Bear Claw Casino Review

Bear Claw Casino might just be positioned in the most captivating landscape in Canada. But does that mean it’s still worth the drive? Stick with us as our experts analyze and reveal the types of games you can play, how lucrative the rewards card is, and we thoroughly examine the unique atmosphere at Bear Claw Casino.

Bear Claw Casino Ratings

Table of Contents

• Rating and Review Process for Bear Claw Casino
• Slot Machines – 4/5
• Casino Games – 3/5
• Staff & Service – 5/5
• Loyalty & Rewards – 5/5
• Casino Atmosphere – 3/5
• House Rules (T&Cs) – 4/5
• Player Feedback – 4.3/5
• Operator – 5/5
• Bear Claw Casino Competitors
• Bear Claw Casino Pros and Cons
• Should You Visit Bear Claw Casino?

Rating and Review Process for Bear Claw Casino

Our panel of experts who have collectively worked across all services of a casino utilize a specialized review system to analyze casinos. This is why we can remain so consistent, and we’ll always provide the most recent data since we actually visit the casinos we review. Coupled with this system, our experts can analyze every aspect of a casino and provide unique insights.

How we inspected Bear Claw Casino

• Date of visit: 02/24/2024
• Time of visit: 6 PM – 12 AM
• Initial bankroll: C$100
• What we played: Slots, VLT roulette
• Final bankroll: C$240
• Next visit: 04/25/2025

What we looked at

To make sure nothing was missed, we took both an objective and subjective approach to our review. For example, we checked for the existence of specific features and had certain games that needed to be available. We also took into consideration the overall atmosphere of the casino floor.

What we found

Slot Machines – 4/5

We made our way around the casino and tested numerous machines from simple penny slots to progressive jackpots. Our conclusions found Bear Claw Casino to be a modern, and forward-thinking slot casino.

Slots we played at Bear Claw Casino

We started on Wolf Run Eclipse and managed to bring up a couple of larger wins right away. Next, we sat down and tried to win the jackpot on Smoke Signals Jackpot in which a player had recently won C$1.7 million – we did not. Finally, we played a Lucky Link slot and ended on Wild Leprechauns.

How many slot machines does Bear Claw Casino have?

Bear Claw Casino has a smaller slot selection of around 140 machines.

Do the slot machines accept coins?

No, the slot machines won’t accept any coins.

Slot machine providers

• IGT
• Konami

Local progressive jackpots

Among the exciting slot selections are numerous progressive jackpot slots. This includes Canadian favorites like Life of Luxury but also Saskatchewan exclusive, Smoke Signals Jackpot, which starts at a huge C$1 million.

Casino Games – 3/5

Bear Claw Casino doesn’t offer any actual live gaming tables. Instead, you can play highly advanced VLT machines in The Circuit. The Circuit features Baccarat, Blackjack, Roulette, and Three Card Poker games, which are even hosted by a real live dealer between 4 PM and 12 AM.

Game types

• Roulette
• Blackjack
• Poker
• Baccarat

Betting limits

The VLT machines at The Circuit have a minimum bet amount of only C$2, which makes the games highly accessible to casual gamers.

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

Any player can bet the highest limits, as there are no extra VIP games.

Staff & Service – 5/5

Food & Drinks

There are three dining options at Bear Claw Casino. You’ve got Kookum’s Kitchen which is a staple of many Saskatchewan casinos. Next, the main restaurant is Growler’s Restaurant, which serves your typical casino classics like burgers, salads, wings, and fish.

Finally, the Deli Bar offers a small snack menu including a hot dog, soup, and pizza. Pricing is rather moderate with Growlers offering ribs or steak available for less than C$20.

Growler’s Restaurant

• Opening hours: 10 AM – 9 PM

Kookum’s Kitchen

• Opening hours: 11 AM – 1 AM

Deli Bar

• Opening hours: 11 AM – 1 AM

How much do you tip at Bear Claw Casino?

A standard tip in Saskatchewan will be between 15 and 20%.

Does Bear Claw Casino offer free drinks?

You can’t get free alcoholic drinks, but you can get complimentary coffee and pop.

Is there a buffet at Bear Claw Casino?

The casino used to host a Sunday buffet but that has since ended. At the time of writing, Bear Claw Casino does not offer a buffet.

Parking

Like all other SIGA casinos in Saskatchewan, Bear Claw Casino offers RV parking with no restriction on the length of stay. There are plenty of free parking spaces provided out the front of the casino too.

Accommodation

The Bear Claw Hotel is located within the same facility and offers 35 standard and lodge-style rooms. Rooms started at around C$109 during our stay. Staying at the hotel also gets you access to Golf Kenosee and White Bear Lake Golf Course.

Do you tip room service at Bear Claw Casino?

There is no room service at Bear Claw Hotel and thus no room service to tip.

Are there smoking areas?

Yes, since the establishment is a smoke-free environment, you can only smoke in the designated areas located outside the hotel.

Security

Security checked our IDs upon entry, and it seemed like they were checking everyone, regardless of age – a sign in how seriously they take safety.

Loyalty & Rewards – 5/5

How does the Bear Claw Casino rewards program work?

The Players Club card is free to sign up for and offers exclusive access to offers, discounts, and free play. Players can earn C$5 for every 1,000 points earned playing slots and live dealer games.

What you get

• Free slot play
• 10% off dining
• Exclusive prize draws & promotions
• 10% off event tickets including concerts

How to register in the program

1. Go to Bear Claw Casino
2. Find the Players Club desk
3. Fill out the simple form and provide your government-issued photo ID
4. Receive your free membership

Casino Atmosphere – 3/5

Inside Bear Claw Casino

Our experts analyzed the overall atmosphere at Bear Claw Casino and revealed their findings after studying the interior décor and taking in the local sights.

Design experience

Bear Claw is one of the most obvious First Nations casinos that reflects their communities through the design of the casino.

You’ll actually feel like you’re playing in a giant tepee at times.

Are you allowed to take photos in Bear Claw Casino?

You can take photos in and around the casino, but do not take a camera near the electronic gaming tables and the slot machines.

Location and surroundings

While there isn’t a whole of typical entertainment due to the rural location, the casino’s backdrop is White Bear Lake, which is about as pretty as a local can get. In the summer you’ll be able to enjoy wakeboarding, waterskiing, fishing, and other water sports. White Bear Lake Golf Course is a picturesque 18 holes too.

Do you need a passport to visit Bear Claw Casino?

No, any form of government-issued photo ID will be sufficient. However, if you are travelling from a country that has a local ID that might be difficult to read or understand, we would suggest using your passport.

Events

A wide range of events are held at Bear Claw Casino including live music, cabaret, mediums, magicians, comedy, and more. We felt prices were a bit steep with one Medium act on sale for C$40 and a cover act charging C$65 when we were visiting the casino.

House Rules (T&Cs) – 4/5

When is Bear Claw Casino open?

Bear Claw Casino is open between 10 AM and 2 AM every day.

Does Bear Claw Casino charge entry?

No, entry is free.

Do you always need a reservation to play at Bear Claw Casino?

No, you just turn up and play.

Is membership required at Bear Claw Casino?

Membership is not required to play at Bear Claw Casino, but it is needed to use the RV parking facilities.

Dress code

Like most of the other casinos in Saskatchewan, the dress code is quite relaxed. You can dress fairly casually so long as you don’t wear anything offensive, violent, or gang-related.

Standout rules at Bear Claw Casino

There are no strange or outstanding rule changes worth mentioning.

Player Feedback – 4.3/5

This casino has been reviewed on Google and Tripadvisor more than 350 times with mostly incredibly positive remarks.

Bear Claw Casino player reviews

Google – 4.2/5

The staff received particularly high praise from Google reviewers and one particular reviewer noted that the casino is a great location for stargazing too. However, some players did note the small number of gaming machines.

Tripadvisor – 4.5/5

Again, the staff gets all the praise. Further comments revealed pleasant stays at the hotel and the reasonable menu prices. But not all players were happy that you could still smoke inside the casino.

Most common issues

• Minimal CCTV covering parking lot
• Relatively small number of games

Operator – 5/5

Who owns Bear Claw Casino?

The casino is owned and operated by the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority (SIGA) which has been incorporated as a non-profit organization.

Other casinos by the same operator

• Living Sky Casino
• Gold Horse Casino
• Gold Eagle Casino
• Painted Hand Casino
• Dakota Dunes Casino
• Northern Lights Casino

Contact info

Bear Claw Casino Competitors

There are another seven casinos in Saskatchewan and an endless list of online casinos in Canada that continue to compete with land-based casinos like Bear Claw Casino.

Bear Claw Casino vs Painted Hand Casino

Painted Hand Casino is another SIGA casino, but it is located a little further north in Yorkton. You’ll get largely the same experience as laying at Bear Claw since the games, dining options, and overall size are similar to Bear Claw Casino.

Painted Hand Casino is best for less travelling

Bear Claw Casino is just about on the North Dakota border. Painted Hand Casino is only in Yorkton. If you’re travelling down south and want to save some miles, Painted Hand Casino will offer a SIGA casino experience similar to Bear Claw.

Bear Claw Casino vs Casino Regina

Casino Regina is massive and boasts more than 800 slot machines. Additionally, you can play serious poker tournaments with weekly tournaments in the poker room.

Casino Regina is the best alternative for playing poker

You can sit and play various no-limit Texas Hold’em tournaments with reasonably low buy-ins but very lucrative pots. Tournaments are held every Tuesday and Wednesday night in the dedicated poker room.

What sets Bear Claw Casino apart from its competitors?

Location, location. Yes, Bear Claw is quite deep into the south of Saskatchewan, but it is not that far from Winnipeg and it is easily one of the most scenic casinos in Canada. You are surrounded by lakes and stunning landscapes.

Bear Claw Casino Pros and Cons

Pros

• Great rewards card offering free play and discounts
• Wonderful showcase of First Nations history and culture
• Numerous dining options at reasonable prices
• Loads of progressive jackpot slots with gigantic prize pools

Cons

• Far from the biggest casino with less than 200 games

Should You Visit Bear Claw Casino?

We think a visit to Bear Claw Casino is well worth the trip. If you’re after serious, high-roller gaming, then you’ll likely need to look elsewhere but if you’re after a fun, unique, and memorable casino experience, then Bear Claw is your ticket.

There are enough games to keep anyone busy and the progressive jackpot slots have paid out at this casino in the past. Dining is affordable and the local scenery is almost unbeatable. It is a shame there are no live gaming tables, but The Circuit puts on a similar experience in the evenings.