ACE Casino Blackfoot Review

Located mere minutes from downtown Calgary and situated on the site of the oldest casino in Alberta, ACE Casino Blackfoot has quite a history to live up to. So, does ACE Casino Blackfoot embody 40+ years of gambling history?

Read on to find out and learn about the types of games available, what dining options you can enjoy and whether there is a generous loyalty program.

ACE Casino Blackfoot Ratings

Table of Contents

• Rating and Review Process for ACE Casino Blackfoot
• Slot Machines – 5/5
• Casino Games – 4/5
• Staff & Service – 4/5
• Loyalty & Rewards – 2/5
• Casino Atmosphere – 3/5
• House Rules (T&Cs) – 4/5
• Player Feedback – 3.9/5
• Operator – 3/5
• ACE Casino Blackfoot Competitors
• ACE Casino Blackfoot Pros and Cons
• Is ACE Casino Blackfoot a Royal Flush?

Rating and Review Process for ACE Casino Blackfoot

Our experts use a specialized review system to conduct a thorough analysis of every casino we review. A crucial component of our review system is the fact that our expert reviewers actually visit the casino.

We are able to check every nook and cranny, test the games, dine at the restaurants, take in the atmosphere, and then provide our findings so you can make an informed decision.

How we inspected ACE Casino Blackfoot

• Date of visit: 01/06/2024
• Time of visit: 6 PM-11 PM
• Initial bankroll: C$100
• What we played: Roulette, slots, craps
• Final bankroll: C$115
• Next visit: 01/08/2025

What we looked at

To ensure we provide a full picture of ACE Casino Blackfoot, we always conduct an objective and subjective analysis of the casino. For example, we look at objective criteria such as offering actual table games but also look at subjective methods such as the general atmosphere on the casino floor.

What we found

Slot Machines – 5/5

With more than 600 machines from top software providers that include massive professional progressive jackpot networks, ACE Casino Blackfoot will please any slot gamer.

Slots we played at ACE Casino Blackfoot

We kicked things off with a few spins of Alberta Gold and attempted to win the progressive pot. Feeling a bit retro, we moved on to Cleopatra before playing a good 20-minute worth of 88 Fortunes. After an hour of table gaming, we eventually finished up with a few spins of Rhino Charge which features big wins from stacked clusters.

How many slot machines does ACE Casino Blackfoot have?

There are over 600 slot machines at ACE Casino Blackfoot including 29 special slots with a C$5 maximum bet limit in the VIP room.

Do the slot machines accept coins?

Slot machine providers

• IGT
• Aristocrat
• Konami

Local progressive jackpots

Amongst the numerous local progressive jackpot slots are several popular Alberta progressive jackpot networks including Alberta Gold, Diamond Millions, and Jackpot Junction. During our visit, Jackpot Junction was worth over C$150K and Diamond Million is always worth a million or more.

Casino Games – 4/5

ACE Casino Blackfoot offers real live tables and VLT table games. The live tables are available between 12 PM and 3 AM. Several games feature progressive jackpot side bets such as 777 for Blackjack or Chase the Flush for Texas Hold’em.

Game types

• Roulette
• Blackjack
• EZ-baccarat
• Craps
• Pai Gai Tiles
• Texas Hold’em

Betting limits

The High Limit Room has two baccarat tables where the minimum bet is C$25. Playing at the standard tables is far more accessible.

Can anyone bet the highest limits or you need special VIP access?

Anyone is allowed to bet the highest limits. Games with the highest limits are found in the High Limit Room. You can book out the high-limit room for private bookings such as corporate events.

Staff & Service – 4/5

Food & Drinks

You can enjoy a simple, yet diverse dining experience at either The Kitchen or the Center Bar. The Kitchen is a quick-service restaurant that provides a variety of international cuisines including local and Asian dishes.

We found the prices to be quite reasonable – mains average around C$10 to C$15 – and there are usually a couple of special promotions on too. The Center Bar is open every day until 2 AM and features a happy hour between 12 PM and 6 PM on weekdays – the drinks start at a ridiculous C$4.75.

The Kitchen

• Sun – Thur: 9 AM to 11 PM
• Fri – Sat: 9 AM to 1 AM

The Center Bar

• Daily: 10 AM to 2 AM

How much do you tip at ACE Casino Blackfoot?

The minimum tip in Calgary is 15% these days but 18-20% is more common.

Does ACE Casino Blackfoot offer free drinks?

You won’t get any free drinks at the tables but there was a free pop and coffee machine during our visit.

Is there a buffet at ACE Casino Blackfoot?

Yes, ACE Casino Blackfoot has numerous food & drink promotions which also include regular buffets.

Parking

There is a free but unsecured parking lot situated in front of the casino.

Accommodation

The casino does not offer any form of accommodation, but the Macleod Trail is just a five-minute drive away and is littered with hotels with prices ranging between C$45 and C$130 during our visit.

Are there smoking areas?

ACE Casino Blackfoot is smoke-free, like the rest of the public spaces in Calgary. You’ll have to jump outside to smoke.

Security

CCTV covers every corner of the facility; several security guards roam the floors and we certainly felt safe during our visit.

Loyalty & Rewards – 2/5

How does the ACE Casino Blackfoot rewards program work?

ACE Casino Blackfoot doesn’t offer a loyalty or rewards program at this time. However, you can register for the waitlist for the loyalty program which is still being developed. Registering will provide first access when the program does go live, and you’ll receive updates in the meantime.

How to register in the program

1. Go to https://www.cashcasino.ca/rewards/
2. Enter your details as required within the web form
3. Accept the Terms and Conditions
4. Hit “Submit”

Casino Atmosphere – 3/5

Inside ACE Casino Blackfoot

We’ll provide some insights into the interior design of the casino, reveal our assessment of the atmosphere on the casino floor and explore some of the additional entertainment on offer.

Design experience

The casino has a modern feel. High ceilings help the casino floor feel expansive, but the overall décor does feel more like a slick, hip bowling alley than a luxurious casino. The casino is well spaced out but you still get a loud and exciting atmosphere when it’s busy.

Are you allowed to take photos in ACE Casino Blackfoot?

Yes, you can take photos in the casino but you’ll need to keep any cameras and phones away from the gaming tables.

Location and surroundings

ACE Casino Blackfoot is a 10-minute drive to downtown Calgary. You have quick access to famous landmarks like the Wonderland Sculpture and a near-endless variety of cuisine, bars, and entertainment options.

Do you need a passport to visit ACE Casino Blackfoot?

No, any form of government-issued photo ID will be sufficient. However, if you hold a foreign ID card that you feel may not be accepted by local security, it may be beneficial to use your passport instead.

Events

ACE Casino Blackfoot hosts numerous local musical acts including bands and solo artists.

House Rules (T&Cs) – 4/5

ACE Casino Blackfoot opening hours

The casino is open between 9 AM and 3 AM on Mondays to Thursdays. However, the casino is open 24 hours on weekends starting at 9 AM on Friday and closing at 3 AM on Monday.

Does ACE Casino Blackfoot charge entry?

No, entry is free.

Do you always need a reservation to play at ACE Casino Blackfoot?

No, you can play if there is space at a table or machine.

Is membership required at ACE Casino Blackfoot?

No, there is no members program at this stage either. You can register for the loyalty program wait list but it is not required to enjoy the casino.

Dress code

ACE Casino Blackfoot has a casual dress code that just requires players to not wear anything offensive. You can’t wear anything gang-related or violent. We still recommend dressing up a little bit by aiming for something smart casual.

Standout rules at ACE Casino Blackfoot

All the rules at ACE Casino Blackfoot are typical of any casino in Canada.

Player Feedback – 3.9/5

There are over 800 reviews on Google with the most praise regarding the dining experience and overall atmosphere.

ACE Casino Blackfoot player reviews

Google – 3.9/5

Many reviewers praised the affordability of their dining experience and most commented positively about the quality of the food too. However, some players think the casino could use a few more blackjack tables and the service was slow for some.

Tripadvisor – N/A

The TripAdvisor reviews are for the old casino before ACE Casino bought the facility. Therefore we can’t provide accurate results from this review page.

Most common issues

• Slow service

Operator – 3/5

Who owns ACE Casino Blackfoot?

This casino is a commercial facility owned by the private entity ACE Casinos. The company is based in Alberta and is a major employer within the local community. However, unlike First Nations operators which are very much in the public eye, not much business information can be found regarding ACE Casinos.

Other casinos by the same operator

• ACE Casino Airport
• CASH Casino Red Deer

Contact info

ACE Casino Blackfoot Competitors

Calgary is a competitive gambling market with more than a dozen land-based gaming facilities and the increasing popularity of online casinos in Canada. This means there are several exciting casino options close to Ace Casino Blackfoot.

ACE Casino Blackfoot vs Grey Eagle Resort and Casino

Located about a 17-minute drive west of ACE Casino Blackfoot, Grey Eagle Resort and Casino is just a stone’s throw away. The casino really shows how the First Nations owners reflect their community and you can buy indigenous art pieces within the casino gift shop. You can also enjoy over 900 slots and more than 50 table games.

Grey Eagle Resort and Casino is best for an overnight experience

Grey Eagle Resort and Casino boasts a luxurious 4-star hotel with big rooms, a spa with a pool, and a gym.

There are also loads of extra freebies provided by the hotel, and you’ll have the fastest access to the 84,000 square feet of casino floor.

ACE Casino Blackfoot vs Elbow River Casino

Elbow River Casino is even closer, as it’s just a 10-minute drive north up the Macleod Trail. The casino looks a little dated these days but boasts an incredibly popular stand-up comedy show and a baccarat table with a C$12,000 limit.

Elbow River Casino is the best alternative for poker

The casino has a dedicated and fully serviced poker room that plays host to live tournaments covering Texas Hold’em and Omaha poker. You’ll find the poker room is open 24 hours a day on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday too.

What sets ACE Casino Blackfoot apart from its competitors?

ACE Casino Blackfoot certainly still has that “new” casino sheen. Some facilities like Elbow River Casino are starting to show the wear and tear of their years, but ACE Casino still feels like a brand-new experience, every time you visit.

ACE Casino Blackfoot Pros and Cons

Pros

• Well-varied and fair-priced dining options
• Numerous progressive jackpot slots from the Alberta network
• Enjoy regular buffets and dining promotions
• Play high roller baccarat privately

Cons

• The rewards program is not operational yet
• No poker room

Is ACE Casino Blackfoot a Royal Flush?

Offering around 650 casino games in total, ACE Casino Blackfoot isn’t the biggest casino in Alberta. However, the quality of the games is exceptional with plenty of variety provided by multiple machine providers and table games that let you play late into the morning. High rollers can also enjoy the thrill of big risk in a private high roller room.

Dining is reasonably priced and you can enjoy some local entertainment. However, a poker room would be a welcome addition and the loyalty program is not operational yet. These are small complaints though that do not detract from the overall experience if you’re a casual player or even a more serious player too.