Elbow RiverCasino

Voted ‘best place to gamble’ in the 2010 Best of Calgary readers’ poll, Elbow River Casino is located in downtown Calgary. With easy access to shopping, it is also one block away from the Stampede Grounds, Victoria Park train station and the Talisman Centre. People wishing to soak up a bit of local culture can check out some of the many nearby bars and restaurants, all offering superb views of Calgary Tower. The casino provides a beautiful backdrop through its Roman themed interior and its terracotta brick moulding combined with modern glass inserts. At 80,000 sq ft. the casino went through a major renovation in 2005 to the tune of $35 million providing two floors and a 200 seat entertainment room.

Gaming

The casino features over 600 slot machines, classic and video, ranging in denomination from one cent to one dollar, and includes in-house progressives and video lottery terminals (VLTs). Players can find all their favourite table games such as baccarat, blackjack, craps, tile pai gow, Ultimate Texas Hold’em, Caribbean Stud poker and roulette with betting limits varying from $5 to $1000. High-rollers may enjoy their private gaming tables in their high-limit baccarat room. Their poker room is open 24 hours daily and specializes in 4-8 and 20-40 Texas Hold’em poker. The casino also provides telephone account betting for those who wish to bet on horses from the comfort of their couch.

Dining

Sports enthusiasts may be inclined to visit Sammy’s Sports Bar with its 9 big screen HD televisions and 2 HD projectors. Feature specials here include the poutine burger, potato skins, mesquite strip loin and St. Louis ribs. Jester’s Buffet offers seasonal sit-down meals and assorted buffets. Thursdays to Saturdays offer continental and Asian cuisine. Sunday brunch is all-you-can-eat and runs from 11 am to 1:30 pm for only $10.99. If you’re interested in a quick bite between visits to the gaming floor, Jester’s Deli provides lighter fare including favourites such as pizza, fried chicken and Vietnamese subs.

Entertainment/Nightlife

The Bayou Stage provides live music every Friday and Saturday night and contains a dance floor for patrons wishing to cut loose. Sports fans may opt for Sammy’s Sports Bar, taking in a game in an environment decked out in Calgary Flames memorabilia. Lastly, for those wishing to take in a show you can check out the various comedy acts in Yuk Yuk’s and its line of rotating stand-up comics every Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Hotel/Accommodations

There are currently no hotels on site. Nearby options include the Premier Executive Suites only 0.5 km from the casino, a short car or cab ride away and Hotel Arts, with its 185 rooms, conference and banquet facilities, internet access, heated outdoor pool, fitness centre and is conveniently located 0.9 km away. Another alternative is the Calgary Marriott Downtown Hotel (1 km), complete with room service, health club, indoor swimming pool, internet and lcd tvs.

Rewards/Deals

The casino uses Jesters Club Rewards. Receive permanent discounts at all food outlets and enjoy free coffee, soft drinks, live entertainment and heated underground parking with your free membership.