Cowboys Casino Review

One spin at Cowboys Casino once paid out a whopping jackpot of over C$1.5 million – but did we find 1.5 million reasons to play at Cowboys Casino?

Stick around for an insightful analysis of every square inch of this casino. We explore the games, VIP perks, entertainment options, and much more.

Cowboys Casino Ratings

Table of Contents

• Cowboys Casino Rating and Review Process
• Slot Machines – 5/5
• Casino Games – 5/5
• Staff & Service – 4/5
• Loyalty & Rewards – 5/5
• Casino Atmosphere – 4/5
• House Rules (T&Cs) – 4/5
• Player Feedback – 3.5/5
• Operator – 5/5
• Cowboys Casino Competitors
• Cowboys Casino Pros and Cons
• Should You Gamble at Cowboys Casino?

Cowboys Casino Rating and Review Process

We use a specialized review and rating system to perform a deep analysis of Cowboys Casino in Calgary. We visit the casino to provide genuine first-hand experiences and insights.

This is why our reviews provide legitimate details, allowing you to make the most informed decision about your next gaming experience.

How we inspected Cowboys Casino

• Date of visit: 05/25/2024
• Time of visit: 8 PM – 1 AM
• Initial bankroll: C$100
• What we played: Slots, Blackjack, Roulette
• Final bankroll: C$260
• Next visit: 05/24/2025

What we looked at

We use subjective and objective criteria when choosing online casinos in Canada to recommend to you.

For example, objectively, we check for the presence of progressive jackpots and table games. Subjectively, we analyze the house rules and consider the atmosphere on the casino floor.

What we found

Slot Machines – 5/5

Cowboys Casino boasts hundreds of slot machines, ranging from penny slots to genuine high-stakes games. You can bet from C$0.01 to C$5 per spin.

Slots we played at Cowboys Casino

We began our night on Dancing Drums which featured four progressive jackpots. Next, we tried Diamond Millions but did not reach the jackpot.

After a lengthy table gaming session, we finished the night off with a few spins of Quick Hit Ultra Pays Sun Dragon.

How many slot machines does Cowboys Casino have?

Cowboys Casino is home to over 370 slot machines.

Do the slot machines accept coins?

No, slot machines do not accept coins. You can use cash notes, casino vouchers, or free play on a Winner’s Edge card.

Slot machine providers

• IGT
• Light and Wonder
• Konami
• Shuffle Master

Local progressive jackpots

Many of the slots at Cowboys Casino feature four progressive jackpots that are funded by bets placed on that machine.

That is why games like Diamond Millions boast jackpots of over a million dollars.

Casino Games – 5/5

Cowboys Casino offers 32 gaming tables covering multiple game types.

There is a High Limit Room, a 24-hour Poker room, and you can play digital table games on VLT machines in the Digital Gaming Pit.

Game types

• Blackjack
• Roulette
• Craps
• Free Bet Blackjack
• Ultimate Texas Hold’em
• Hand-Held EZ Baccarat
• Face-Up Pai Gow Poker

Betting limits

We played blackjack this time around and the table requirement was a minimum bet of C$5.

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

Yes, anyone can bet on the table’s highest limits. The highest bets can be placed in the High Limit Room which is open from 12 PM to 3 AM every day.

Cowboys Casino poker tournaments

The private 24-hour poker room regularly hosts No Limit Hold’em tournaments. Buy-ins vary from as little as C$75 or as much as C$300.

Staff & Service – 4/5

Food & Drinks

The Centre Bar & Eatery is open every day from 9:30 AM until 2 AM and serves a menu boasting burgers, sandwiches, pizza, salads, and breakfast specialties.

Hitman’s Bar replaced Zen 8 over a year ago now and offers handhelds, bowls, salads, and desserts.

The prices are pushing it slightly – for example, pizzas and burgers are over C$20.

Opening Hours

• Centre Bar & Eatery: 9:30 AM to 2 AM every day
• Hitman’s Bar: 3 PM to Late every day

How much do you tip at Cowboys Casino?

A standard tip in Calgary is between 15 and 20%.

Does Cowboys Casino offer free drinks?

Yes, we did notice some players receive complimentary drinks at the tables.

Is there a buffet at Cowboys Casino?

No buffet promotions were running during our visit.

Parking

The casino offers free heated underground parking.

If that happens to be full, you can also park close by at the Victoria Park C-train station, Stampede Park, or even the Scotiabank Saddledome.

Accommodation

Cowboys Casino does not offer any accommodation but there are plenty of options nearby. We counted about a dozen options within walking distance.

This includes a Hyatt Regency, on the upper end of the price range at around C$338 a night, to an Alt Hotel charging about C$200.

Are there smoking areas?

This is a non-smoking casino, like all commercial casinos in Calgary.

Security

The security team checked our IDs thoroughly and requested two forms of ID. We were later told this is commonplace at Cowboys Dance Hall, and you’ll sometimes be ok to enter the casino with one form of ID.

Naturally, the casino is well covered by CCTV.

Loyalty & Rewards – 5/5

How does the Cowboys Casino rewards program work?

All players can sign up for a free Winner’s Edge card which is a province-wide system that can be used at all Alberta casinos. The program uses a rewards card which can be swiped on slot games or presented for discounts.

What you get

• Casino free play (Winner’s Edge)
• 10% dining discount (Elite55)
• Weekly lunch specials (Elite55)
• Exclusive tournaments and promos (Both)

How to register in the program

1. Go to the Guest Services desk when you enter the casino
2. Ask to sign up for either Winner’s Edge, Elite55, or both
3. Complete the forms and provide your photo ID
4. Receive your rewards card
5. You can also contact Guest Services ahead of time at +1 403 514 0900

Casino Atmosphere – 4/5

Inside Cowboys Casino

Now it’s time to discuss the atmosphere on the casino floor, provide our opinion on the casino facility’s appearance, and reveal alternative entertainment options.

Design experience

The casino floor looks modern, and the entire facility is wonderfully clean. We did find the gaming tables to be a little squished in though and could benefit from pushing out.

On game day, the atmosphere can be quite hectic. This is either a wonderful thing or a drawback, depending on your personal preferences.

Hitman’s Bar has an interesting aesthetic. It is essentially a shrine to professional wrestling legend Bret “The Hitman” Hart and the walls are plastered with memorabilia and the lights match his trademark pink tights.

Are you allowed to take photos in Cowboys Casino?

Yes, you can take photos of most of the casino except the live gaming tables.

Location and surroundings

Cowboys Casino is basically in downtown Calgary. You are always a stone’s throw away from culture, bars, restaurants, and museums.

Calgary Tower is across the road from the casino, the Calgary Stampede is just south, and you’ll find an amazing sky view look near the Saddledome.

Do you need a passport to visit Cowboys Casino?

It’s actually a good idea to carry two forms of ID at Cowboys Casino and a passport is acceptable.

Events

Cowboys Casino is a genuine entertainment destination and plenty of events are held at Cowboys Dance Hall.

You can enjoy themed parties, live music, DJ sets, and a bunch of activities in the Legends Arcade – this includes axe throwing, giant Hungry Hippos, and Hyper Pitch.

Genuine A-list music artists routinely perform here with ticket prices ranging from C$29.99 to C$89.99 for most shows.

House Rules (T&Cs) – 4/5

Cowboys Casino opening hours

Cowboys Casino is open every day from 9:30 AM until 5 AM.

Does Cowboys Casino charge entry?

No, entry is free.

Do you always need a reservation to play at Cowboys Casino?

No, you can just turn up and play any game that has a free seat.

Is membership required at Cowboys Casino?

No membership is required. Just turn up and have fun.

Dress code

The casino security team generally prefers smart/casual attire rather than dressing down too much, although there is no strict dress code posted anywhere for guests to see.

Be aware that Cowboys Dance Hall has its own dress code too.

As always, consider others, so don’t wear anything offensive, violent, or gang-related.

Standout rules at Cowboys Casino

• The preference towards two forms of ID is uncommon at other casinos in Alberta

Player Feedback – 3.5/5

Cowboys Casino has been reviewed over 1,100 times across Google and Tripadvisor.

Cowboys Casino player reviews

Google – 4/5

Loads of customers raved about the Cowboys Dance Hall experience and the convenient location. But many did express how immensely busy the casino can be on game day.

Tripadvisor – 3/5

Interestingly there were almost as many “Terrible” reviews as there were “Excellent” on Tripadvisor.

It appears some players might have had a bad live table experience with a select dealer while other reviewers noted the strong customer service.

Most common issues

• Very busy during major local events
• Some players had a bad experience with a dealer

Operator – 5/5

Who owns Cowboys Casino?

The casino is ultimately owned by the Calgary Stampede (Calgary Exhibition and Stampede, Ltd.).

Contact info

Cowboys Casino Competitors

With more than a dozen casinos in Calgary alone, there is plenty of competition. Cowboys Casino also continues to compete against the best online casinos in Canada.

Cowboys Casino vs Elbow River Casino

Elbow River Casino has twice as many slot games as Cowboys Casino and a similar number of tables. However, the entertainment options are not nearly as exciting as those offered at Cowboys Casino.

Elbow River Casino is best for Bad Beat Jackpots

The Bad Beat Jackpots offered on Hold’em and Omaha poker are pretty incredible. During our last visit, the High Limit Hold’em jackpot was at C$50,000.

Cowboys Casino vs Ace Casino Blackfoot

This ultra-modern Ace Casino Blackfoot is the only gambling venue in Calgary open for 24 hours on weekends. The casino offers a great variety of high-stakes table games and slots.

Ace Casino Blackfoot is the best alternative for high-stakes slots

The VIP slot room has 28 high-denomination games. This room is also semi-private, and players do often feel like genuine high rollers in there.

What sets Cowboys Casino apart from its competitors?

The sheer entertainment factor sets Cowboys Casino apart from so many competitors. Nearby competitors do offer more games than Cowboys Casino, but they do not offer as much A-list live music and events.

Cowboys Casino Pros and Cons

Pros

• Hosts major A-list concerts and events
• Private high-stakes gaming including slots & baccarat
• Great location situated by downtown Calgary
• Loads of progressive jackpot slots with massive prize pools

Cons

• Expensive dining menus
• Does get extremely busy during major local events

Should You Gamble at Cowboys Casino?

Absolutely! Cowboys Casino is wonderfully located, it offers a plethora of game types, and there are numerous high-stakes games to please the high rollers. The dining options are excellent, but the prices are somewhat steep.

We did take note that the casino can get incredibly busy during major events though, like when the Flames or the Hitmen are playing at the Saddledome.