Rivers Casino & Entertainment Review

Remember Boomtown Casino in Fort McMurray? It has been Rivers Casino & Entertainment for a couple of years now. But is this a rebrand or a brand-new casino experience?

We unpack all the available games, analyze the entertainment options, review the dining experience, and much more.

Rivers Casino & Entertainment Ratings

Table of Contents

• Rating and Review Process for Rivers Casino & Entertainment
• Slot Machines – 5/5
• Casino Games – 4/5
• Staff & Service – 3.5/5
• Loyalty & Rewards – 4/5
• Casino Atmosphere – 3/5
• House Rules (T&Cs) – 4/5
• Player Feedback – 3/5
• Operator – 5/5
• Rivers Casino & Entertainment Competitors
• Rivers Casino Pros and Cons
• Should You Double Down at Rivers Casino & Entertainment?

Rating and Review Process for Rivers Casino & Entertainment

We use our specialized review system to analyze casinos. Our experts have extensive experience which allows them to uncover things other reviews miss. Additionally, we visit each casino we review. This is how we provide genuine, first-hand insights.

How we inspected Rivers Casino & Entertainment

• Date of visit: 04/05/2024
• Time of visit: 7:30 PM – 12 AM
• Initial bankroll: C$100
• What we played: Slots, blackjack
• Final bankroll: C$184
• Next visit: 04/10/2025

What we looked at

To ensure the most in-depth analysis possible, we looked at both objective and subjective matters.

For example, we look to see that progressive jackpots were present, and that the casino offered a dining option. Subjectively, we analyzed factors such as the casino’s overall atmosphere.

What we found

Slot Machines – 5/5

Rivers Casino has hundreds of slots, hundreds of jackpot titles, and plenty of variety, thanks to a partnership with multiple slot manufacturers.

Slots we played at Rivers Casino & Entertainment

We started with a row of buffalo slots which included Buffalo Chief and Buffalo Deluxe. After some time enjoying the HD graphics of Olympus Strikes, we finally had a go at the Alberta Progressives.

How many slot machines does Rivers Casino & Entertainment have?

Our reviewers confirmed over 400 slot machines.

Do the slot machines accept coins?

No, the machines will only accept cash notes, Winner’s Edge cards, and vouchers.

Slot machine providers

• IGT
• Konami
• Aristocrat Gaming

Local progressive jackpots

Besides the abundance of local progressive games boasting four jackpots each, Rivers Casino also hosts Alberta-wide progressive jackpot slots.

Casino Games – 4/5

The casino offers numerous table games including blackjack, baccarat, poker and roulette.

However, some tables are only available during select times – for example, EZ Baccarat is only available on Friday and Saturday nights.

Game types

• Roulette
• Blackjack
• Poker
• Chase the Flush
• EZ Baccarat

Betting limits

The table limits are relatively small, which will suit casual players but perhaps dissuade high rollers from visiting. For example, the blackjack table we played featured minimum bets of C$10 and a maximum bet of only C$200.

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

There are no restrictions on who can play the table limits since there are no VIP tables.

Rivers Casino & Entertainment poker tournaments

A No Limit Texas Hold’em tournament is held every Saturday at 3 PM. The buy-in is usually C$200 with C$50 unlimited re-buys until break.

Staff & Service – 3.5/5

Food & Drinks

Rivers Casino & Entertainment is serviced by the Rapids Showroom & Lounge, which offers a fairly typical breakfast and evening menu.

We felt Rapids was quite expensive with much of the breakfast menu costing between C$12 and C$26, while the evening menu will likely see you paying at least C$20 for food and a drink.

However, there are numerous weekly specials that include combo deals, drinks, and food specials.

Rapids Showroom & Lounge

• 9:30 AM – 2 AM daily

How much do you tip at Rivers Casino & Entertainment?

The standard tip in Alberta is between 15 and 20%.

Does Rivers Casino & Entertainment offer free drinks?

We couldn’t find any complimentary drink stations, and you had to pay for drinks when playing games.

Is there a buffet at Rivers Casino & Entertainment?

No, Rapids Showroom & Lounge does not feature a buffet.

Parking

Free unsecured parking is available outside the casino. While there are spaces directly in front of the casino, you can also park near any of the other businesses on the lot.

Accommodation

Rivers Casino & Entertainment does not have any accommodation. But there is no shortage of options.

You’ve got more than a dozen hotels within a few short minutes, with prices roughly ranging from C$50 to C$110 per night.

Are there smoking areas?

No, you’ll have to simply smoke outside the entrance to the casino.

Security

CCTV covers the casino and the security team during our visit appeared professional.

Loyalty & Rewards – 4/5

How does the Rivers Casino & Entertainment rewards program work?

Rivers is yet another Alberta Winner’s Edge casino. The program is free to register for and you’ll get to earn points instantly.

Points are earned while playing casino games, which can then be redeemed for rewards such as free play. You could get up to 500,000 points when you signed up during our visit.

What you get

• Free play
• 10% dining discount
• Member-only contests

How to register in the program

1. Locate and head to the Guest Services desk at Rivers Casino
2. Complete the sign-up form
3. Provide your suitable photo ID
4. Get your Winner’s Edge Rewards Card

Casino Atmosphere – 3/5

Inside Rivers Casino & Entertainment

We spent time exploring the local area, checked out the alternative entertainment options, and analyzed the casino atmosphere at Rivers Casino & Entertainment

Design experience

The interior feels high-end and glamorous. Subtle lighting makes all the over-the-top carpet patterns pop, and the tables look premium – albeit they feel a touch plastic at times.

Are you allowed to take photos in Rivers Casino & Entertainment?

Yes, but you cannot take photos of the table games or during poker tournaments.

Location and surroundings

Fort McMurray has an industrial background and was pivotal in the development of Canada’s petroleum industry.

The town still has an industrial feel, and your surroundings feel like such. Besides some trees on nearby hills, you’ll be in a small town with some local small businesses and shops.

Do you need a passport to visit Rivers Casino & Entertainment?

No, any government-issued photo ID will be acceptable. However, those with foreign IDs might want to use their passport as a backup.

Events

Rivers is a popular live music venue, but you can enjoy a wide range of entertainment including murder mystery nights, and magicians, and there is a monthly comedy night.

House Rules (T&Cs) – 4/5

When is Rivers Casino & Entertainment open?

The casino floor opens at 9:30 AM every morning but closes at 3 AM on Sunday through Thursday, and 4 AM on Friday and Saturday.

Does Rivers Casino & Entertainment charge entry?

No, entry is free.

Do you always need a reservation to play at Rivers Casino & Entertainment?

No, but you may want to call ahead if you need to book a seat at a poker tournament.

Is membership required at Rivers Casino & Entertainment?

There is no casino membership, but the Winner’s Edge rewards card is definitely worth a sign-up.

Dress code

Like just about every other casino in Alberta, this is no strict dress code. You just need to make sure you are appropriately dressed and not wearing anything offensive, violent, or gang-related.

Standout rules at Rivers Casino & Entertainment

All the rules at this casino are very common and reasonable.

Player Feedback – 3/5

There are over 500 reviews across Google and Tripadvisor.

Rivers Casino & Entertainment player reviews

Google – 3.6/5

Most visitors enjoyed the vibe of the casino floor and had a good time playing slots. However, the service and food quality could be improved.

Tripadvisor – 3.5/5

Many visitors had great things to say about the casino games and the food, but several did mention getting accosted by homeless people at the entrance.

Most common issues

• Homeless beggars may bother you at the entrance
• Slow service

Operator – 5/5

Who owns Rivers Casino & Entertainment?

Rivers Casino & Entertainment is owned and operated by Gamehost Inc.

Other casinos by the same operator

• Great Northern Casino
• Deerfoot Inn & Casino

Contact info

Rivers Casino & Entertainment Competitors

There are more than 20 casinos in Alberta, and they must all compete with the leading online casinos in Canada. However, it is a huge trek to find the nearest casinos which are mostly in Edmonton.

Rivers Casino & Entertainment vs Century Casino

Located over four hours away by car from Rivers, Century Casino is one of several options in Edmonton. This casino offers plenty of games with 30 live gaming tables and hundreds of slots.

Century Casino is best for high-limit gaming

The casino has a dedicated high-limit room that also features a private salon for serious high rollers.

Rivers Casino & Entertainment vs Casino Dene

Take a detour along the way south to Edmonton and you’ll find Casino Dene. The casino has fewer slots than Rivers but does feature two different dining options.

You can also stay at their very modern hotel.

Casino Dene is the best alternative for staying & dining

If you’re looking for a great night’s sleep, a meal out, and a few spins of your favourite slots, Casino Deme will scratch every itch.

What sets Rivers Casino & Entertainment apart from its competitors?

Tournaments. Rivers Casino offers so many gaming tournaments including poker, blackjack, and even slots.

The tournaments all boast cash prizes and entry is generally either free or affordable. For example, blackjack tournaments are usually free.

Rivers Casino Pros and Cons

Pros

• Numerous tournaments including poker and blackjack
• Rewards card is free and provides dining discounts
• Wide range of entertainment options including live music

Cons

• Low maximum table limits

Should You Double Down at Rivers Casino & Entertainment?

Rivers Casino & Entertainment is a seriously casual-friendly casino with a load of entertainment to offer.

We liked the range of games, we were impressed by the free blackjack tournaments, and we found the casino floor to be exciting.

However, serious players might balk at the low table limits, and Fort McMurray could certainly be described as a little bit isolated.