PURE Casino Edmonton Review
The latest refurbishment has had a few years to settle, and more players are flocking back to PURE Casino Edmonton. But is this the best casino on the north side of the Saskatchewan River?
Stick around as we delve deeper into PURE Casino Edmonton are reveal the extent of the gambling products and entertainment you can enjoy. We’ll provide insights into the level of service you can expect and compare PURE against its biggest competitors in Edmonton.
PURE Casino Edmonton Ratings
| Overall Rating | 4.2/5 |
|---|---|
Slot Machines | 5/5 |
Casino Games | 5/5 |
Staff & Service | 3/5 |
Loyalty & Rewards | 4/5 |
Casino Atmosphere | 4/5 |
House Rules (T&Cs) | 4.5/5 |
Player Feedback | 3.4/5 |
Operator | 5/5 |
Table of Contents
- Rating and Review Process for PURE Casino Edmonton
- Slot Machines – 5/5
- Casino Games – 5/5
- Staff & Service – 3/5
- Loyalty & Rewards – 5/5
- Casino Atmosphere – 4/5
- House Rules (T&Cs) – 4.5/5
- Player Feedback – 3.4/5
- Operator – 5/5
- PURE Casino Edmonton Competitors
- PURE Casino Edmonton Pros and Cons
- Should You Pay the Blind at PURE Casino Edmonton?
Rating and Review Process for PURE Casino Edmonton
We use a specialized review system to thoroughly examine and rank every casino we step foot in. And that is a crucial part of our process – we genuinely enter the casinos we review rather than copy what their homepage says.
Our experts are experienced in numerous sectors of the gambling industry and can provide insights that other reviewers are simply unable to do. We ate the food, drank the brews, sat at the tables, and slapped the slot buttons to ensure our review of PURE Casino Edmonton was utterly comprehensive.
How we inspected PURE Casino Edmonton
- Date of visit: 10/07/2023
- Time of visit: 7 PM – 1 AM
- Initial bankroll: C$100
- What we played: Slots, poker, roulette
- Final bankroll: C$250
- Next visit: 10/15/2024
What we looked at
Our casino experts rated PURE Casino Edmonton using a variety of proven and crucial metrics. Objectively, we looked at what games are available and dug further into functions such as table limits. Subjectively, for example, we took in the casino floor’s atmosphere and compared all the features against competitor casinos in Edmonton.
What we found
Address | 7055 Argyll Rd NW, Edmonton, AB T6C 4A5 |
Open hours | 24/7 |
Membership | Not required |
Minimum age | 18 |
ID checks | Yes |
Game types | Slots, table games, VLT, poker |
Tables | 26 |
Slot machines | 850+ |
Gaming terminals | 18 |
Payment | Cash, Card, Chips |
Average betting range | Slots: C$0.01+ Table: C$2 – C$500 |
Free drinks (Canada) | No |
Restaurant | Yes |
Hotel | No |
Poker tournaments | Daily Texas Hold’em and Omaha poker |
Slot Machines – 5/5
PURE Casino Edmonton is a serious slot casino with hundreds of games from more than three software providers, a dedicated high-limit room, and numerous progressive jackpot games that are linked to lucrative Alberta networks.
Slots we played at PURE Casino Edmonton
Our review began by playing Makin’ Cash which had a progressive jackpot and a free spins bonus game. Next, we played Quick Spin since we had not spied any AGT games in the last few casinos that we reviewed. After an hour at the tables, we played one last slot and chose Great Eagle II.
How many slot machines does PURE Casino Edmonton have?
We were gleefully informed by a casino floor manager that PURE Casino Edmonton is home to more than 850 slot machines.
Do the slot machines accept coins?
No, the slot machines only accept cash and free play by swiping your rewards card. However, the cashier can cash out your change if you need it too.
Slot machine providers
- IGT
- Konami
- WMS
- Ainsworth Game Technology
- Aristocrat
Local progressive jackpots
Like many of the popular casinos in Alberta, PURE Casino Edmonton hosts several progressive jackpot machines that are common across the province. You can play both Alberta Gold, American Original, and Queen of Olympus. The prize pool for Alberta Gold even starts at a cool C$20,000.
Casino Games – 5/5
You can play all the classics on 26 different tables plus a 12-table poker room.
There are eight tables in the high limit room which includes both blackjack and baccarat with higher maximum bet limits.
Game types
- Blackjack
- Free Bet Blackjack
- Craps
- EZ Baccarat
- Four Card Poker
- Roulette
- DJ Wild Stud Poker
Betting limits
Blackjack games range between C$2 and C$500 bets while the American roulette tables let you bet up to C$200.
Can anyone bet the highest limits, or do you need special VIP access?
No, anyone can play the highest table limits or slots in the high-limit room.
PURE Casino Edmonton poker tournaments
Poker tournaments are being held every single day in the 24-hour poker room including no-limit games. Most require a C$80 buy-in, but larger tournaments are held throughout the year too. Games include Texas Hold’em and Omaha poker.
Staff & Service – 3/5
Pure Casino Edmonton offers four dining and drinking locations, you can park for free, but you’ll have to sort out accommodation locally. Thankfully, accommodation is close by and there is plenty of parking.
Food & Drinks
The Mezz is open from the late afternoon until late in the evening and early morning on Friday and Saturday. It is an exceptional sports bar that also boasts a signature cocktail list and some great local brews. Cocktails are reasonably priced too at around C$7 to C$12.
ALTA Kitchen is open throughout the day and features a typical casino menu with chicken wings, ribs, steaks, and burgers.
Meals cost around C$15 but a few items will push past C$20. The wok menu was a nice surprise with various Asian dishes costing around C$15.
SNAX provides everything from sandwiches and pizza to pasta and noodles. Meanwhile, the center bar is open from 9:30 AM to 2 AM every day and serves the ALTA menu. There are also numerous dining promotions such as free donuts and daily specials.
The Mezz
- Sun-Thu: 4 PM – 11 PM
- Fri-Sat: 5:30 PM – 2 AM
ALTA Kitchen
- Sun-Thu: 9:30 AM – 2 AM / 4:30 PM – 9 PM
- Fri-Sat: 9:30 AM – 2 AM / 4:30 PM – 10 PM
SNAX
- Every day: 11:30 AM – 2 AM
Center Bar
- Every day: 9:30 AM – 2 AM
How much do you tip at PURE Casino Edmonton?
The minimum wage isn’t groundbreaking in Edmonton, so you’ll be expected to tip between 15-20%.
Does PURE Casino Edmonton offer free drinks?
Unfortunately, there is no complimentary drinks service for players at the tables or slots.
Is there a buffet at PURE Casino Edmonton?
No, PURE Casino Edmonton does not offer a buffet. But you do have two alternative dining options instead.
Parking
The casino has free parking located around the building. It isn’t highly secure, but it is free and there are enough spots for at least 300 vehicles.
Accommodation
The casino does not have any accommodation of its own but you’re not far from numerous options.
There is a Four Points Sheraton across the road that offers rooms at around C$80 and a Radisson Hotel that offers even cheaper rooms is about a 15-minute walk away.
Are there smoking areas?
Hotels in Edmonton are non-smoking establishments, as is PURE Casino. If you want to smoke at either location, you’ll need to head outside.
Security
Security surprised us by checking everyone’s IDs quite thoroughly – regardless of their age. Cameras could be seen in most corners but never too overtly so.
Loyalty & Rewards – 5/5
You can use two rewards systems at PURE Casino – the local PURE rewards program and the Alberta-wide Winner’s Edge program. Both cards provide food & beverage discounts, free play, and exclusive rewards.
How does the PURE Casino Edmonton reward program work?
Winner’s Edge is accessed by signing up online and picking up your card when you head to the casino. You just need to swipe the rewards card every time you play slots of VLT games to earn points. Points can be redeemed for free play.
The team at PURE didn’t give us a lot of insights into how the system worked and the Winner’s Edge benefits seemed more significant anyway.
As near as we could tell, you simply needed to swipe when playing any electronic game.
What you get
- Casino free-play
- C$1,000 free-play welcome bonus
- Access member-only contests
- 10% food & drink discounts
- Promotional draws
- Exclusive rewards
How to register for the program
PURE Rewards
- Go to Guests Services when you enter the casino
- Complete the registration forms and provide your ID
- Receive your rewards card
Winner’s Edge
- Go to winnersedge.ca and complete the signup forms
- Head to the Guests Services kiosk at PURE Casino Edmonton
- Collect your card by providing your government-issued ID
Casino Atmosphere – 4/5
With great modern design, loads of free music every weekend, and proximity to downtown Edmonton, you’ll certainly feel a buzz at this casino.
The only letdown is the lack of entertainment or sightseeing opportunities immediately around the casino.
Inside PURE Casino Edmonton
We’ll tell you about our thoughts on the interior design of the casino and provide details on what you can do nearby. The casino also has an event space, so we’ll lay down all the details on the additional entertainment you can enjoy.
Design experience
The casino has a cool feel and looks just as slick today as it did when it reopened in 2020 following the refurbishment. We liked the exterior that had a slightly Romanesque look to it, but the interior is far more modern. The gaming tables are modern in design too but didn’t feel very expensive.
Are you allowed to take photos in PURE Casino Edmonton?
You are allowed to take photos around the casino and even when you’re playing electronic machines. However, you cannot take photos around the live table games, and you definitely shouldn’t take your phone out at all if you are playing at the tables.
Location and surroundings
Like so many casinos in Canada, PURE Casino Edmonton is located in a fairly industrial area. It is on a main road and your nearest sights are a Hot Tub retailer, a small hospital, and an insurance agency. However, downtown Edmonton is only a 15-minute drive away and there are plenty of amazing attractions.
Do you need a passport to visit PURE Casino Edmonton?
No, any government-issued ID will be accepted. However, if your ID is not in English or may be of lower physical quality than a Canadian ID, it may be best to use your passport rather than your national ID document.
Events
The Social Room is home to free live music on Friday and Saturday nights from 8 PM to midnight. Music is provided by a variety of local musicians that can range from hard rock acts, to cover bands and dance music. You can even book private parties in the Social Room for up to 85 people.
House Rules (T&Cs) – 4.5/5
PURE Casino Edmonton has never-ending casino hours and a reasonable photos policy, but while the house rules appear quite casual and basic, they’re not exactly clear. Our experts explain further below.
PURE Casino Edmonton opening hours
The casino is open 24 hours, 7 days a week. However, the gaming tables are only open between 10 AM and 3 AM. You can enjoy the slots and poker tables 24/7 though.
Does PURE Casino Edmonton charge entry?
No, entry into PURE Casino Edmonton is free.
Do you always need a reservation to play at PURE Casino Edmonton?
No, you can play any of the games, so long as there is room. However, you may need to book entry into selected poker tournaments.
Is membership required at PURE Casino Edmonton?
No, guests can enter without membership and access all the facilities.
Dress code
We couldn’t find an actual dress code anywhere, but it appears it must be quite relaxed. Male players were seen wearing shorts, t-shirts, and even the odd tank top. However, most were dressed in smart casual attire, which is what we would recommend. Perhaps stick to jeans and a T-shirt as a minimum.
Standout rules at PURE Casino Edmonton
We couldn’t find any outrageous or unique rules at this casino.
Player Feedback – 3.4/5
We confirmed more than 1,615 reviews across Google Reviews and Tripadvisor. With an average of 3.4 as a rating, PURE Casino Edmonton is favoured by locals but some of the negative feedback was consistent across both review platforms.
PURE Casino Edmonton player reviews
Google – 3.9/5
Loads of customers noted how much the casino had improved since the refurb but some of the reviewers commented that the security staff had trouble confirming IDs on several occasions.
Tripadvisor – 3/5
There weren’t many reviews on Tripadvisor but numerous customers praised the 24-hour poker room and had great things to say about the staff. But some commenters were not big fans of the limited staffing during peak hours and that security didn’t allow their government-issued ID.
Most common issues
- Security wasn’t great at checking IDs
- Might need more staff during peak hours
Operator – 5/5
Who owns PURE Casino Edmonton?
PURE Casino Edmonton is owned and operated by PURE Canadian Gaming. The company has been in business since 2013 and operates three other casinos in Alberta.
This company has a great history too having been born out of Casino ABS which has specialized in Alberta gaming since 1973, making the operator the oldest in Canada.
Other casinos by the same operator
Contact info
Website | https://www.purecasinoedmonton.com |
Email address | |
Telephone number | +1 (780) 463-9467 |
Other | Facebook, Instagram |
PURE Casino Edmonton Competitors
With 13 casinos in Edmonton, PURE Casino does face competition from all corners of the city. Additionally, this successful facility must still compete with the competition provided by online casinos in Canada. However, we think two Edmonton casinos are the biggest competitors.
PURE Casino Edmonton vs Grand Villa Casino
Grand Villa Casino hosts more slots than Pure Casino Edmonton and has a bigger poker room – in size, not tables though. However, we felt the dealers were more entertaining at PURE and the slots are better located on the casino floor the feel the buzz of the table games.
Grand Villa Casino is best for a night on the town
With top-class DJs spinning every Friday night and six different locations to eat and drink at, casino gaming is just one of the reasons to check out Grand Villa Casino. We enjoyed the games at PURE Casino more but if you fancy a night out, Grand Villa Casino could be your bet.
PURE Casino Edmonton vs Pure Casino Yellowhead
PURE Casino Yellowhead is incredibly similar to the Edmonton branch, which shouldn’t take anyone by surprise. There are slightly fewer slots and a couple of different dining options, and you’ll still get a 24-hour poker room.
PURE Casino Yellowhead is the best alternative for those in North Edmonton
Since the casino is so similar to PURE Casino Edmonton, Yellowhead is a great alternative for those who want the PURE Casino Edmonton experience but don’t fancy the trek across town.
What sets PURE Casino Edmonton apart from its competitors?
The excellent free live music, modern interior design, and wonderful staff set PURE Casino Edmonton apart from its biggest competitors.
PURE Casino Edmonton Pros and Cons
Pros
- Daily tournaments in the 12-table, 24-hour poker room
- Low minimum table betting limits
- Numerous progressive jackpot slot machines
- Free live music every Friday and Saturday night
Cons
- There is no hotel accommodation provided
- Fewer slots than the closely located Grand Villa Casino
Should You Pay the Blind at PURE Casino Edmonton?
PURE Casino Edmonton quite literally has something for everyone. Whether you are brand new to casino gaming or an experienced gambler, you’ll be able to enjoy everything from penny slots to high-limit baccarat. And there are plenty of varied table games and VLTs to satisfy too.
Musical entertainment is offered for free, and the dining options are reasonably priced. But you will have to hit up Booking.com or Agoda since the casino doesn’t have a hotel. You’ll be closely linked to downtown Edmonton too, where you can find even more entertainment.