Casino Nova Scotia Sydney Review

The Seabound Coast has few casino options, but does Casino Nova Scotia Sydney entertain players?

Below we provide all the important details you need to know, covering gaming options, dining experiences, additional entertainment, and much more.

Casino Nova Scotia Sydney Ratings

Table of Contents

• Rating and Review Process for Casino Nova Scotia Sydney
• Slot Machines – 5/5
• Casino Games – 1/5
• Staff & Service – 3/5
• Loyalty & Rewards – 4/5
• Casino Atmosphere – 3/5
• House Rules (T&Cs) – 4/5
• Player Feedback – 3.7/5
• Operator – 5/5
• Casino Nova Scotia Sydney Competitors
• Casino Nova Scotia Sydney Pros and Cons
• Should You Visit Casino Nova Scotia Sydney?

Casino Nova Scotia Sydney Rating and Review Process

Our highly experienced team of casino experts use a specialized review system to thoroughly examine casinos across Canada.

We test crucial casino features, including the range of games you can play, the dining options, and rewards benefits, while providing unique insights.

These reviews provide details based on firsthand experiences so that you can make an informed decision using real information.

How we inspected Casino Nova Scotia Sydney

• Date of visit: 07/27/2024
• Time of visit: 4 PM – 1 AM
• Initial bankroll: C$100
• What we played: Slots, VLT Roulette, VLT Blackjack
• Final bankroll: C$131
• Next visit: 07/26/2025

What we looked at

Our reviews are so thorough and useful because we consider both objective and subjective criteria.

Objectively, we check for vital components such as the presence of specific games or progressive jackpots. Subjectively, we analyze components such as the house rules, atmosphere, or dining prices.

What we found

Slot Machines – 5/5

The slot collection at Casino Nova Scotia Sydney features a great mix of classic machines and modern titles. You’ll find plenty of big jackpots, penny slots, and high-definition screens.

Slots we played at Casino Nova Scotia Sydney

We started in a corner of the casino with a few older, classic slots including Wild Wolf and Golden Egypt. Next, we played the very popular Buffalo Gold Edition.

After some time on the VLT machines, we set our sights on the big jackpots featured on Smoking’ Hot Stuff Wicked Wheel.

How many slot machines does Casino Nova Scotia Sydney have?

The casino floor features over 250 slot machines.

Do the slot machines accept coins?

No, the slot machines accept cash notes, casino vouchers and cashback via the Player’s Club card.

Slot machine providers

• Everi
• Bally
• Aristocrat

Local progressive jackpots

Most slots at Casino Nova Scotia Sydney feature several progressive jackpots.

The casino also features some of the most popular major progressive jackpot slots including Wheel of Fortune and the Dragon Link series.

Casino Games – 1/5

However, the casino does feature around a dozen VLT machines offering digital Roulette and Blackjack.

Game types

• VLT Roulette
• VLT Blackjack

Betting limits

The VLT machines offer low limits. You can play roulette for as little as C$1 and blackjack for only C$3.

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

Yes, every player is allowed to play the highest limits of every game offered at Casino Nova Scotia Sydney.

Staff & Service – 3/5

Food & Drinks

Casino Nova Scotia Sydney offers a single dining option at Celtic Junction Bar & Grille.

It’s a typical casino grill menu featuring burgers, sandwiches, grilled seafood, poutine, and salads.

We found the menu quite affordable with burgers around C$18, soup and salad for less than C$8, and the most expensive steak was only C$36.99.

Opening hours:

• Sun – Thurs: 11 AM – 9 PM
• Fri – Sat: 11 AM – 12 AM

How much do you tip at Casino Nova Scotia Sydney?

A complimentary tip in Nova Scotia is usually between 15 and 20%.

Does Casino Nova Scotia Sydney offer free drinks?

Yes, complimentary non-alcoholic drinks including tea, coffee, and pop can be served to players enjoying slot machines.

Is there a buffet at Casino Nova Scotia Sydney?

No, Casino Nova Scotia Sydney does not currently offer a buffet.

Parking

Free parking is available and is located outside the casino entrance. Parking is unsecured but well lit.

Accommodation

The casino does not offer any accommodation options of its own. A few of the local casinos used to offer Stay & Play deals, but that appears to be a promotion of the past.

The Sydney Waterfront is only a few minutes walk from the casino and features several 3-star hotels and a couple of 4-star and 2-star hotels.

A night at the 3-star Harbourview Inn and Suites cost around C$140 per night during our visit, while the 4-star Spanish Bay Inn & Suites set us back about C$160.

We saw that the Holiday Inn was closer to C$200 per night.

Are there smoking areas?

Casino Nova Scotia Sydney is a non-smoking casino but there are a few designated smoking areas located outside the facility.

Security

CCTV covers the casino, and the security team is polite yet professional.

We didn’t notice any cameras covering the parking areas but at least the parking area is reasonably well lit.

Loyalty & Rewards – 4/5

How does the Casino Nova Scotia Sydney rewards program work?

The Player’s Club is a free rewards system that is tier-based and provides numerous benefits.

Points earned playing games can be redeemed for cashback which can then be used to play casino games.

What you get

• Casino Cash-Back
• Gift & promotional offers
• Dining discounts

How to register in the program

1. Go to Casino Nova Scotia Sydney
2. Head to Guest Services and ask to join the Player’s Club
3. Provide your government-issued ID
4. Complete the simple forms
5. Receive your Player’s Club card

Casino Atmosphere – 3/5

Inside Casino Nova Scotia Sydney

We analyzed the inside of the casino and the local area to provide some insights into what you can expect during your visit. This includes details on additional entertainment options and some of the local sights.

Design experience

The facility has a small casino feel that feels kind of like a pop-up casino.

Everything is clean and sharp and looks like a classic casino, but the walls and lack of a false ceiling feel like a facade.

However, you really need to be paying attention to notice.

Otherwise, there are some really fun touches such as toilet stall doors made out to look like game cards.

Are you allowed to take photos in Casino Nova Scotia Sydney?

Yes, you can take photos, but you’ll want to avoid taking snaps of and around the casino games.

Location and surroundings

Syndey is quite small with a mixture of retail and residential buildings.

You are a short walk from the waterfront which has a great boardwalk offering views of Cape Breton.

There are a few noteworthy attractions nearby including The Big Fiddle.

Do you need a passport to visit Casino Nova Scotia Sydney?

A passport is one of several acceptable forms of ID including a National ID Card or driver’s license.

Using your passport is recommended if you’re visiting from overseas and your alternative form of ID may be difficult to verify.

Events

Free live music can be enjoyed between 8 and 11 PM on Friday and Saturday at the Celtic Junction Bar & Grille.

Performances hit a wide range of genres and generally feature local bands.

For C$35 an hour, you can practice your swing on the ultra-modern Golf Simulator which lets you play the full 18-holes at over 200 famous golf courses.

House Rules (T&Cs) – 4/5

When is Casino Nova Scotia Sydney open?

The casino is open every day between 11 AM and 3 AM.

Does Casino Nova Scotia Sydney charge entry?

No, entry into the casino is completely free.

Do you always need a reservation to play at Casino Nova Scotia Sydney?

A reservation is not needed to play any of the games at Casino Nova Scotia Sydney.

Is membership required at Casino Nova Scotia Sydney?

No, there is no membership requirement, but the Player’s Reward card is certainly worth signing up for.

Dress code

The casino doesn’t have a set dress code.

We combed the Code of Conduct which only prohibits clothing that is gang-related or features profane or obscene language and graphics.

This means you can dress casually at the casino.

Standout rules at Casino Nova Scotia Sydney

• Security staff ID anyone they think is under the age of 30

Player Feedback – 3.7/5

We counted over 500 reviews for Casino Nova Scotia Sydney on Google and Tripadvisor.

Casino Nova Scotia Sydney player reviews

Google – 3.9/5

Reviewers consistently raved about the food, and many enjoyed the Golf Simulator.

Most poor reviews were either very out-of-date or commented on the small size of the casino.

Tripadvisor – 3.5/5

The dining experience and customer service interaction drew plenty of praise.

However, many customers were also disappointed by the overall small size of the casino.

Most common issues

• Small casino

Operator – 5/5

Who owns Casino Nova Scotia Sydney?

The casino is owned and operated by the Ontario-based Great Canadian Entertainment, which owns and operates 25 casinos across Canada.

Other casinos by the same operator

• River Rock Casino Resort
• Casino New Brunswick
• Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto
• Casino Nova Scotia Halifax

Contact info

Casino Nova Scotia Sydney Competitors

With only two casinos in Nova Scotia, separated by almost 400 km, online casinos in Canada are provide the stiffest competition for Casino Nova Scotia Sydney.

Casino Nova Scotia Sydney vs Casino Nova Scotia Halifax

Located towards the south end of Nova Scotia, Casino Nova Scotia Halifax is the substantially bigger brother of Casino Nova Scotia Sydney.

Most notably, this casino features table gaming and poker tournaments.

Casino Nova Scotia Halifax is best for table gaming

If you want to enjoy genuine table gaming in Nova Scotia, Casino Nova Scotia Halifax is the only option with numerous game types, a high limits room, and No Limit Texas Hold’em games.

Casino Nova Scotia Sydney vs Casino New Brunswick

Zip just over the border into New Brunswick and you’ll find Casino New Brunswick.

The casino is large with over 570 slots and 24 table games.

Casino New Brunswick is the best alternative for slots

With at least 250 more slots than Casino Nova Scotia, Casino New Brunswick is an excellent alternative option for slot players.

What sets Casino Nova Scotia Sydney apart from its competitors?

Casino Nova Scotia Sydney is the perfect place for casual gaming.

The lack of tables and focus on slots makes gaming far more accessible to novice players.

Both Casino New Brunswick and Casino Nova Scotia Halifax offer an entirely different feel by comparison.

Casino Nova Scotia Sydney Pros and Cons

Pros

• Over 250 slots including loads of progressive jackpots
• Affordable dining with a great variety of choices
• Play real courses on the incredible Golf Simulator
• Free live music every Friday and Saturday night

Cons

• No table games or poker

Should You Visit Casino Nova Scotia Sydney?

Without a doubt, Casino Nova Scotia Sydney is the best gambling facility in the North of Nova Scotia.

However, there are no real table games, other than VLT machines, which is a major drawback.

The casino facility has a vibrant atmosphere, affordable dining, plenty of slots with jackpots, an exciting Golf Simulator, and free live music.