Calgary is not what comes to mind when you’re thinking of a casino getaway for the weekend, but after reading this, your mind is sure to change. Of course, it does not replace the Vegas Strip experience, nor does it require you to cancel your Macau trip, but it delivers an experience so similar that you’d forget you were in Alberta’s biggest city, Calgary.
It’s not only land-based casinos you’ll find in the city – there are also plenty of options to access online casinos. Because many of them allow users to deposit and withdraw winnings using crypto, these casinos are known as the fastest ones in Canada, so even if a night out at the casino isn’t on your mind after a busy day in the city, there are still ways to enjoy your favourite games.
Calgary has also been spearheading the Canadian betting revolution with brick-and-mortar casinos that are giving their online counterparts a good run for their money. The experience is so modern that you can have the time of your life at any casino in the city without visiting the betting floor.
The province of Alberta has 28 casino sites, and Calgary, its biggest city, has 7 of them. Calgary’s love affair with casinos goes as far back as 1969 when the Calgary Stampede (check out some vintage photos here) featured a temporary casino that quickly became a favourite with visitors. And 11 years later, a permanent casino was situated on the territory. In another dozen years, this number grew to three, and finally, seven in 2024, which are the Pure Casino Calgary, Cowboys Casino, Ace Casino Blackfoot, Elbow River Casino, Cash Casino Calgary, Deerfoot Inn & Casino, Grey Eagle Casino, and the Century Downs Racetrack & Casino. All these casinos are overseen by the Alberta Gaming, Liquor, and Cannabis Agency, operated by five different First Nation tribes and licensed under the 1988 Gaming Regulatory Act.
As is customary in all of Canada, you must always get something in return. Aside from the chance of winning the jackpot when you pay your favourite game titles at any of the casinos listed above, many of them have promotional offers all year round to ensure they give back to loyal customers. Ace Casino Blackfoot is popular in the region for offering fans an opportunity to watch their favourite Major League Baseball teams live or tickets to concerts when their favourite icons come around. There are also freebies up for grabs for potential customers as the casino industry in Calgary is competitive, so these are put in place to sway non-players.
For non-players who still want to have fun at casinos in the region, we have finally gotten to the meat of the matter – literally. You can enjoy fine cuisine at any one of the casinos, with a number of delightful things to eat and drinks for you, your friends, and your family.
If you have a sweet tooth, there are not many better places to start than Mochi donuts. These appeal to your eyes and taste buds as they are colourful, gluten-free, daisy-shaped, and chewy. Getting Mochi donuts is no different than gambling in the casino because what flavour you get each day changes so much that it’s almost a gamble, but you’re sure to like whatever you are served, with options like black sesame glaze and peach lemonade on the menu.
Another one you should absolutely try is the Bébé Lune Brie. If you love cheese, this just might be your best one yet. This Canadian-style Brie practically melts in your mouth with so much cream and cheese that you may end up spending all your gambling budget before you hit the casino floor.
After mentioning foods, we must mention drinks in the spirit of balance. The first one is Tiger’s tea. If you’re a regular at karaoke bars, every sip of this drink is a trip down a nostalgic memory lane of your time singing your heart out in group sessions. This tea balances sweetness with the honey in its mix with floral notes from jasmine green tea and cognac. It is super refreshing and a strong contender to be the highlight of your day in Calgary.
If you ask the locals, another beverage at the top of most lists is the High Passion Fruit Cocktail. This beverage keeps things very simple: The right amount of vodka and real passion fruit juice, and you’re good to go. It also has a pineapple variant. It has very little carbonation, so shake this piece of heaven before you gulp, and you’re all set.
Another thing that catches the eye, just as much as the food and drinks, some people even go as far as saying even more is the atmosphere. Like Vegas and Macau, what really keeps people entertained is not just the roll of the die but music, live entertainment, and the festive atmosphere that’s on display day in, day out, all year round, and Calgary delivers.
Most casinos have events that run into the night, during which people can gather around and enjoy the scene together. There are light shows, dancing, singing, and all kinds of festivities for all manner of people. There’s a racetrack at the Century Downs Racetrack & Casino, shopping malls, food complexes, and a cinema for your entertainment.
So much to do and so little time? Wrong. You have time and resort-level lodging options with hotels that redefine luxury with stunning views. There are also accommodations for children where they can meet other kids their age and have fun at kiddie pools while the adults take a breather. You can choose from a selection of bus tours to take in all of Calgary. Everywhere you look, there’s some fun to be had.