBar brings out the Vegas glitz, while simultaneously being a superb venue to watch sports and have a few drinks. 421 12 Ave. S.E.
Roulette: Elbow River Casino
Be it on a budget or in the midst of a ballin’ spree, Elbow River’s roulette tables accommodate all levels of player bets (from 50 cents to $1,000). The glamorous casino’s Red Mile location and propensity for hosting world-class live entertainment (inside are both Yuk Yuk’s Comedy Club and the Bayou Stage) keep you close to the pulse of Calgary’s nightlife. 218 18 Ave. S.E.
Slots: Casino Calgary
One-arm bandits rejoice at the sight of Casino Calgary’s awesome slot area. The casino has 832 new-school slot machines, running on a coinless system, which ensures you won’t have to handle thousands of filthy quarters throughout the night. Big money progressive slots and locally loved VLTs keep the reel excitement within arm’s reach. 1420 Meridian Rd. N.E.
Craps: Deerfoot Inn & Casino
Deerfoot’s 26-deep live-action table game area is transformed into the “Party Pit” on Friday and Saturday nights. During the course of the Party Pit weekend, beautiful female dealers and go-go dancers are brought in to host/entertain each evening, and the floor often becomes a raucous (but respectful) party, the perfect place to temporarily be anointed “King of Click-Clack.” 1000, 11500 – 35 St. S.E.
——————–
Image courtesy of clry2.
