Great Northern Casino Review

Often passed when driving to the Rockies, Great Northern Casino could be another Alberta hidden gem. But is it worth a stop? We reveal our findings with first-hand insights covering the gaming options, rewards benefits, entertainment options, and more.

Great Northern Casino Ratings

Table of Contents

• Great Northern Casino Rating and Review Process
• Slot Machines – 5/5
• Casino Games – 4/5
• Staff & Service – 5/5
• Loyalty & Rewards – 4/5
• Casino Atmosphere – 3/5
• House Rules (T&Cs) – 4/5
• Player Feedback – 3.8/5
• Operator – 5/5
• Great Northern Casino Competitors
• Great Northern Casino Pros and Cons
• Should You Go All in at Great Northern Casino?

Great Northern Casino Rating and Review Process

Coupled with our specialized rating system, our experts deeply analyze Canadian casinos and provide genuine first-hand insights.

By actually visiting the casinos we test, we are able to rate every facet the operation has to offer. Our highly experienced experts will uncover considerations that many reviewers would likely miss.

How we inspected Great Northern Casino

• Date of visit: 05/17/2024
• Time of visit: 7 PM – 11 PM
• Initial bankroll: C$100
• What we played: Slots, Blackjack
• Final bankroll: C$165
• Next visit: 05/16/2025

What we looked at

We consider subjective and objective analysis of the casinos we test

For example, we subjectively analyze the house rules and rate the alternative entertainment options. Objectively, we check for the presence of specific games and features.

What we found

Slot Machines – 5/5

Great Northern Casino has more than enough slots to keep any casino player happy. Multiple providers ensure a variety of themes, and there are plenty of progressive jackpots to chase.

Slots we played at Great Northern Casino

We kicked off the night chasing a jackpot on Cash Burst Force of Babylon. After a quick session on Buffalo Chief, we moved on to Cashman Bingo.

Following a long blackjack session and drinks break on a few classic slots, we finished the night by having a go at Diamond Millions – unfortunately, we didn’t win the jackpot.

How many slot machines does Great Northern Casino have?

We confirmed more than 400 slot machines at Great Northern Casino.

Do the slot machines accept coins?

The slot machines only accept cash notes, vouchers, and Winner’s Edge free-play.

Slot machine providers

• Aristocrat
• Scientific Games

Local progressive jackpots

Most slots feature the standard four jackpots that are powered by previous bets on that machine or a small, localized network of machines.

Casino Games – 4/5

We noticed at least 10 tables hosting a variety of games which includes two types of blackjack and the casual-friendly Chase the Flush.

Three tables are exclusively available to host poker games and two of the poker games feature a progressive jackpot.

Game types

• Roulette
• Blackjack
• Free Bet Blackjack
• Ultimate Texas Hold’em
• Three Card Poker
• Chase the Flush

Betting limits

Most players will be happy with the table limits. On the casual end, minimum bet requirements are reasonably low, and the maximum limits are high enough to keep serious players excited.

For example, C$10 minimum bets at blackjack tables but maximum bets of C$200.

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

Yes, any player can bet the table game’s highest limit.

Great Northern Casino poker tournaments

Texas Hold’em tournaments are held on Sunday and Wednesday. The buy-in will be C$120 or C$140.

Staff & Service – 5/5

Food & Drinks

Great Northern Casino has two dining options – Joker’s Café and the Platinum Lounge.

The Platinum Lounge boasts a massive menu – there are over 10 different burgers – but the prices are a little high. A main meal is going to cost between C$15 and C$57.95.

Joker’s Café essentially offers a somewhat stripped-down version of the Platinum Lounge menu.

Both dining options offer daily promotions. You can also get a different C$6.75 drink special each day of the week.

Platinum Lounge

• Opening hours: 9:30 AM – 2 AM

Joker’s Café

• Opening hours: 9:30 AM – 12:00 AM (11:30 PM on Sunday)

How much do you tip at Great Northern Casino?

The average tip size in Alberta is between 15 and 20%.

Does Great Northern Casino offer free drinks?

We couldn’t find any free coffee or pop stations, and we had to pay for all our drinks at the tables.

Is there a buffet at Great Northern Casino?

Yes, and there is even a buffet bonus cash draw of C$100 every hour on Wednesdays between 11 AM and 1 PM.

Parking

Parking is free and located around the west and southern sides of the building.

Accommodation

The casino does not offer any accommodation, but the casino homepage does suggest the Encore Suites and the 122-room Service Plus Inns & Suites as places to stay.

Service Plus Inns & Suites is conveniently located next door to the casino. A one-night stay will cost about C$130 for a standard room and around C$200 for a Spa Suite.

Are there smoking areas?

Yes, there is a smoking section located outside at the entrance.

Security

We noticed security officials outside by the entrance and our IDs were checked during our entry. CCTV coverage is excellent, but it seems no cameras cover the parking lot.

Loyalty & Rewards – 4/5

How does the Great Northern Casino rewards program work?

As an Alberta casino, you can use the Winner’s Edge rewards card at Great Northern Casino.

What you get

• Free play
• Exclusive contests
• Member prize draws

How to register in the program

1. Go to Guest Service or use a Winner’s Edge kiosk when you visit the casino
2. Complete the registration form
3. Provide your acceptable photo ID
4. Receive your free Winner’s Edge rewards card

Casino Atmosphere – 3/5

Inside Great Northern Casino

Now it’s time to explore the additional entertainment options on offer, the overall design experience at the casino, and some insights into the surrounding area.

Design experience

The casino has unique carpets that scream the 1990s, high ceilings, great lighting, and the tables feel heavy-duty and premium.

Are you allowed to take photos in Great Northern Casino?

Yes, but you are restricted from taking photos of the live gaming tables or from taking photos whilst near the live gaming tables.

Location and surroundings

The nearby area is mostly retail with a few shopping lots and fast-food joints. Some green spaces can be found past 100 Ave and a few exciting activities during the summer such as Disc Golf and splash parks.

Do you need a passport to visit Great Northern Casino?

No, a passport is not required because other forms of ID are acceptable, but it is an acceptable form of photo ID.

Events

The casino plays host to regular live music and comedy events.

Kokanee Comedy Night is on every Wednesday night and only costs C$15.

Live music typically includes cover bands, local artists, and even international acts.

House Rules (T&Cs) – 4/5

Great Northern Casino opening hours

The casino is open every day from 9:30 AM and closes at 3 AM (Sun-Thurs) or 4 AM (Fri-Sat).

Slots are available throughout the day but the gaming tables open at 12 PM (2 PM on Mon-Tue).

Does Great Northern Casino charge entry?

No, entry is free.

Do you always need a reservation to play at Great Northern Casino?

A reservation is not required to play any of the casino games at Great Northern Casino.

Is membership required at Great Northern Casino?

No, membership is not required.

Dress code

Like many casinos in Alberta, there is no strict dress code that must be adhered to. However, while you can dress casually, you cannot wear anything offensive, inappropriate, or gang-related.

Standout rules at Great Northern Casino

There are no standout rules at Great Northern Casino.

Player Feedback – 3.8/5

The casino has only a few reviews with just over 120 reviews across Google and Tripadvisor.

Great Northern Casino player reviews

Google – 4.1/5

Google commenters wrote of chatty blackjack tables, well-priced dining, and great live entertainment. Most of the low reviews did not have comments or simply complained about not winning.

Tripadvisor – 3.5/5

Reviewers enjoyed the live entertainment, slot tournaments, and drink variety. However, many did comment on poor customer service provided by the wait staff.

Most common issues

• Not the best customer service

Operator – 5/5

Who owns Great Northern Casino?

The casino is owned by Gamehost Inc., an Alberta-based hospitality company. Gamehost Inc. is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the stock ticker “GH”.

Other casinos by the same operator

• Deerfoot Inn & Casino
• Rivers Casino

Contact info

Great Northern Casino Competitors

The many online casinos operating in Canada continue to remain one of the biggest competitors of land-based casinos. Grande Prairie is quite a distance from other Alberta casinos with most competitors located in Edmonton over 450 km away.

Great Northern Casino vs Eagle River Casino & Travel Plaza

Eagle River Casino has similar opening hours to Great Northern Casino but offers nearly half as many slots.

The casino also has the advantage of offering off-track betting covering international and local races.

Eagle River Casino & Travel Plaza is best for travellers

The cheap gas, incredible truck-stop facilities including showers and a café, and space for up to 50 semi-trucks make this casino the perfect stop if you’re on an RV road trip.

Great Northern Casino vs River Cree Resort & Casino

A huge casino which really reflects its First Nation community, you can play slots 24/7 and there is a dedicated smoking room featuring advanced ventilation.

River Cree Resort & Casino is the best alternative for dining

River Cree Resort & Casino also offers nine different bars and restaurants covering fast food, cocktails, sports bars, cafes, and Asian cuisine.

What sets Great Northern Casino apart from its competitors?

Great Northern Casino offers a casual-friendly experience that few Alberta casinos can match.

The minimum betting requirements are quite low and there are plenty of VLT games for those who aren’t quite ready to head to the live tables.

Great Northern Casino Pros and Cons

Pros

• Wide selection of incredible progressive jackpot slots
• Several different poker games with progressive jackpots
• Frequent buffets and regular dining promotions
• Regular comedy nights on every Wednesday

Cons

• Not quite the most convenient location in Alberta
• No baccarat or craps tables

Should You Go All in at Great Northern Casino?

Unless you absolutely must play serious high roller limits, Great Northern Casino is definitely worth a visit.

Casual betting limits keep everyone in the game, while the wide range of games provides plenty of choice.

Dining can certainly be a little expensive if you’re not careful, but the menu is beyond comprehensive. The casino is a great night out for your average casino player or total novice.