River Rock Casino Review

Editorial Team

Casino expert

 Updated:
River Rock Casino Review

Whether you’re a local or a tourist, our River Rock Casino review contains all the information you need to know to help you decide if it’s worth gambling here.

River Rock Casino Ratings

Overall Rating

3.9/5

Slot Machines

4/5

Casino Games

4/5

Staff & Service

4/5

Loyalty & Rewards

4/5

Casino Atmosphere

4/5

House Rules (T&Cs)

3/5

Player Feedback

4/5

Operator

4/5

Table of Contents

Rating and Review Process for River Rock Casino

We use an expert team of casino industry experts to review land-based casinos like River Rock Casino. Our process begins behind a screen, like many of you. We look at the official website and get a feel for how customers perceive the casino.

And then the real research begins. We visited River Rock Casino and spent around ten hours in the casino. We played a few games, but we also used this time to speak to croupiers and senior members of staff to gleam information about the state of the casino, how flexible they are on the rules, and so on.

Plus, we always make time to try at least one of the restaurants and review any on-site entertainment, as some of these Canadian casinos host major artists quite regularly.

How we inspected River Rock Casino

  • Date of visit: 02/06/2023
  • Time of visit: 9h-11h
  • Initial bankroll: $100
  • What we played: Roulette, slots
  • Final bankroll: $0
  • Next visit: 20/03/2024

What we looked at

In order to understand what it’s like to play at River Rock Casino, you have to play there. Reading about it and looking at pictures doesn’t quite cut it – especially when so much of the information online is outdated and no longer reflects what River Rock Casino is like nowadays – as we found out for ourselves!

Our River Rock Casino review combines things like the number of slot machines and which games the casino has with more personalised aspects of playing at River Rock Casino, like the way the staff spoke to us or whether there was an area for smokers to use.

What we found

Address

8811 River Road, Richmond, BC, V6X 3P8

Open hours

24/7

Membership

Required (free to join)

Minimum age

19

ID checks

Yes

Game types

Slots, table games, poker, racebook

Tables

75

Slot machines

1,200+

Gaming terminals

104

Payment

Cash, card

Average betting range

$10 – $100

Free drinks (Canada)

Yes (soft drinks)

Restaurant

Yes

Hotel

Yes

Poker tournaments

Yes

Slot Machines – 4/5

Not only is there a healthy selection of more than 1,200 slot machines at River Rock Casino, but we noticed a massive emphasis on progressive jackpots. These are slots which combine a small portion of each player’s stake from different machines before one lucky punter hits the jackpot.

How many slot machines does River Rock Casino have?

There are currently over 1,200 slots at River Rock Casino, even though the official website homepage only states 1,100.

Do the slot machines accept coins?

You can pay for slots at the River Rock Casino using either bills or the ticket system which is now common at most of Canada’s best casinos.

Slot machine providers

  • Habanero
  • IGT
  • Merkur Gaming
  • Several others

Local progressive jackpots

River Rock Casino goes big on progressive jackpots. You’ll be able to see the latest jackpots through meters on the individual machines, and at the time we visited they even had a competition to win a car on Race to Win! Additionally, you can see a list of recent big winners on the website.

Casino Games – 4/5

One thing that stood out on our visit to review River Rock Casino was the diversity of games, and it’s something the casino does intentionally. Compared to other land-based casinos in Canada which we’ve reviewed, River Rock Casino is probably one of the best suited to new players.

There are 104 electronic games terminals, which is the most you’ll find at casinos in British Columbia. These allow you to master the classics like roulette, blackjack and baccarat. When you’re ready to check out their live tables (we counted 75 in total), there’s loads of in-depth information on their official site explaining how to play, how to bet, what kind of bonuses you can win on blackjack and so on.

There’s a level of detail you rarely see, and the friendly nature of the croupiers couples nicely with this to make a very welcoming environment for newbies.

However, there’s plenty of appeal to seasoned players as well. VIP Blackjack Privilege starts with a $50 table minimum and we spotted special slots in a spot called the Jade Room, which is exclusively for Jade Club members.

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

A special room called the Jade Room at River Rock Casino is only for use by Jade Room members. Elsewhere, Privé slots let you hit up $1 slots, and VIP Blackjack Privilege starts at a table minimum of $50.

River Rock Casino poker tournaments

Poker is located in the Phoenix Room, which is in the main casino. We were impressed with the poker room opening times at River Rock Casino: you can join the action every day from 11:00 until 04:00, and at all hours over the weekend. We also noticed a five-figure bad beat jackpot was running at the time of our River Rock Casino review.

Buy-ins start at $100 and the staff are on hand to bring both food and drinks to your seat, just as you’d expect from a top poker room.

Staff & Service – 4/5

There are other casinos in Canada where you might get a few more perks, but the general attitude of the staff at River Rock Casino makes up for this as everyone is made to feel very welcome. It has a community feel to it, and is particularly inviting to casino newcomers.

Food & Drinks

Good news – you can enjoy free drinks on the main casino floor at River Rock Casino. Soft drinks like Coca-Cola or hot coffees cost nothing, although sadly there’s no free alcohol. Beers are reasonably priced, though.

The food court is open every day from 07:00 until 03:00, and it includes a Starbucks and the Curve Lounge (with individual opening times for each place). The buffet is open Thursday through Sunday, dishing out everything from sushi to roast dinners, and there’s also a fish restaurant named Sea Harbour which had recently had a renovation at the time of our River Rock Casino review.

How much do you tip at River Rock Casino

There’s no hard policy on tipping at River Rock Casino, but it’s common when you win or if you particularly like the dealer (for example, if they help teach you the rules or give you advice). Anything in the region of 10-20% should be fine.

Does River Rock Casino offer free drinks?

You can indeed enjoy free drinks at River Rock Casino, with soft drinks and coffee available round the clock. Alcohol is not free.

Is there a buffet at River Rock Casino?

The buffet at River Rock Casino is open from Thursday until Sunday and has a range of cuisines on offer. Prices vary based on the menu and time of day, but the lunch we tried set us back around $28 per person.

  • Monday – Wednesday: Closed
  • Thursday – Friday: 17:00 – 21:00 (Dinner)
  • Saturday: 11:30 – 15:00 (Lunch), 16:00 – 21:00 (Dinner)
  • Sunday: 09:00 – 15:00 (Brunch), 16:00 – 21:00 (Dinner)

Parking

Free parking is available on-site at River Rock Casino for hotel guests, while paid parking is also available. Valet parking costs extra.

Accommodation

We stayed at the River Rock Casino hotel and really liked the suite which had a stone-wall fireplace and a cool starlight effect on the ceiling, which was immersive without being tacky. One thing to note is that check-in doesn’t start until 16:00, which surprised us a little. You’ll also get free parking when staying at the River Rock Casino hotel.

Are there smoking areas?

You’re not allowed to smoke inside the River Rock Casino, but there are designated smoking areas outside.

Security

Security is firm but fair at River Rock Casino, with plenty of staff on hand across the casino floor. They constantly do rounds but there’s no feeling of intimidation or anything like that. Hotel security is also top class.

Loyalty & Rewards – 4/5

We love when we first visit a physical casino in Canada and get handed free chips, which used to be the norm but is a dying tradition. But it’s still alive and well at River Rock Casino, where you’ll get $10 when you join the Encore Rewards program, which is totally free and just involves signing a couple of forms.

How does the River Rock Casino rewards program work?

You can join the Encore Rewards loyalty scheme at the Guest Services desk. All new casino players are eligible, and you’re handed a card with $10 loaded onto it as soon as you sign up. You’ll then earn points when you play at the casino. Rack up 1,000 points to unlock $5 of free play.

What you get

  • $10 free play when you sign up
  • Exclusive offers
  • Entry to VIP contests
  • Birthday offers
  • Chance to earn extra points on food purchases

How to claim rewards/ How to register in the program

  1. Head to the Guest Services desk
  2. Show your I.D. and sign up
  3. Receive a card with $10 of free play on it
  4. Alternatively, you can sign up online either before you arrive or while you’re at River Rock Casino

Casino Atmosphere – 4/5

The focus on new players at River Rock Casino means there’s an upbeat ambiance at the River Rock Casino.

It has a rich mix of characters, whereas some other casinos run the risk of having too many regulars who can get a bit territorial on games like blackjack. At River Rock Casino, everyone is welcome.

View from the inside

River Rock Casino has what is best described as a classic interior. Carpeted floors, raw brick walls, wooden beams overhead – it has an old-school feel without becoming outdated. The live tables are well maintained, as are the red leather seats dotted around the slot machines.

Design experience

A smattering of white rocks and shrewdly-placed trees make the entrance to the River Rock Casino very welcoming, and just outside is the harbor front. You get instant, positive holiday vibes as soon as you approach the casino.

Are you allowed to take photos in River Rock Casino?

As with nearly all casinos in Canada, camera use is restricted on the casino floor, but you’re free to take some snaps around the resort in general.

Location and surroundings

Sitting on the waterfront is the perfect setting for the River Rock Casino. Although you’re not exactly in the center, you can reach Vancouver City Center in 15 minutes by car. We opted to use the direct passageway which went straight from River Rock Casino hotel to the Skytrain station, and this makes transport really smooth.

Do you need a passport to visit River Rock Casino?

You’ll actually need not one but two forms of government-issued I.D. to visit the River Rock Casino. You must be aged 19 or above.

Events

Regular events take place at both Curve and the River Rock Show Theatre. From music and boxing to male strip shows, there’s all sorts of entertainment. Ticket prices vary, with some sitting around the $66 mark, but we also noticed a couple of upcoming shows which were completely free at the time of our River Rock Casino review. This was a great touch.

House rules (T&Cs) – 3/5

The rules at River Rock Casino are all pretty standard: no fighting, no threatening behavior, and so on. One of the only restrictive things we found was the requirement for two forms of I.D. As reviewers of casinos in Canada we came prepared, but your average casual player may not be carrying two forms of I.D.

The River Rock Casino also has a policy of checking the I.D. of everyone under 30, which seems a tad over the top.

When is River Rock Casino open?

River Rock Casino stays open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Does River Rock Casino charge entry?

Entry to River Rock Casino is free and, if you’re a first-time visitor, you can also pick up $10 in free casino chips.

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

River Rock Casino is very welcoming of new players and as such no reservations are required to play at all. You can just show up, sign up, and play. If you’d prefer to save time, you can join the Encore Rewards program online.

River Rock Casino membership details

Bring two forms of I.D. to sign up for free when you visit River Rock Casino. Joining the Encore Rewards program is free and will unlock $10 in free chips.

Dress code

The dress code at River Rock Casino is pretty laid back. Specifically, you can’t wear ‘clothing or accessories with gang-related branding/emblems, graphics, obscene graphics or profane language’.

Standout rules at River Rock Casino

  • All players under 30 will have I.D. checked
  • Two forms of I.D. required instead of one

Player Feedback – 4/5

Player reviews for River Rock Casino has a solid rating overall, despite the odd gripe.

River Rock Casino player reviews

Google – 4/5

The poker room gets quite a few positive mentions from River Rock Casino Google reviews, as do the huge selection of slot machines. Players love the food court, too.

Tripadvisor – 4/5

If you’re staying at the hotel, the suites have received excellent reviews on TripAdvisor (something we can confirm from personal experience).

Most common issues

  • Some complaints about rude staff

Operator – 4/5

River Rock Casino is part of a portfolio of over 25 gaming properties all operating under one umbrella, which means the team running things have loads of experience.

Who owns River Rock Casino?

River Rock Casino is owned by Great Canadian Entertainment, a company founded back in 1982 who run a ton of casinos and hospitality operations.

Other casinos by the same operator

Contact info

Website

https://riverrock.com/

Email address

[email protected]

Telephone number

1.866.748.3718

Other

N/A

Who Are the Top Competitors of River Rock Casino?

There’s lots to love about River Rock Casino, but it’s one of many top casinos in the region. Here’s some of River Rock Casino’s stiffest competition.

River Rock Casino vs Parq Vancouver

Two floors of world-class dining and entertainment can be found at Parq Vancouver, with high limit salons and 24/7 food service.

Parq Vancouver is best for pampering

With a wellness center and a beautiful open garden on the sixth floor, Parq Vancouver is perfect if you want to treat your mind, body and soul during your casino visit.

River Rock Casino vs Grand Villa Casino

With lots of games, tons of food options, 12 poker tables and a strong rewards program, Grand Villa Casino is a popular choice for players seeking a top Canadian casino in the area.

Grand Villa Casino is the best for variety

From steak dinners to noodles, high-stakes live table games to jackpot-laden electronic terminals, Grand Villa Casino caters for all types of players and visitors.

What sets River Rock Casino apart from its competitors?

For us, one of the chief selling points was how accommodating River Rock Casino is to casual players.

From educating them about the games to ensuring low-stake games are always available, River Rock Casino’s approach helps foster a very welcoming environment which is a lot of fun to be around.

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Strong loyalty program
  • High number of jackpot games
  • Free soft drinks and coffee
  • Top poker room
  • Beautiful waterfront

Cons

  • Quite strict on I.D.
  • Some online complaints about staff

Should You Gamble at River Rock Casino?

Based on our experience, River Rock Casino represents a terrific choice – particularly for less experienced players. This is a relaxed environment with a beautiful backdrop where you can ease into games at a pace which suits you. And the $10 free play as soon as you walk in is the perfect start.