Living Sky Casino Review

The C$35 million Living Sky Casino stands in the centre of a remote part of Saskatchewan where there is nothing as far as the eye can see. But is this casino worth the long drive down the T-Can?

Our team of talented experts provides unique insights while reviewing every aspect of Living Sky Casino. We’ll reveal the quality of the service you can expect, how good the games are to play, and we’ll show you how to play your first game with free play.

Living Sky Casino Ratings

Table of Contents

• Rating and Review Process for Living Sky Casino
• Slot Machines – 5/5
• Casino Games – 3/5
• Staff & Service – 4/5
• Loyalty & Rewards – 5/5
• Casino Atmosphere – 4/5
• House Rules (T&Cs) – 4/5
• Player Feedback – 4/5
• Operator – 5/5
• Living Sky Casino Competitors
• Living Sky Casino Pros and Cons
• Should You Gamble at Living Sky Casino?

Rating and Review Process for Living Sky Casino

We have developed a highly specialized and specific review system that provides our experts with the tools and metrics to test the quality of any casino in Canada. Our experts can easily test and analyze every aspect of casinos like Living Sky Casino.

Unlike most reviews of land-based casinos in Canada, we actually visit the casinos we review. We walk through the doors and sit at the slots, touch the tables, grab a beer at the bar and dine in the restaurant. Since we are able to speak with staff and be a part of the atmosphere, we can provide details in our reviews that few others are capable of.

How we inspected Living Sky Casino

• Date of visit: 09/01/2023
• Time of visit: 6 PM – 11 PM
• Initial bankroll: C$100
• What we played: VLT, slots, blackjack
• Final bankroll: C$112
• Next visit: 09/052024

What we looked at

We rate Living Sky Casino against a variety of subjective and objective metrics. This will include making sure certain games are available and that the casino provides multiple sources of entertainment. We also thoroughly examine the overall atmosphere on the casino floor and check to see how strict and transparent the house rules are.

What we found

Slot Machines – 5/5

Just over 200 slots are a little on the small side but the choice in games is exceptional. You can enjoy summer slots, Egyptian slots, old-school titles, and the latest advancements in slot gaming technology. Games are provided by several industry powerhouses and the low limits keep the games highly accessible.

Slots we played at Living Sky Casino

We made out straight for Rider Nation which really sticks out with its sharp green visuals and central spot on the casino floor. After a few minutes of attempting to win the jackpot, we noticed Goddess of Desire and chose to switch. Following a few stints at the tables, we finished by playing Dragon Fury and attempted to fill 120 lines with dragon’s heads.

How many slot machines does Living Sky Casino have?

There are more than 200 slot machines that range from simple C$0.01 games to C$5.

Do the slot machines accept coins?

No, coins were phased out. You must use cash notes or a voucher provided by the rewards program.

Slot machine providers

• IGT
• Bally
• Konami

Local progressive jackpots

Living Sky Casino features several progressive jackpots including the Smoke Signals Jackpot which begins growing at C$1 million and will always pay before it reaches two million. We also noted the Rider Nation progressive jackpot, which starts at C$50,000 and tops out at C$100,000.

Casino Games – 3/5

The casino floor has one roulette table and four other tables which can host blackjack, baccarat, or poker games.

Game types

• Blackjack
• Roulette
• Poker
• Baccarat/Sic bo
• VLT machines

Betting limits

VLT games start at C$2. Table games can be on with as little as C$1 and the highest table limit we clocked was only C$25.

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

There are no special limits for VIP players or special VIP access. Anyone can play the table maximums at Living Sky Casino.

Living Sky Casino poker tournaments

While Living Sky Casino used to host poker tournaments, staff informed us that it had been a while since a tournament was held and it may be a wait until the next opportunity.

Staff & Service – 4/5

With three dining options with extended trading hours, free RV and car parking, a free shuttle service, and attentive team members, Living Sky Casino boasts great service and plenty of amenities. While the casino doesn’t offer any accommodation, there are plenty of local options.

Food & Drinks

Living Sky Casino has three fantastic dining options that ensure you can eat any day between 10 AM and 2 AM.

The Horizon’s Restaurant offers fairly traditional bar & grill food such as burgers, salads, fish & chips, and sirloin steak. With a burger costing C$18 and a steak at C$30, the pricing is reasonable but pushing onto the expensive side. Especially when you consider the added tip.

Kookum’s Kitchen is dedicated to all things chicken and you can grab a three-piece combo with wedges and Bannock for C$15.75. The 10-piece combo does cost C$52 though. The Deli & Bar has a small, simple menu which is very affordable such as a C$4.50 hot dog and C$12 for ribs.

Horizon’s Restaurant

• Mon-Fri: 11 AM – 10 PM
• Sat-Sun: 10 AM – 10 PM

Kookum’s Kitchen

• Daily: 11 AM – 2 AM

Deli & Bar

• Daily: 10 AM – 2 AM

How much do you tip at Living Sky Casino?

The average tip should be around 15% but most will try and push 18% if they can. However, it is not uncommon to tip 20% for excellent service in Saskatchewan.

Does Living Sky Casino offer free drinks?

There isn’t a complimentary drinks service for casino players but you can grab free coffee and soft drinks at the bar.

Is there a buffet at Living Sky Casino?

There isn’t a permanent buffet but the casino has been known to put on some tasty brunch buffets from time to time.

Parking

There is plenty of free parking that surrounds the casino building and free RV parking spaces too. It’s a good idea to call ahead and register, but you shouldn’t have any problems parking up and registering with guest services on arrival.

Accommodation

The casino doesn’t have any partner hotels or a hotel itself. However, there are several nearby motels and campgrounds that you can stay at. We counted at least seven locations within 2km of the casino with prices as low as C$43 for a night stay and there is a Holiday Inn and Home Inn within shouting distance of Living Sky Casino.

Are there smoking areas?

Living Sky Casino is a non-smoking establishment, so you will have to step outside for a cigarette or vape.

Security

We noticed security at the front entrance, one that stood by a side entrance, but otherwise, security wasn’t very noticeable. CCTV cameras are located all over the casino.

Loyalty & Rewards – 5/5

The loyalty program at Living Sky Casino is free to join and can be used at six other casinos in Saskatchewan.

How does the Living Sky Casino rewards program work?

The Living Sky Casino is one of many SIGA Casinos which are all tied to the Player’s Club rewards program. This program is free and you can sign up at any SIGA Casino including Living Sky Casino. You’ll earn points by playing slots and table games which can then be redeemed for cash back, free play, and other exciting rewards.

What you get

• 10% off dining bills
• Cashback
• Hotel discounts
• Advance tickets purchase
• Free slot play
• Exclusive casino bonuses and draws

How to register for the Player’s Club

1. Head to the Player’s Club desk on the casino floor
2. Ask to sign up for a free membership
3. Provide your ID and complete the short form
4. Receive your C$10 free play reward

Casino Atmosphere – 4/5

It takes more than casino games to create an atmosphere. We considered the very distinct surroundings of Saskatchewan, the unique interior design, and how the buzz from the casino’s tight casino floor and exciting shows create a special atmosphere.

Inside Living Sky Casino

We spent as much time admiring the design of this casino as we did playing casino games. The aesthetic is unique, so we were sure to analyze the materials used and the various design elements, and we got a real feel for the atmosphere the interior design created.

Design experience

The casino has a purposefully circular interior, and you feel like you’re in a giant tipi. Most of the décor is timber and much of it is designed to look like trees or other aspects of nature. It certainly gets the desired effect and you genuinely feel like you’re in a secret tribal casino, deep in the reservation.

Are you allowed to take photos in Living Sky Casino?

Yes, but you can’t take photos at the gaming tables.

Location and surroundings

Saskatchewan is beautiful but it is an acquired taste. There are no surroundings. Few buildings. No mountains, few trees, and not much to do other than the casino. Some will see the beauty in the emptiness that commonly draws the phrase “as far as the eye can see”, but we can understand that many others will feel they just got lost in the wilderness.

Do you need a passport to visit Living Sky Casino?

No. Like most other casinos in Canada, any form of government-issued photo ID will be acceptable. If you’re an international traveller and feel your foreign ID might not be accepted, then it might be a good idea to use your passport instead.

Events

The casino also has an event centre that can accommodate up to 280 people. Numerous events are held each month and can range from comedy and musicals to live bands. You’ll mostly get local acts and tribute bands. The pricing can be a little high though – a CCR tribute band was advertised during our visit and they were charging C$75 per ticket.

House Rules (T&Cs) – 4/5

The casino is open reasonably late every day, allows photography in most areas except around the casino games, and both entry and membership to the casino are completely free.

When is Living Sky Casino open?

The Living Sky Casino is open every day from 10 AM. Between Sunday and Thursday, the casino closes at 2 AM but remains open until 3 AM on Friday and Saturday.

Does Living Sky Casino charge entry?

No, entry into the casino is free.

Do you always need a reservation to play at Living Sky Casino?

Not at all. You can just turn and play without a reservation.

Is membership required at Living Sky Casino?

Membership is not required but you can join for free and gain plenty of rewards including an initial $10 free play bonus.

Dress code

Living Sky Casino doesn’t have a set dress code that you can follow but common-sense principles apply. Don’t wear anything that may be deemed offensive, gang-related, or obviously inappropriate. Dressing smart-casual is always the best way to guarantee entry into the casino.

Standout rules at Living Sky Casino

• Membership or Canadian residency, excluding Quebec, is required to participate in promotions

Player Feedback – 4/5

More than 790 customers have reviewed Living Sky Casino on Google and Tripadvisor with mostly rave reviews.

Living Sky Casino player reviews

Google – 4.1/5

Customers had great things to comment about the food and service but noted that the casino floor can be terribly quiet during the week, resulting in only one or two live tables being open.

Tripadvisor – 4/5

Tripadvisor reviewers love the dining experience and the 10% Player’s Club discount while also commending the variety of slot gaming machines. However, some customers felt the slot-to-table ratio was very noticeable.

Most common issues

• Very high ratio of slots to table games
• Few live dealers are available at times

Operator – 5/5

As a tribal casino in Saskatchewan, revenue from casino gaming goes back into the local community and each casino is regulated by the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority (SIGA), which is in turn regulated by the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority.

Who owns Living Sky Casino?

The Living Sky Casino is owned and operated by the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority and is one of seven casinos owned by the First Nations tribe.

Other casinos by the same operator

• Bear Claw Casino
• Dakota Dunes Casino
• Gold Eagle Casino
• Gold Horse Casino
• Northern Lights Casino
• Painted Hand Casino

Contact info

Living Sky Casino Competitors

Online casinos in Canada are a bigger competitor than any land-based operation just because of how spread out Saskatchewan is. Your closest casino is Casino Moose Jaw. The casino benefits from basically being on the Trans-Canada Highway like Living Sky Casino and is almost two hours away by car.

Your next best bet is Casino Regina but that’s two and a half hours away and you’ll be seriously road-tripping at that point.

Living Sky Casino vs. Casino Moose Jaw

Located in downtown Moose Jaw directly east of Living Sky along the Trans-Canada highway, Casino Moose Jaw has over 800 slots, 20 gaming tables, and some serious poker tournaments including HPC satellites that can get you entry into some very lucrative tournaments.

Casino 1 is best for poker

The calibre of the poker tournaments is highly competitive and you’ll get to compete against some of the country’s best players.  Tournaments are held weekly and there are numerous satellites each year. Be sure to check out Mac the Moose too.

What sets Living Sky Casino apart from its competitors?

The unique design and the atmosphere that comes along with it cannot be beaten at Living Sky Casino. This casino is the personification of a tribal casino with earthy textures and materials, and a tipi-like structure, and the venue is striving towards eco-friendly casino practices.

Living Sky Casino Pros and Cons

Pros

• Huge local progressive jackpot networks
• Get C$10 free play just for signing up
• Over 200 modern and classic slot games

Cons

• Very limited live table gaming

Should You Gamble at Living Sky Casino?

Living Sky Casino isn’t the biggest casino in Saskatchewan, but you will find a unique experience. The design of this casino provides an atmosphere that few other casinos can match. If you are after slot gaming variety, you’ll be impressed by the selection at Living Sky Casino.

However, the casino does lack significant table gaming, choosing to rely on VLT machines more than live dealers. But with a variety of dining options, a great atmosphere, and the chance to win some pretty massive progressive jackpots, Living Sky Casino is certainly worth the trip.