Calgary doesn’t have the international fame of Toronto, the European vibe of Montreal, or the natural beauty of Vancouver, but it has a unique, relaxed spirit that draws in visitors and residents from all walks of life. With the Rocky Mountains, cultural staples like the Calgary Stampede, and a mix of shopping, dining, and green spaces, its versatility sets the city apart. As a result, there’s a huge market for an evolving social scene—including a casino scene.
With such a diverse population, casinos are a great addition to a night out, whether as a complement to a sit-down dinner, for a little excitement on the slot machines, or to socialize and test your mettle at the tables.
A Brief History of Gambling in Calgary
In the broader context of Canada, gambling has a long history—and it didn’t have to do with the European settlers who colonized the land. Indigenous peoples in Canada were already playing similar games before colonization occurred, not just for entertainment purposes but because they had spiritual and educational worth. Each generation would use gambling as a vehicle for storytelling and passing down life skills. Because of this deeper significance, gambling in Canada has much richer roots than in other countries.
While the indigenous peoples set the foundation for gambling, European settlers refined these activities and incorporated moral and legal frameworks for them. Slowly but surely, gambling became regulated and legalized, and official casinos began opening in cities around the country. The first casino in Alberta, Cash Casino (now ACE Blackfoot), opened in 1980 in Calgary. Fast forward to today, and you’ll find a variety of in-person casinos and information online for those looking for the best slot website to enjoy from home or on the go.
The Best Casinos in the City
Calgary has no shortage of casino experiences dotted around the city. While cities like Toronto intentionally do not have any casinos within city limits because of political resistance, Calgary welcomes casino culture with open arms. Here are some of the establishments you can check out:
- PURE Casino: A classic 24/7 casino with high-limit rooms, a VIP lounge, slots and poker rooms, blackjack tables, and an on-site restaurant just outside the downtown core.
- Elbow River Casino: Casino located right by the Calgary Stampede with free heated underground parking, Las Vegas-style gaming, progressive jackpot slots, off-track betting, a ton of poker options, and a few homestyle dining options to satisfy your hunger.
- Cowboys Casino: A cowboy-themed gaming hall for a refined yet buzzing atmosphere. The floor has over 370 slot machines, a 24-hour poker room, a digital gaming pit, and the Centre Bar & Eatery in the middle of the action.
- Grey Eagle Resort and Casino: A full-on casino resort experience on the Tsuut’ina Nation, featuring 84,000 square feet of gaming and beautiful hotel rooms overlooking the Rocky Mountains. You’ll also find a full calendar of performances, five dining options, and a swimming pool.
- ACE Casino: The ACE Casino has two locations in Calgary—one on Blackfoot and another by the airport. The ACE locations offer tons of promotions, gaming options, dining spots, and screens to watch the game on, as well as themed buffet nights and unique events like trivia night.
- Deerfoot Inn & Casino: Seeking an overnight stay or a quick getaway? The Deerfoot Inn is a perfect destination for a wide variety of slots, table games, live performances, restaurant options, and cozy, down-to-earth guest rooms.
Bolstering Your Casino Experience
Because Calgary’s casinos are so centrally located, you can bolster any casino experience with other entertainment and dining excursions and make a full day or night out of it.
For those gambling in downtown Calgary, you’ll have the best selection of things to do, including visiting the city’s icons like the Calgary Tower for sweeping views and the Olympic Plaza to immerse yourself in your surroundings. Want to get a bite to eat but aren’t too keen on what the casinos themselves have to offer? The downtown core is full of must-go restaurants and bars, including The Rooftop YYC and the Porch, for delicious eats in outdoor spaces. Bottlescrew Bill’s Pub has a brilliant selection of craft beers and pub food, while The Wednesday Room is a great pick if you’re looking for a swanky cocktail lounge with upmarket food and mixed drinks.
While the Grey Eagle Resort provides a full experience on its grounds, you can take a break from the indoors with a stroll through North Glenmore Park, a 208-acre park with trails, picnic areas, and BBQs. There are also plenty of restaurants north of the resort, such as Korean spot BUSAN and the bowling alley Splitsville.
How Gambling Impacted Calgary’s Culture
Gambling is now a multi-layered activity. People can choose to pull out their phones for a quick round of gaming, stop by a brick-and-mortar establishment on a night out, or even spend a day or two indulging at a casino resort. The choose-your-experience nature associated with gambling makes it highly accessible and customizable to everybody, meaning people can engage with it in whatever way makes them feel comfortable.
The casinos found around the city help enrich its nightlife and act as entertainment hubs, letting people gather and socialize beyond other happenings like sports events and major city festivals. That’s what’s unique about Calgary’s casino culture—it trades the over-the-top glitz and glamour for a foundation of community and authenticity.