Hard Rock Casino Vancouver Review

It isn’t always easy finding in-depth details about popular Canadian casinos. That’s why our top experts recently visited Hard Rock Casino Vancouver to provide up-to-date details about every aspect of the casino. We comprehensively reviewed every corner of this 80,000-sq-ft establishment, from the dining experience to the types of games and everything in between.

Discover all the latest insights in our full Hard Rock Casino Vancouver review below.

Hard Rock Casino Vancouver Ratings

Table of Contents

• Rating and Review Process for Hard Rock Casino Vancouver
• Slot Machines – 5/5
• Casino Games – 4/5
• Staff & Service – 3/5
• Loyalty & Rewards – 4/5
• Casino Atmosphere – 3.5/5
• House Rules (T&Cs) – 5/5
• Player Feedback – 3.7/5
• Operator – 4/5
• Hard Rock Casino Competitors
• Pros and Cons
• Should You Roll the Dice at Hard Rock Casino Vancouver?

Rating and Review Process for Hard Rock Casino Vancouver

It’s all too easy to find basic information about a Canadian casino but we want to make sure our review system provides real insights from direct experiences. That’s why we not only extensively researched the operator and the casino’s website, but also stepped through the doors of the Hard Rock Casino in Vancouver and enjoyed a long gaming session.

This allows us to provide you with genuine, first-hand details on the gaming, dining, and overall experience at Hard Rock Casino Vancouver.

How we inspected Hard Rock Casino Vancouver

• Date of visit: 07/08/2023
• Time of visit: 14:00 – 21:00
• Initial bankroll: C$100
• What we played: Slots, Roulette, Blackjack
• Final bankroll: C$275
• Next visit: 08/22/2023

What we looked at

We didn’t just focus on any one aspect of this Canadian casino. Naturally, we looked for popular table games and slot variety and we checked to see if any progressive jackpots were present. We thoroughly examined the casino’s house rules and really soaked up the atmosphere to determine the overall vibe of the establishment.

In total, we spent around seven hours in the casino which included playing numerous game types, eating a late lunch and a dinner, and we went through the entire experience through the lens of a brand-new player that had never been to the Hard Rock Casino in the past.

What we found

Slot Machines – 5/5

Hard Rock Casino Vancouver boasts nearly 1,000 slots which provide extensive variety. Most slot machine games are placed in packs of three or more, so you’ll rarely have to wait long to enjoy your favourite games.

Slots we played at Hard Rock Casino Vancouver

We went straight to a wall of Coin Combo Hurricane Horse slots to spin our first reels as it was heavily featured in one corner of the casino. This game features consistent wild symbols and we reached the jackpot feature in under two minutes. We also played one of our favourite Lock It Link slots with Night Life which boasts four special jackpots.

How many slot machines does Hard Rock Casino Vancouver have?

You can enjoy a staggering 951 slot machines ranging from penny slots, all the way up to high roller machines in the Privé high-limit rooms.

Do the slot machines accept coins?

Every slot we came across utilized a ticketing system and we were never more than a few meters away from a ticket machine to receive a payout. You can also cash out the old-school way by bringing your ticket to a cashier’s desk.

Slot machine providers

We confirmed numerous software providers powering the immense slot gaming collection including some of our favourites like:

• Light & Wonder
• Everi
• Aristocrat
• Scientific Games
• IGT
• Konami

Local progressive jackpots

Powerbucks provide a C$1.3 million payout back in 2020 and can be played at Hard Rock Casino Vancouver. You can also play B.C Gold with minor local jackpots of up to C$50 but provincial prizes of up to C$200,000. Additionally, Hard Rock Casino Vancouver often runs promos and progressive jackpot tournaments that can provide huge prizes.

Casino Games – 4/5

With over 30 table games to enjoy, Hard Rock can certainly be considered a large casino. There are additional games in the poker room and some of the highest limits can be found in the exclusive Baccarat Salon. The Amplify section features the Stadium Gaming Terminals that include additional game types like Craps.

Game types

• Roulette: 2 tables
• Blackjack: 10
• Poker: 7 + Poker Room
• Baccarat: 16
• Craps: N/A
• 48 Multi-Table Stadium Gaming Terminals

Betting limits

The 48 electronic gaming terminals have a minimum bet of C$1.00. Maximum possible bets varied from game to game and table to table providing both casual and experienced bettors with acceptable limits.

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

You don’t need to be a VIP to play the table limit at any of the games on the general casino floor. However, the highest limits can be found in the ultra-special Privé high limit room which includes several baccarat tables.

Hard Rock Casino poker tournaments

The poker room has recently reopened in a new space where the old racebook used to be. You can play Texas Hold’em. Tournaments are occasionally held throughout the year but there are none currently scheduled on the website. In the meantime, there are two Bad Beat Jackpots and 14 new High Hand Jackpots.

Staff & Service – 3/5

We found the staff to be vastly improved from our 2018 visit just before the strike. This time around, our waiters were incredibly attentive, and the dealers felt really engaged.

Food & Drinks

There are four options to chow down at the Hard Rock Casino Vancouver: Asylum, Fú Express, Chip’s Sandwich Shop, and Roadies Burger Bar.

Asylum is the casino’s main restaurant, but it has been scaled down since Covid and is only open between Thursday and Sunday. However, the hours are great, staying open until 2 AM on Friday and Saturday. Expect quality craft beer and some interesting vegetarian options, but with the mains averaging close to C$30, it is a little pricey once the tip is factored in.

Fú Express lets you create your own noodle bowl while Chip’s Sandwich Shop offers made-to-order sandwiches at affordable prices for a casino. Roadies offers cheaper burgers than Asylum and some exceptional choices such as a Monster Mushroom Burger for C$22. Make sure to sign up for the Encore card for potential discounts too.

Asylum

•   Thursday: 6 PM – 12 AM
•   Friday: 6 PM – 2 AM
•   Saturday: 12 PM – 2 AM
•   Sunday: 12 PM – 10 PM

Fú Express:

•   Sunday: 10 A.M. – 11 P.M.
•   Monday – Thursday: 11 A.M. – 11 P.M.
•   Friday: 11 A.M. – 2 A.M.
•   Saturday: 10 A.M. – 2 A.M.

Chip’s Sandwich Shop

•   Sunday: 10 A.M. – 11 P.M.
•   Monday – Thursday: 11 A.M. – 11 P.M.
•   Friday: 11 A.M. – 2 A.M.
•   Saturday: 10 A.M. – 2 A.M.

Roadie’s Burger Bar

•   Sunday: 10 A.M. – 11 P.M.
•   Monday – Thursday: 11 A.M. – 11 P.M.
•   Friday: 11 A.M. – 2 A.M.
•   Saturday: 10 A.M. – 2 A.M.

How much do you tip at Hard Rock Vancouver casino?

Does the Hard Rock Casino offer free drinks?

We asked a senior bartender who explained they had only seen complimentary drinks offered during selected events and sometimes at the high roller Baccarat Salon.

Is there a buffet at the Hard Rock casino?

Yes, but the dates and type of buffer available do vary. The Hard Rock Casino Vancouver hosts various promotional buffets during the year. Prices will also vary but it’ll usually be around the C$20 mark. There wasn’t a buffet when we visited but we’ve seen Asian-influenced, seafood, and lunch buffets during past experiences.

Parking

You can park for free in the large multi-story parking garage at Hard Rock Casino Vancouver.

Accommodation

Hard Rock Casino Vancouver isn’t a hotel and doesn’t offer any rooms. However, you can stay at Hard Rock’s partner hotel, the Executive Plaza Hotel. Located just down the road on North Street, this 4-star hotel offers 140 rooms including the Empire Penthouse which features an in-room Jacuzzi and a wet bar.

Executive Plaza Hotel:

•   Average price: C$200

Do you tip room service at Hard Rock Casino?

While not mandatory, it is again a good idea to tip the customary 10-15% if you use room service.

Are there smoking areas?

The Executive Plaza Hotel is a non-smoking site but some of the rooms do have balconies you can smoke out on. Otherwise, you’ll need to go outside. You can’t smoke in the Hard Rock Casino either and the only designated smoking area has notoriously been dubbed “the cage” and consists of a small outdoor area that is fenced off.

Security

The security staff will generally ID anyone that looks under 30 and British Columbia laws dictate that the casino checks the IDs of every guest upon entry. No personal data is stored when providing your identification document. Like any casino, the building is covered in CCTV cameras, but you’ll rarely notice them.

Loyalty & Rewards – 4/5

The Hard Rock Casino in Vancouver boasts an exciting reward program called Encore Rewards. This program is multi-tiered, easy to sign up for, and can produce some fantastic prizes.

How does the Hard Rock Vancouver casino rewards program work?

The moment you complete your registration, you’ll instantly receive a rewards card and C$10 in Free Play. Points are collected every time you play, and 1,000 Encore Rewards points can be redeemed for C$5 of Free Play.

Points can be redeemed at a slot machine or Guest Services. Additionally, there are four tiers of membership levels: Diamond, Double Diamond, Triple Diamond, and Elite. Bonuses and rewards increase with each membership tier.

What you get

• Access to exclusive offers and contests.
• C$10 Free Play upon sign-up.
• Birthday reward.
• Discounts for food and drink.

How to register for the program

Signing up for the Encore Rewards program is very simple and can be completed in three easy steps. Follow the following steps to register for the program:

1. Go to hardrockcasinovancouver.com/venue/encore-rewards and begin the sign-up process.
2. Complete the web form by providing your name, date of birth, address, and email address.
3. Head to Hard Rock Casino Vancouver and provide Guest Services with your Government issued ID.

Casino Atmosphere – 3.5/5

The Hard Rock is well-regarded for its atmosphere with its famous rock’n’roll theme and emphasis on providing a memorable experience.

Inside Hard Rock Casino

We didn’t just head straight to the tables with our heads down. Instead, we paid close attention to the building’s layout, visual aesthetic, and overall experience of being in the casino, not just at the tables.

Design experience

The Hard Rock Casino feels modern, and you’ll feel those rockstar, pop-idol vibes. You’ll find memorabilia from numerous rock gods in glass cabinets littered throughout the casino and the overall design looks like a classic casino with plenty of velvet and polished timber.

Are you allowed to take photos in Hard Rock Casino?

Like most other British Columbia casinos, the Hard Rock Casino has a pretty strict photography policy around the gaming tables, but you won’t be bothered taking photos of your food, your friends at the bar, or any of the rock memorabilia. Naturally, try to avoid taking your phone out at all when you’re playing at the live tables.

Location and surroundings

The immediate surroundings are not the most inspiring. You’ll find a small strip mall next door and the Trans Canada Highway. Additionally, the casino is about a quick drive from Granville Street but nearly an hour by public transport. However, you can see the Fraser River if you’re happy to walk past a few industrial sites.

Do you need a passport to visit Hard Rock Casino?

Events

The Hard Rock has a show theatre that hosts a wide-ranging array of big-name musical acts and shows such as Thunder Down Under and Skid Row. Additionally, there is a smaller venue known as the Sound Stage located in the Asylum restaurant that hosts smaller, local acts. These very same venues can be hired out for private events like weddings too.

House Rules (T&Cs) – 5/5

Hard Rock Casino Vancouver gets full marks for House Rules. The casino operates much like Casino Regina in that the House Rules are more like House “Etiquette”. Other than not being able to take your phone out or take photos on the casino floor, everything is very relaxed including a casual dress code.

Hard Rock Casino Vancouver’s opening hours

The casino is open 24/7 for slot gaming but table gaming is only available from 10:00 – 04:00 and restaurants have selected hours also.

Does Hard Rock Casino charge entry?

No, entry into the Hard Rock Casino Vancouver is free.

Do you always need a reservation to play at Hard Rock Casino?

No, you can just turn up and play. Some tables may be busy during peak hours, and you might have to wait for a seat.

Is membership required at Hard Rock Casino?

Membership is not required but you do need to be at least 19 years and have a government-issued ID to prove it. You can become a member by joining the Encore Rewards program which provides additional perks.

Dress code

There isn’t a strict dress code at the Hard Rock other than refraining from wearing anything gang-related or offensive. You can get away with shorts and a T-shirt in the summer but, above all, you just need to look presentable. That means you don’t have to wear a tux or a ball gown, but it helps to at least dress smart-casual.

Standout rules at Hard Rock Casino Vancouver

• ID under 30.

Player Feedback – 3.7/5

Feedback online has been generally positive and there have been more than 4,000 reviews posted on Google and Tripadvisor.

Hard Rock Casino Vancouver player reviews

Google – 3.9/5

Google reviewers praised the casino staff with many positive reactions to the team’s friendliness. The atmosphere has received the strongest praise, but many have criticized the bar citing expensive drinks and some metering.

Tripadvisor – 3.5/5

Many customers praised the poker tournaments and the variety of games that can be played. However, detractors commented on the unfavourable location and restaurants had mixed reviews.

Most common issues

• Very few; mostly some gripes about drink metering or one-off bad experiences.

Operator – 4/5

This casino is owned by Seminole Hard Rock Entertainment Inc and operated by the highly reputable Great Canadian Entertainment. The company has extensive experience managing major casinos across multiple provinces and is very trustworthy.

Who owns Hard Rock Casino Vancouver?

The casino is owned by Seminole Hard Rock Entertainment Inc and the brand is internationally recognized. Great Canadian Entertainment operates the casino, operates more than 20 gaming properties across Canada, and was listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange before it was acquired by Apollo Global Management in 2021.

Other casinos by the same operator

Great Canadian Entertainment owns and operates numerous casinos across Vancouver, Ontario, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick including:

• River Rock Casino Resort
• Elements Casino Surrey
• Chances Dawson Creek
• Casino New Brunswick
• Casino Nova Scotia Halifax
• Casino Nova Scotia Sydney

Contact info

Hard Rock Casino Competitors

With eight fully licensed casinos in Vancouver, the Hard Rock isn’t the only establishment vying for your attention. Here are two of the stronger options available:

Hard Rock Casino vs River Rock Casino Resort

River Rock Casino Resort is also located by Fraser River and is an actual 4-diamond resort. You’ll find over 300 more slots than the Hard Rock and a racebook.

River Rock Casino Resort is best for slot gaming

River Rock is best for playing slots with more than 1,200 machines and numerous progressive jackpot titles.

Hard Rock Casino vs PARQ Vancouver

The ultra-luxurious PARQ Vancouver is a seriously fancy establishment but offers fewer gambling options than the Hard Rock Casino.

PARQ Vancouver is the best for a glitzy night out

If you’re looking to get dressed up and have a fancy night out, PARQ combines modern gambling with hip bars and exceptional restaurants.

What sets Hard Rock Casino Vancouver apart from its competitors?

Few competitors quite offer the best of all worlds quite like the Hard Rock Casino Vancouver. You can get dressed up and feel like a high roller, but alternatively, you can rock up after work for a few casual hands of blackjack. The restaurants are very accessible for all budgets and the relaxed rules ensure casual players never feel too intimidated to join the tables.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• C$10 Free Play sign-up bonus
• Fairly relaxed house rules
• Multiple bars and restaurants
• Numerous progressive jackpot games

Cons

• Not a great location with no hotel rooms

Should You Roll the Dice at Hard Rock Casino Vancouver?

With its classic rock’n’roll theme, an abundance of gaming options, and casual-friendly house rules, Hard Rock Casino Vancouver is the perfect place for both casual and experienced gamers to enjoy. You’ll find tons of amazing bands playing every single month and the Encore Rewards program helps you earn Free Play in a hurry.