Gold Horse Casino Review
Canada’s only border town is home to one of the more isolated SIGA casinos. But is Gold Horse Casino worth the journey? We explore the range of games available, review the rewards system, detail the casino atmosphere, and reveal our expert’s full analysis.
Gold Horse Casino Ratings
| Overall Rating | 4/5 |
|---|---|
Slot Machines | 5/5 |
Casino Games | 3/5 |
Staff & Service | 4/5 |
Loyalty & Rewards | 5/5 |
Casino Atmosphere | 3/5 |
House Rules (T&Cs) | 4/5 |
Player Feedback | 3.6/5 |
Operator | 5/5 |
Table of Contents
- Gold Horse Casino Rating and Review Process
- Slot Machines – 5/5
- Casino Games – 3/5
- Staff & Service – 4/5
- Loyalty & Rewards – 5/5
- Casino Atmosphere – 3/5
- House Rules (T&Cs) – 4/5
- Player Feedback – 3.6/5
- Operator – 5/5
- Gold Horse Competitors
- Gold Horse Casino Pros and Cons
- Should You Spin the Reels at Gold Horse Casino?
Gold Horse Casino Rating and Review Process
We use a highly specialized review system to analyze each casino we test. A major component of our testing is to visit the facility.
We provide unique insights that are based on our first-hand experiences. This means we can provide the most accurate and genuine rating possible.
How we inspected Gold Horse Casino
- Date of visit: 03/16/2024
- Time of visit: 7 PM – 1 AM
- Initial bankroll: C$100
- What we played: Slots, blackjack
- Final bankroll: C$144
- Next visit: 03/14/2025
What we looked at
To ensure a balanced and accurate review, we apply both objective and subjective considerations.
For example, objectively, we look for progressive jackpots and certain games. Subjectively, we take in the atmosphere, consider the house rules, and consider rewards perks.
What we found
Address | 3910 41 St, Lloydminster, SK S9V 2K8 |
Open hours | Sun – Thurs: 10 AM- 3 AM Fri & Sat: 10 AM – 4 AM |
Membership | Free but not required |
Minimum age | 18 |
ID checks | Yes |
Game types | Slots |
Tables | 5+ |
Slot machines | 250+ |
Gaming terminals | 10+ |
Payment | Cash, Card, Chips |
Average betting range | Slots: C$0.01-5 VLT: C$2+ Table: C$5+ |
Free drinks (Canada) | No |
Restaurant | Yes |
Hotel | No |
Slot Machines – 5/5
The casino is an excellent slot facility with progressive jackpots and hundreds of varied games from multiple top game providers.
Slots we played at Gold Horse Casino
As we do at every SIGA casino, we tried to win the Smoke Signals jackpot. We were unsuccessful but did grab some big wins playing Rakin’ Bacon. Next, we jumped onto Buffalo Gold: Revolution, which boasted exciting Win Multipliers.
Finally, after a few hours of jumping between games, we finished our session by playing Stinkin’ Rich: Skunks Gone Wild.
How many slot machines does Gold Horse Casino have?
We confirmed more than 250 slot machines are active at Gold Horse Casino.
Do the slot machines accept coins?
No. Only cash notes, casino vouchers, and Players Card free play are accepted.
Slot machine providers
- IGT
- AGS
- Aristocrat
Local progressive jackpots
Loads of progressive jackpot slot machines cover the casino floor at Gold Horse Casino. This includes Saskatchewan exclusives like Rider Nation and Smoke Signals.
Notably, Smoke Signals jackpot starts at C$1 million, and the jackpot dropped at Gold Horse Casino in 2019 – one lucky Lloydminster resident walked away with over C$1.8 million.
Casino Games – 3/5
Admittedly, the casino is a little lacking in the table gaming department. You have two variations of blackjack and a casual-friendly Chase the Flush game on the live dealer tables.
Additionally, though, the Circuit features digital roulette, blackjack and more, which also features a live dealer hosting games during the night.
Game types
- Bonus Spin Blackjack
- Blackjack
- Chase the Flush
- VLTs
Betting limits
The Circuit VLT games start at a very affordable C$2 per round. Live gaming tables can have variable limits and a round of standard blackjack was C$10 during our visit.
Can anyone bet the highest limits or you need special VIP access?
The maximum betting limits for each game are available to all players.
Staff & Service – 4/5
Food & Drinks
Players can enjoy three dining options during their visit to Gold Horse Casino.
The Bar & Grill Restaurant offers a wide selection of meals including salads, burgers, steaks, pork belly, sandwiches, and desserts. Prices are moderate to somewhat pricey at between C$16-19 for most mains.
Kookum’s Kitchen is open until late and offers chicken strips and combos. However, prices are a little high at C$15 for three pieces of chicken. The Deli & Bar is also open late and provides a handful of options including hotdogs and sandwiches at C$4-12.
Bar & Grill
- Opening hours: Sun – Thurs: 11 AM – 9 PM (10 PM on Fr & Sat)
Kookum’s Kitchen
- Opening hours: 11 AM – 1 AM
Deli & Bar
- Opening hours: 10 AM – 1 AM (1:30 AM on Fri & Sat)
How much do you tip at Gold Horse?
A standard tip in Saskatchewan is between 15% and 20%.
Does Gold Horse offer free drinks?
No, free drinks are not available.
Is there a buffet at Gold Horse?
No, Gold Horse Casino does not have a buffet.
Parking
There is a ton of free, unsecured parking located around the casino. This includes a huge space out the front which is surprisingly well lit. RV parking is also available to Player’s Club members.
Accommodation
Gold Horse Casino does not offer any accommodation but there are a few local options. We stayed at the Home Inn & Suites opposite the casino for only C$100 but there were at least another six options down the road.
All the hotels and motels we saw were either 1 or 2-star facilities, but the prices were all less than C$100 per night during our visit.
Are there smoking areas?
No, you’ll simply need to step outside to smoke.
Security
Security checked our IDs upon entry and were quite helpful in giving us directions too. CCTV covers the casino, but the parking areas are not covered.
Loyalty & Rewards – 5/5
How does the Gold Horse Casino rewards program work?
The free rewards card helps you earn points when swiped at slot machines or live table games.
Every C$1 spent at the slots will earn 1 point. 1,000 points can be converted into C$5 in cash back. You can also flash your card to earn dining and entertainment discounts.
What you get
- Free play
- 10% off dining & entertainment
- Exclusive promotions
How to register in the program
- Go to the Players Club desk when you get to Gold Horse Casino
- Fill out the simple registration form
- Provide your photo ID
- Receive your Players Club card
- Casino Atmosphere – 3/5
- Inside Gold Horse Casino
Our experts analyze the design experience at Gold Horse Casino. They explore the local surroundings, identify additional entertainment options, and rate the atmosphere.
Design experience
Solid leather seating, elegant blackjack tables, and modern interior styling – Gold Horse Casino feels like a seriously premium casino. The casino floor isn’t huge though, and it can feel a little cramped on a Saturday evening.
Are you allowed to take photos in Gold Horse Casino?
The usual rules apply. You can take photos, but you cannot photograph the live gaming tables.
Location and surroundings
Lloydminster is small and you’re never too far away from any landmark or activity. The casino is located as you come in from Highway 16, so you are mostly surrounded by car dealerships and businesses.
Thankfully, it really is a short journey to anything including crossing into Alberta, a round of golf, or one of the city’s many parks.
Do you need a passport to visit Gold Horse Casino?
You’ll need ID but it doesn’t need to be your passport. Security staff will accept any form of government-issued photo ID.
Events
The event space hosts numerous events but mostly live music. You can watch cover bands, local musicians, magicians, dance troupes, and more. We thought tickets could be expensive though – C$75 for a Tina Turner show is pricey considering the Broadway TINA show costs less.
House Rules (T&Cs) – 4/5
When is Gold Horse Casino open?
The casino is open from 10 AM to 3 AM, except on Friday and Saturday when the casino closes at 4 AM.
Does Gold Horse Casino charge entry?
No, the casino does not charge entry.
Do you always need a reservation to play at Gold Horse Casino?
You do not need a reservation. All games are on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Is membership required at Gold Horse Casino?
No, but the free rewards card does provide plenty of additional perks.
Dress code
There is no formal dress code at Gold Horse Casino – you can get away with being casual. Naturally, do not wear any gang-related clothing or anything violent and rude.
Standout rules at Gold Horse Casino
SIGA casinos are all fairly standard these days and we couldn’t find any standout rules.
Player Feedback – 3.6/5
The casino has not been reviewed much and many reviews are quite dated. However, we did note that positive comments about the food remained consistent.
Gold Horse Casino player reviews
Google – 4.2/5
Loads of customers praised the food, commenting positively about the food and the staff. Some reviewers left disappointed by the lack of poker games.
Tripadvisor – 3/5
There is only one review on Tripadvisor from a guest in 2019 who was unimpressed by the lack of accommodation. They were also unfortunately present during some heavy construction.
Most common issues
- No poker
Operator – 5/5
Who owns Gold Horse Casino?
Like all other First Nations casinos in Saskatchewan, Gold Horse is owned and operated by the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority (SIGA).
SIGA has proven its excellence since 1996 and is regulated by the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority.
Other casinos by the same operator
Contact info
Website | https://www.goldhorsecasino.ca |
Email address | |
Telephone number | (306) 825-3777 |
Other | Facebook, YouTube, Instagram and Twitter |
Gold Horse Competitors
There are another six SIGA casinos to contend with, two commercial casinos in Saskatchewan, and the best online casinos in Canada will always be a challenger. The nearest casino on the Alberta side of Lloydminster is much too far away to be considered a competitor.
Gold Horse Casino vs Gold Eagle Casino
Located over 100 km down Highway 16, it’ll take you a little over an hour to drive from Lloydminster to Gold Eagle Casino. These casinos are strikingly similar with many of the same games.
Gold Eagle Casino is best for a day trip from Lloydminster
Gold Eagle Casino offers a great casino experience that’s just over an hour away from Lloydminster. You can enjoy similar food and games as you would at Gold Horse Casino, but you get the added adventure of a quick road trip.
Gold Horse Casino vs Casino Dene
The next Saskatchewan option is actually incredibly far away from Lloydminster. This leaves Alberta’s Casino Dene as the nearest option, located just under 2 hours away. Casino Dene boasts over 250 games and plenty of dining, and entertainment options.
Casino Dene is the best alternative for poker
This casino offers Ultimate Texas Hold’em Poker tournaments. Held every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, this is the best option for Lloydminster locals to take part in exciting poker games.
What sets Gold Horse apart from its competitors?
Live entertainment in Lloydminster. You have to travel pretty far to see some of the live entertainment that is hosted at Gold Horse Casino. Of course, you can still play hundreds of casino games afterward too.
Gold Horse Casino Pros and Cons
Pros
- Outstanding range of progressive jackpot slots
- Plenty of free parking and RV parking
- Free reward cards with benefits such as cashback
- Excellent and regular live entertainment
Cons
- Rather limited live table gaming options
- There are no longer any poker tournaments
Should You Spin the Reels at Gold Horse Casino?
Gold Horse Casino is a great casino for casual casino experiences in a unique location or for enjoying high-quality slots. However, serious table players will certainly feel the sting of a lack of table game variety and low betting limits.