Alberta may be on the verge of following Ontario in liberalising its approach to online operators, but there are still a number of so-called brick and mortar casinos for players to enjoy.
One of the best known of these is the Grey Eagle Casino & Resort, around 25 miles outside of Calgary. It’s a First Nation resort that’s located on the Tsuut’ina reservation. It’s also just an hour’s drive from the spectacular Banff National Park, not that you’ll have a great deal of time to enjoy that if you indulge in everything the Grey Eagle has to offer.
As the name suggests it has a first-rate casino as well as all you could want from a resort. It might not be quite Las Vegas but it’s pretty appealing all the same.
Place your bets
Let’s start with the casino. It certainly manages to pack a great deal in to its 84,000 square feet. This includes almost 1,000 slots games that you can play for anything from a single cent to $25 per spin. Then there are all the table games you’d expect, plus a couple of surprises in the form of Pai Gow and bingo.
True 21st century gaming comes in the form of the Quartz Hybrid digital terminals that let you switch from blackjack to roulette to baccarat and beyond.
For poker players there are six tables that are in action from Thursday through Sunday – or test your skill at the three card game that’s available all week round.
Conscious of the need to compete with the sorts of bonuses and offers available from Canadian online casinos there are plenty of incentives here too. For example, there’s the Winner’s Edge loyalty scheme that offers a whole host of other benefits including prizes to be won and member discounts to be claimed.
A fine choice of dining
All that gaming is certain to give you an appetite, and the good news is that there’s are plenty of ways to satisfy it.
Drop into the resort’s famous Little Chief restaurant where you’ll find a beguiling mix of modern cuisine and dishes which come from a rich indigenous tradition. These range from Warm Saskatoon Berry Soup to Bison Burgers and from Pow Wow Poutine to Pan-Seared Salmon.
Or there’s the Buffet Restaurant that offers a differently-themed menu every night including their legendary Thursday night Seafood Banquet. If you’re looking for something a little more carnivorous to enjoy then head straight for the Blaze Bar and Grill with its menu of Pulled Pork, Chili Chicken Wraps and Pan-Asian specials like Shanghai Wontons and Steamed Prawn Dumplings.
If you just want to kick back with a drink to watch some sporting action on the big screen then the Stage Bar is definitely the place to be.
Make a stay of it
It’s a little way out of town so why not turn your visit into a mini-break by staying in the resort’s four-star hotel?
It features comfortable rooms and suites with modern décor, much of it featuring First Nation-inspired artworks. There are also a whole host of facilities at your disposal including a pool and an outdoor hot tub and a gym and fitness centre that’s open 24 hours a day.
You can even take advantage of a range of special packages including the Date Night that includes complimentary chocolates and prosecco as well as a $30 casino card and an in-room breakfast for two. Dog lovers are also welcome with their favourite pet being given a toy and plenty of treats as part of their deal.
That’s entertainment!
The Grey Eagle Casino & Resort is also set to give even Calgary’s best nightclubs a run for their money when it comes to entertainment thanks to its Event Centre.
That’s because its state of the art arena hosts big events all year round including tribute acts to bands as different as Led Zeppelin and The Beatles as well as audience favourites like Bachman Turner Overdrive and 70s teenybopper sensations The Bay City Rollers.
The auditorium is fitted out with all the latest in high-tech sound and lighting equipment and the acoustics are superb. There’s also a large bar so you can enjoy a few drinks as you settle back into your comfortable seat and soak up the big concert atmosphere.
You can also rest assured that every single member of staff you meet, in the casino, the hotel, the restaurants and the Event Centre, will be doing their utmost to make your visit perfect.
So next time you’re in Calgary with a little spare time on your hands, it’s well worth making that trip out to The Grey Eagle. And who knows? If Lady Luck’s at your side in the casino you could even be heading home with some winnings!