Eagle River Casino Review
Hidden amongst the trees is a truck stop offering much more than just cheap gas. Could Eagle River Casino be the most exciting pit stop in Alberta?
Stick with us as we reveal the range of games you can play, uncover the free events on offer, explore the dining options, and much more.
Eagle River Casino & Travel Plaza Ratings
| Overall Rating | 4/5 |
|---|---|
Slot Machines | 5/5 |
Casino Games | 3/5 |
Staff & Service | 3/5 |
Loyalty & Rewards | 5/5 |
Casino Atmosphere | 3/5 |
House Rules (T&Cs) | 4/5 |
Player Feedback | 4/5 |
Operator | 5/5 |
Table of Contents
- Eagle River Casino Rating and Review Process
- Slot Machines – 5/5
- Casino Games – 3/5
- Staff & Service – 3/5
- Loyalty & Rewards – 5/5
- Casino Atmosphere – 3/5
- House Rules (T&Cs) – 4/5
- Player Feedback – 4/5
- Operator – 5/5
- Eagle River Casino & Travel Plaza Competitors
- Eagle River Casino Pros and Cons
- Is Eagle River Casino & Travel Plaza Worth a Spin?
Eagle River Casino Rating and Review Process
Our experts use their extensive experience and our special review system to provide first-hand insights into every casino we test.
We spend hours inside Eagle River Casino & Travel Plaza to ensure we provide you with the information required to make the most informed decision possible.
How we inspected Eagle River Casino & Travel Plaza
- Date of visit: 05/10/2024
- Time of visit: 7 PM – 12 AM
- Initial bankroll: C$100
- What we played: Roulette, Blackjack, Slots
- Final bankroll: C$240
- Next visit: 05/12/2025
What we looked at
We apply an objective and subjective approach to our casino reviews. For example, objectively, we check for specific game types. Subjectively, we rate the dining experience and overall atmosphere.
What we found
Address | Corner of HWY 43 & 32N, Whitecourt, Alberta T7S 1N3 |
Open hours | Sun – Thurs: 12 PM to 12 AM Fri – Sat: 12 PM to 2 AM |
Membership | Not required |
Minimum age | 18 |
ID checks | Yes |
Game types | Slots, live table, off-track betting |
Tables | 18 |
Slot machines | 250 |
Gaming terminals | N/A |
Payment | Cash, Card, Chips |
Average betting range | Slots: C$0.01-1 Tables: C$5+ |
Free drinks (Canada) | No |
Restaurant | Yes |
Hotel | No |
Poker tournaments | No Limit Hold’em |
Slot Machines – 5/5
Eagle River Casino is a perfect casino for casual players with maximum bet limits of C$1 and numerous progressive jackpots.
Slots we played at Eagle River Casino & Travel Plaza
As usual, we like to start with a blast from the past – so we headed to the WMS classic, Suraci. Next, we played another couple of classic slots in Pompeii and Sphinx 3D.
Finally, after a solid table gaming session, we played two popular progressive jackpot slot machines: Alberta Gold and Diamond Millions.
How many slot machines does Eagle River Casino & Travel Plaza have?
There are 250 slot machines on the casino floor.
Do the slot machines accept coins?
No, you can use cash notes, casino vouchers, and rewards card free-play.
Slot machine providers
- IGT
- WMS
- Aristocrat
Local progressive jackpots
Plenty of slots feature four locally progressive jackpot prizes.
You’ll also find Alberta-wide progressive slots including Alberta Gold, American Original and Diamond Millions.
Casino Games – 3/5
The casino offers some nice variety amongst classics like roulette and blackjack. For example, Spanish 21 is a unique twist on blackjack. However, there are no craps or baccarat tables.
Game types
- Roulette
- Spanish 21
- Blackjack
- Ultimate Texas Hold’em
- Three Card Poker
Betting limits
The table limits are quite low at Eagle River Casino and will suit a casual player far more than the high rollers.
For example, an inside bet at the roulette table and playing a hand of blackjack both cost C$5 during our visit.
Can anyone bet the highest limits or you need special VIP access?
There are no VIP tables, so anyone can play the highest table limits.
Eagle River Casino & Travel Plaza poker tournaments
You can enter a No Limit Hold’em poker tournament on Sundays. Tournament buy-ins are C$110 and start at 5 PM.
Staff & Service – 3/5
Food & Drinks
Timber’s Bar & Grill is the self-proclaimed home of the best prime rib – which you can also buy on Wednesdays at the special price of C$15.99.
Prices are generally very affordable, and the addition of regular specials is perfect for those seeking value. For example, you can get C$0.75 wings with a variety of sauces every Thursday.
Timber’s Bar & Grill
- Opening hours: 12 PM – 11 PM
How much do you tip at Eagle River Casino & Travel Plaza?
The average tip will be around 15-20%.
Does Eagle River Casino & Travel Plaza offer free drinks?
No, complimentary drinks were not available during our visit.
Is there a buffet at Eagle River Casino & Travel Plaza?
The casino has provided a promotional buffet from time to time such as all-you-can-eat crab buffets.
Parking
Plenty of free parking is available on the eastern side of the casino, right in front of the casino entrance.
There is also a huge travel plaza and RV park on the western side. It can accommodate 50 semi-trucks with reasonable daily, weekly, and monthly rates for power usage.
It boasts showers, water hookups, power supplies, and a bar offering coffee, sandwiches, jerky, and pastries.
Accommodation
The casino plans to offer hotel accommodation soon, but nothing is available just yet.
However, you can find loads of hotels further down Highway 43 in the center of Whitecourt.
During our weekend, we saw places as low as C$50 for a night, such as Quality Inns & Suites, but you can also expect to pay up to around C$100 at places like the Holiday Inn Express & Suites.
Are there smoking areas?
Yes, you can smoke outside or in the smoking section located on the casino floor.
Security
We were impressed with how friendly the security team was during our visit. Our IDs were checked upon entry, and we noticed CCTV covered the entire casino.
However, the parking area did not appear to be covered by cameras.
Loyalty & Rewards – 5/5
How does the Eagle River Casino & Travel Plaza rewards program work?
There are two free rewards programs to sign up for at Eagle River. Free play can be earned on both Winner’s Edge and the Talon Player’s Card.
Points are earned by playing casino games, dining at Timber’s Bar & Grill, and achieving specific tasks on certain games.
What you get
- Slots free play
- C$20 birthday coupon
- Cheaper gas
- Eagle Bucks for dining purchases
- Exclusive contests and draws
How to register in the program
- Go to Guest Services when you arrive at Eagle River Casino & Resort
- Request to join the Talon Player’s Club and Winner’s Edge
- Complete the registration forms
- Provide your government-issued ID
- Collect your rewards cards
Casino Atmosphere – 3/5
Inside Eagle River Casino & Travel Plaza
Now it’s time to share our first-hand insights into the facility’s interior design, alternative entertainment options, and the local area.
Design experience
The casino has a uniquely First Nations design with plenty of stone, timber, animal iconography such as wall-mounted deer heads, and local artwork.
All the materials are spotlessly clean, feel premium, and the overall aesthetic feels very authentic.
Are you allowed to take photos in Eagle River Casino & Travel Plaza?
Yes, but you cannot take photos of the live gaming tables.
Location and surroundings
If you’re into rural settings with not much to do but has plenty of serenity, then the casino is perfectly located.
You’ve got huge trees as far as the eye can see but the center of Whitecourt is an almost two-hour drive away.
Do you need a passport to visit Eagle River Casino & Travel Plaza?
No, any government-issued photo ID should be good enough. However, if you have a non-North American ID card, you may wish to use your passport just in case.
Events
The Timber’s Bar is home to regular free live events ranging from original music, cover bands, UFC PPVs on the jumbo screen, and a variety of parties.
While every event is free, reserved seating or tables are sometimes ticketed for a cost. For example, a recent country music event charged C$100 for a table of four.
House Rules (T&Cs) – 4/5
When is Eagle River Casino & Travel Plaza open?
The casino is open every day between 12 PM and 12 AM, except Friday and Saturday as the casino will remain open until 2 AM.
While slots are available throughout the opening hours, gaming tables open at 4 PM.
Does Eagle River Casino & Travel Plaza charge entry?
No, entry is completely free.
Do you always need a reservation to play at Eagle River Casino & Travel Plaza?
No, every game is played on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Is membership required at Eagle River Casino & Travel Plaza?
No membership is required to play at Eagle River Casino & Travel Plaza.
Dress code
There isn’t a set dress code to follow at Eagle River Casino & Travel Plaza. You can dress down fairly casually or go for the nines. Just be sure to look tidy and not wear anything rude, violent, or gang-related.
Standout rules at Eagle River Casino & Travel Plaza
We didn’t find any of the rules to be unusual or stand out in any way.
Player Feedback – 4/5
Eagle River Casino has been reviewed more than 500 times on Google and Tripadvisor.
Eagle River Casino & Travel Plaza player reviews
Google – 4.1/5
Reviewers regularly commended the dining experience and casino cleanliness, but also found the menu to be small.
Tripadvisor – 4/5
The prime rib garnered numerous praises, but players noted the smell of smoke and the small dining menu.
Most common issues
- The smell of smoke can reach non-smoking areas
- Small dining menu
Operator – 5/5
Who owns Eagle River Casino & Travel Plaza?
Eagle River Casino is owned and operated by Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation, and the Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission fully regulates the casino.
Contact info
Website | https://eaglerivercasino.ca |
Email address | N/A |
Telephone number | +1 780-779-2727 |
Other | Facebook, X, Instagram |
Eagle River Casino & Travel Plaza Competitors
The best online casinos in Canada represent the biggest competitors to land-based casinos across Alberta. The nearest land-based venue is located over 170 km away in Edmonton.
Eagle River Casino & Travel Plaza vs PURE Casino Yellowhead
One of several top casinos under the PURE banner, PURE Casino Yellowhead offers 24/7 gaming with hundreds of slots, numerous table games, and a tremendous poker room.
PURE Casino Yellowhead is best for big-time poker tournaments
The PURE Poker Tour is a big deal, and this casino is one of the legs. You can also participate in weekly tournaments and win uncapped progressive jackpots.
Eagle River Casino & Travel Plaza vs Century Casino St. Albert
This is a small casino with a premium décor, off-track betting, and a fantastic lounge bar and restaurant that features great live music.
Century Casino St. Albert is the best alternative for betting on racing
You can bet on local and international races, seven days a week at Century Casino St. Albert. There are 10 huge TVs to watch the action on and numerous tote machines.
What sets Eagle River Casino & Travel Plaza apart from its competitors?
Eagle River Casino offers an authentic First Nations experience that the two competitors do not. This casino really reflects its First Nations community through features such as the Cultural Center.
Eagle River Casino Pros and Cons
Pros
- Offers local and international off-track betting
- Casual-friendly low betting limits
- Extensive facilities for RV vacationers
- Excellent dining promotions and gas discounts
Cons
- Limits may not please serious high rollers
- No craps or baccarat tables
Is Eagle River Casino & Travel Plaza Worth a Spin?
With loads of gaming tables, hundreds of slots, off-track betting, and casual-friendly betting limits, Eagle River Casino & Travel Plaza is certainly worth a spin.
The RV facilities make this destination a perfect casino pit stop for those on a road trip too. Although those low betting limits are unlikely to please high-roller players, the Sunday poker tournaments are contested in no-limit games.