McPhillips Station Casino Review

Take a short trip north of downtown Winnipeg and you’ll find a casino facility that boasts thousands of casino games. Our review of McPhillips Station Casino provides a unique and insightful view of a multi-storey casino that is a serious contender for “Best in Winnipeg?”

But what makes McPhillips Station Casino so special? Read on to learn about the gaming offerings, find out about the bustling atmosphere, and determine whether you think this casino is where you’ll be playing your next session.

McPhillips Station Casino Ratings

Table of Contents

• Rating and Review Process for McPhillips Station Casino
• Slot Machines – 5/5
• Casino Games – 4.5/5
• Staff & Service – 4/5
• Loyalty & Rewards – 4/5
• Casino Atmosphere – 4.5/5
• House Rules (T&Cs) – 4/5
• Player Feedback – 3.7/5
• Operator – 5/5
• McPhillips Station Casino Competitors
• Pros and Cons
• Is it Worth Doubling Down at McPhillips Station Casino?

Rating and Review Process for McPhillips Station Casino

We have an immensely talented pool of experts who have collectively worked in every department of a casino. Waiters, slot attendants, table dealers, and casino pit bosses –all provide insights when reviewing casinos such as McPhillips Station Casino.

This affords our team the unique ability to review and rate aspects of a casino that other reviewers would never think to look out for. That way, you’ll get the clearest picture of McPhillips Station Casino which allows you to make an informed decision.

How we inspected McPhillips Station Casino

• Date of visit: 09/23/2023
• Time of visit: 7 PM – 12 AM
• Initial bankroll: C$100
• What we played: Roulette
• Final bankroll: C$118
• Next visit: 10/15/2024

What we looked at

We considered the range of games on offer and whether they were accessible to casual players. Additionally, we observed the overall atmosphere of the casino floor to let you know what to expect on your visit.

What we found

Slot Machines – 5/5

With three powerhouse providers powering a slot gaming collection of over 1,200 games, there is an impossibly large number of games to enjoy. Nearly every game on show offered a progressive jackpot which meant every spin could have potentially been a big payday.

Slots we played at McPhillips Station Casino

We got started with a progressive jackpot slot, hoping to win a huge prize immediately. Our single spin on Ultimate Fire Link was unsuccessful, so we went looking for something else. Finding slots that don’t have a progressive jackpot was actually tough at the time but then we settled on Wolf Ridge.

How many slot machines does McPhillips Station Casino have?

According to the casino staff, there are more than 1,200 slot machines which include a wide variety of themes including fantasy-themed slots, classic retro slots, newbie-friendly penny slots, and everything in between.

Do slot machines accept coins?

You can only play with cash notes and you can swipe your Club Card to play with any free play credit.

Slot machine providers

• IGT
• Konami
• Bally

Local progressive jackpots

McPhillips Station Casino has the very lucrative C$1 Million Powerbucks progressive slot game which is a network found at many casinos across Canada.

Casino Games – 4.5/5

We noted around 35 gaming tables which have dropped a little from our last visit. However, the casino still offers blackjack, craps, poker variations, roulette, and baccarat. There were several VLT machines in Loft 180 and an incredibly exciting stadium VLT set up too.

Game types

• Roulette
• Blackjack
• Poker
• Craps
• Baccarat/Sic bo

Betting limits

The VLT table games feature very low bet limits of around one C$1 to get started and top out at around C$25. During our visit, blackjack games started at C$5 but there were roulette games that only required C$2 on straight bets.

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

Yes, the highest limits of any game at this casino can be played by any player.

Staff & Service – 4/5

McPhillips Station Casino offers a great restaurant and several bar options. Free parking is readily available across the road. Unfortunately, there isn’t any accommodation in the casino but the nearest hotels are within walking distance.

Food & Drinks

Loft 180 recently moved to the second level of the casino and boasts a classic casino menu with a few local treats such as Manitoba Mackerel. Prices are reasonable with a burger costing C$17.95 but all the mains comes with your choice of sides. You also choose from affordably priced local and imported brews.

Additionally, you can find a snack bar on the main floor serving small snacks and drinks until 2 AM and a roaming floor bar that appears whenever it happens to be needed. You’ll also still find a McDonald’s at the back of the casino which is certainly a delightful surprise.

Loft 180

• Sat to Thurs: 12 PM – 11:30 PM
• Fri to Sat: 12 PM – 1 AM

Snack Bar

• Daily: 12 PM – 2 AM

How much do you tip at McPhillips Station Casino?

15 – 20% is considered a reasonable tip in Manitoba.

Does McPhillips Station Casino offer free drinks?

No, McPhillips Station Casino does not offer free drinks for customers playing any of the casino games. They will help you get the attention of the waiting staff though.

Is there a buffet at McPhillips Station Casino?

This casino used to have a buffet but McPhillips Station Casino hasn’t provided a buffet in a while now.

Parking

There is a fairly secure parking garage across the road dedicated to the casino. Parking is free and there are more than 800 spots so you should have no problem finding a spot. Valet parking is also available for C$5.

Accommodation

The casino doesn’t have a hotel of any kind but there is no shortage of overnight options nearby. You can choose from five or so hotels within a roughly 20-minute walk south of the casino and the average room price is about C$100 a night.

Are there smoking areas?

No, the nearest acceptable smoking spot is just outside the casino entrance.

Security

Security measures include CCTV, metal scanners, and everything else to ensure a safe gaming experience.

Loyalty & Rewards – 4/5

McPhillips Station Casino is up there with Sand Hills Casino as one of the most generous land-based casinos in Canada.

The Club Card is available for free and can be used at any Casinos of Winnipeg casino. There are tons of rewards to enjoy including free play and meal discounts. Points are accrued simply by playing electronic games such as slots at any of the Casinos of Winnipeg locations.

How does the McPhillips Station Casino rewards program work?

Your Club Card is very easy to use. Just swipe the card when playing casino games to accrue points towards free play and present your card when purchasing food or drinks if a discount can be applied. To use your free play credits, just swipe your card at an electronic game and choose Point Play.

What you get

• C$10 birthday free play
• C$10 sign up free play
• Food and merch discounts
• Earn free play up to C$100

How to register in the program

1. Go to the McPhillips Station Casino homepage and click on “Join the Club”
2. Complete the quick and easy web form by providing your personal details
3. Answer a few simple questions and then click “Submit” when you’re done
4. You can now collect your card on your next visit by providing your government photo ID when you enter the casino
5. Your card will be loaded with C$10 free play

Casino Atmosphere – 4.5/5

With a modern interior that feels like a larger casino, a myriad of experiences in nearby downtown Winnipeg, and a regular showcasing of local musical talents, McPhillips Station Casino creates an atmosphere far larger than the facility itself.

Inside McPhillips Station Casino

Our insiders made sure to take notes and thoroughly review the interior, overall atmosphere, and the local surroundings at McPhillips Station Casino so you can get an idea of the expansive experience you can enjoy when visiting this casino in Manitoba.

Design experience

The casino floor looks slick and modern with sharp décor and tons of vibrant colours juxtaposed with the typical modern facility colours of black, grey, and white. There is no real discernible theme and the layout isn’t entirely memorable, but you do feel like you’re in a major casino rather than some of the smaller “gambling halls” you can find across Canada.

Are you allowed to take photos in McPhillips Station Casino?

Yes, photography is allowed but not around the table games; you mustn’t get your phone out around tables.

Location and surroundings

Like most casinos in Canada, McPhillips Station Casino is located along a main road, so there isn’t a great deal to look at or appreciate. However, you are only a 10-minute drive from downtown Winnipeg which features the famous Forks Markets, Burton Cummings Theatre stages and a famed LGBTQ nightlife.

Do you need a passport to visit McPhillips Station Casino?

No, the casino security will accept any form of government-issued photo ID. However, if you are an international visitor, it might be a good idea to use your passport if you have any concerns that your local country ID might not meet Canadian standards.

Events

Small music shows are held regularly at McPhillips Station Casino. These shows include much lower-tier bands than you can see at Casino Regent but you can find some great local talent.

House Rules (T&Cs) – 4/5

McPhillips Station Casino has fairly relaxed terms and conditions, is open late on Friday and Saturday, and doesn’t mind you taking photos around the casino – just don’t do it around the tables.

McPhillips Station Casino opening hours

The casino opens every day from 10 AM and closes at 3 AM between Sunday and Thursday but stays open until 5 AM on Friday and Saturday.

Does McPhillips Station Casino charge entry?

No, entry into the casino is absolutely free.

Do you always need a reservation to play at McPhillips Station Casino?

No, seats at the games are open to all players.

Is membership required at McPhillips Station Casino?

Membership is not required but you can earn some pretty exciting bonuses and perks by joining the Casinos of Winnipeg Club Card.

Dress code

There is no set dress code at McPhillips Station Casino and it appeared that the rules were fairly relaxed. Men were able to wear shorts and t-shirts without any issues. Naturally though, gang-related clothing, anything representing violence and anything offensive will not be tolerated.

Standout rules at McPhillips Station Casino

We couldn’t find any rule that was out of the ordinary for a casino in Canada.

Player Feedback – 3.7/5

With over 1,800 reviews across Tripadvisor and Google, McPhillips Station Casino maintains a steady rating with consistent opinions from most reviewers.

McPhillips Station Casino player reviews

Google – 4/5

Reviews on Google are strong for McPhillips Station Casino with many customers commending the quality of the food and the overall grandness of the experience. Several customers were rather impressed by the McDonalds. Some of the more serious gamers commented on the removal of some table games in recent years.

Tripadvisor – 3.5/5

Customers loved the décor and had mostly great things to say about the meals. Some long wait times were noted due to a lack of gaming attendants. However, we noticed that the latest review was way back in 2019.

Most common issues

• Long wait times for gaming attendants
• Fewer table games than in the past

Operator – 5/5

Since this is a commercial casino, it is branded as a “Casinos of Winnipeg” casino which is operated by the Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries Corporation which is responsible for providing legal commercial gambling, the distribution and selling of liquor, and even the sourcing of legal non-medical cannabis in the province.

Who owns Club Regent Casino?

McPhillips Station Casino is owned by the Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries Corporation.

Other casinos by the same operator

• Club Regent Casino

Contact info

McPhillips Station Casino Competitors

Besides online casinos in Canada, there is only one competitor in Winnipeg. You have the tribal casino, South Beach Casino & Resort but it is located way outside Winnipeg, about an hour’s drive north. However, Club Regent Casino is a mere 11 KM away.

McPhillips Station Casino vs. Club Regent Casino

This is another “Casinos of Winnipeg” casino which offers roughly the same level of gaming but provides a higher calibre of events to enjoy. Major recording artists – or at least former major recording artists – will often grace the stage at the event centre.

Club Regent Casino is best for taking in a show

Since the casino gaming offering is strikingly similar at Club Regent Casino, the best reason to take a visit will be to see a major band play at the event centre. You can always pop into the casino after the show and enjoy the same number of slots as McPhillips Station Casino.

What sets McPhillips Station Casino apart from its competitors?

It’s all about that powerful atmosphere that McPhillips generates. The layout and spacing of the casino games provide a bustling atmosphere that feels far grander and larger than the walls would lead you to believe.

McPhillips Station Casino Pros and Cons

Pros

• Offers more than 1,300 casino games including over 1,200 slots
• Hundreds of progressive jackpots including C$1 Million Powerbucks
• You can quickly access the exciting nightlife of downtown Winnipeg
• Low betting minimums that are ideal for casual and new players

Cons

• There are no poker tournaments at this time
• Limited events compared to big sister casino Club Regent

Should You Visit McPhillips Station Casino?

Boasting more than 1,300 games, regular musical nights, and an actual McDonald’s next to the slot machines, McPhillips Station Casino is certainly worth a visit. Betting limits are low to suit any player type and the higher rollers can still play at reasonable levels.

The dining experience is more 5^th date rather than the 1^st date, and the McDonalds is a bit of a fun gimmick. Sure, nearby Club Regent does offer bigger shows in the event centre, but the atmosphere at McPhillips is something special and only a visit will do it justice.