Sand Hills Casino Review

Smack bang in the middle of Swan Lake, Manitoba sits the Sand Hills Casino, offering hundreds of casino games and some generous promotions. But with a great distance between the casino and the nearest cities, is Sand Hills Casino worth the trip?

Stick around as our experts reveal the range of games on offer, explore the free rewards program, and fully analyze the house rules and general atmosphere you can expect at Sand Hills Casino in Carberry, Manitoba.

Sand Hills Casino Ratings

Table of Contents

• Rating and Review Process for Sand Hills Casino
• Slot Machines – 5/5
• Casino Games – 2.5/5
• Staff & Service – 5/5
• Loyalty & Rewards – 5/5
• Casino Atmosphere – 3/5
• House Rules (T&Cs) – 4/5
• Player Feedback – 3.7/5
• Operator – 4/5
• Sand Hills Casino Competitors
• Sand Hills Casino Pros and Cons
• Ready for a Road Trip to Sand Hills Casino?

Rating and Review Process for Sand Hills Casino

We conduct the most thorough and deeply analytical reviews of casinos in Canada. This is because our team are experts who have collectively worked across every casino department, and we actually visit every casino we review.

As such, we can provide genuine, first-hand insights into the casino experience which means you can make the most informed decision possible. Our ratings are based on fact and we pride ourselves on our legitimacy, accuracy, and honesty.

How we inspected Sand Hills Casino

• Date of visit: 01/26/2024
• Time of visit: 6 PM – 12 AM
• Initial bankroll: C$100
• What we played: Slots, Roulette
• Final bankroll: C$210
• Next visit: 01/26/2025

What we looked at

Our specialized review system lets us consider both objective and subjective data when determining our findings. For example, we can objectively look at the casino gaming offering to make sure some form of progressive jackpots are present. Subjectively, we analyze factors such as the house rules and the overall atmosphere on the casino floor.

What we found

Slot Machines – 5/5

Sand Hills Casino offers a rather modest collection of slot machines, but the level of variety is still quite strong with more than five different slot providers supplying the games. There are plenty of progressive jackpots for chasing those big payouts too.

Slots we played at Sand Hills Casino

We started with the Wizard of Oz Munchkinland – the game features a big wide screen and the main game screen. Next, we jumped on Ultra Hot Mega Link and tried to win the mega jackpot… we, unfortunately, did not. After spending some time at the tables, we took one last spin on Pirates Rich.

How many slot machines does Sand Hills Casino have?

There are currently 300 slot machines at Sand Hills Casino.

Do the slot machines accept coins?

No, coins are not accepted. You can only play with cash notes and Gold Club free play.

Slot machine providers

• IGT
• Aristocrat
• AGS
• Light & Wonder

Local progressive jackpots

Despite the smaller offering of games, progressive jackpot slots line the casino floor. When we walked the floor, we noted numerous progressive networks that exceeded C$10,000 including Peacock Imperial 88, Bubble Blast, Hot Hit and 88 Tian Lun.

Casino Games – 2.5/5

There were 2 roulette tables and 3 blackjack tables during our visit, but we could see there was a setup for a couple more tables. The former poker tables are now gone, and the casino didn’t appear to offer Texas Hold’em anymore.

Game types

• Roulette: 2
• Blackjack: 3

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

Yes, there are no special VIP tables, so anyone sitting at the table can play the table limits.

Staff & Service – 5/5

Food & Drinks

Dining and drinks are provided in the Oasis Bar & Grill. The menu offers some of the most comforting food we’ve ever seen at a casino including traditional poutine, corned beef hoagies, warm sticky toffee cake, and BBQ ribs. The prices are reasonable, with most entrées and handhelds priced between C$14-28.

Oasis Bar & Grill also offers a late-night dining menu which contains a few of the main menu smaller items – like nachos and chicken wings – and the bar serves local and imported beer, a range of cocktails, and spirits and wine.

Lounge hours:

• Sun-Thurs: 11 AM – 12 AM
• Fri-Sat: 11 AM – 1AM

Kitchen hours:

• Sun-Thurs: 11 AM – 9 PM
• Fri-Sat: 11 AM – 12 AM

Late-night dining:

• Sun-Thurs: 11 AM – 12 AM

How much do you tip at Sand Hills Casino?

The common tipping range these days in Manitoba is 15-20%.

Does Sand Hills Casino offer free drinks?

We noticed some players at the tables were receiving free pop and coffee. Complimentary alcohol is not offered.

Is there a buffet at Sand Hills Casino?

While the casino has provided buffets in the past, Sand Hills Casino is not currently offering a buffet.

Parking

Sand Hills Casino has an abundance of free, unsecured parking surrounding the casino facility. There is also an RV park a few minutes down the road.

Accommodation

The casino does not offer any accommodation of its own. Located a few minutes down the road, Forest Hills Cabins & RV Park is your nearest place to stay. Besides a motel on the corner of the Trans Canada Highway and Provincial Trunk Highway, the nearest hotels are way out in Brandon.

Are there smoking areas?

The casino is smoke-free, so you’ll need to go outside to smoke.

Security

CCTV covers every corner of the casino, but the parking is not secure. Security checked our ID upon entry and were very polite. Overall, we felt very safe, and the casino never felt intimidating.

Loyalty & Rewards – 5/5

How does the Sand Hills Casino rewards program work?

Sand Hills Casino offers several perks and rewards through a simple free rewards card known as the Gold Club.

Reward points are redeemed by playing games which can then be converted to free play or even real cash.

What you get

• 25% dining discount
• 25% gift shop discount
• Free play
• Cashback

How to register in the program

1. Head to the Gold Club counter at Sand Hills Casino
2. Fill out the application form
3. Provide your government-issued ID
4. Receive your $10 free play & rewards card

Casino Atmosphere – 3/5

Inside Sand Hills Casino

We’ve provided our expert reviewer’s findings regarding the overall atmosphere on the casino floor. They also analyzed and reviewed the interior design of the casino, checked out the local entertainment options, and revealed alternative entertainment options.

Design experience

First and foremost, Sands Hills Casino feels authentic and you can tell the design reflects the First Nations community. You get lots of stone, fine timber, rustic set pieces, and even the tables have an authentic aesthetic. The dim lighting sets the mood well, and you do get a feeling of luxury when you walk between the rows of slots or join the circle of tables.

Are you allowed to take photos in Sand Hills Casino?

Yes, but you cannot take photos at the live gaming tables – even if you’re just watching your friends play.

Location and surroundings

Swan Lake is pretty. You’ve got green as far as the eyes can see, but that’s quite literally it. Expect a lovely view but you won’t find any retail centers, golf courses, or any other alternative forms of entertainment. Excellent view though.

Do you need a passport to visit Sand Hills Casino?

No, you only need some form of government-issued photo ID.

Events

You can enjoy free live music every Friday and Saturday night at the Oasis Bar & Grill. The live acts include numerous local musical talents covering rock, pop, country and more. The music starts at around 8:30 PM. You can also join several Car and Motorcycle shows throughout the year.

House Rules (T&Cs) – 4/5

When is Sand Hills Casino open?

The casino is open between 10 AM and 12 AM on Sunday through to Thursday. On Friday and Saturday, the casino stays open until 2 AM. Note that the live gaming tables won’t open until 3 PM.

Does Sand Hills Casino charge entry?

Entry into Sand Hills Casino is free.

Do you always need a reservation to play at Sand Hills Casino?

No, all the games and tables are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Is membership required at Sand Hills Casino?

No, you can play and dine without a membership. However, there are numerous perks, including dining discounts, by grabbing a membership card.

Dress code

Sand Hills Casino does not have a specific dress code that is provided publicly. You can dress fairly casually which could include short dresses, shorts, T-shirts, and trainers.

Standout rules at Sand Hills Casino

There are no unique or standout rules at this casino.

Player Feedback – 3.7/5

With almost 600 reviews across Google and Tripadvisor, Sands Hills Casino hasn’t received a ton of feedback. However, most of that feedback has been incredibly positive and reviewers have been consistent in their praise.

Sand Hills Casino player reviews

Google – 4/5

The casino staff are held in high regard by Google reviewers who almost all had excellent experiences. However, several players hoped for more table gaming options.

Tripadvisor – 3.5/5

Reviewers on Tripadvisor also commented on how friendly and professional the staff were. Many enjoyed their dining experiences and were generally pleased. But, just like the Google reviewers, many felt the casino lacked a wider range of games to play.

Most common issues

• Not enough casino games

Operator – 4/5

Who owns Sand Hills Casino?

The casino is owned by the Swan Lake First Nation and was previously managed by Minnesota-based Hemisphere Gaming which also managed South Beach Casino & Resort in Scanterbury. Hemisphere Gaming dissolved in January 2023, so it’s not quite clear which direction management will be heading going forward.

Contact info

Sand Hills Casino Competitors

Sand Hills Casino is on Swan Lake land which is quite a distance from much of the competition. Understandably, online casinos in Canada still threaten land-based businesses. If you’re willing to travel or if Sand Hills is a slog, we checked out the casino’s two closest competitors.

Sand Hills Casino vs McPhillips Station Casino

McPhillips Station Casino has more table games and slots than Sand Hills Casino. The dining options are arguably weaker than at Sand Hills Casino and we felt a better atmosphere at the Oasis Bar & Grill than at McPhillips Station Casino’s Loft 180.

McPhillips Station Casino is best for higher betting limits

This casino is better than Sand Hills Casino if you want to bet at higher limits. For example,  many slot games can be played up to C$100 and the progressive jackpot networks feature larger maximum and minimum payouts.

Sand Hills Casino vs Sky Dancer Casino & Resort

Sky Dancer Casino & Resort offers more slots than Sand Hills Casino and the venue is big on sports betting and horse racing betting. But the dining options are less varied and can be a little more expensive.

Sky Dancer Casino is the best alternative for playing progressive jackpot slots

The 700-strong slot selection includes a massive collection of progressive jackpot slots. Most importantly, we could confirm that the casino has seen winners of over C$300,000 for a single spin.

What sets Sand Hills Casino apart from its competitors?

We think the atmosphere is what really sets Sand Hills Casino apart from its competitors. The casino doesn’t offer more games or higher limits, but the experience is certainly more unique and, in our opinion, special.

Sand Hills Casino Pros and Cons

Pros

• Huge 25% discounts using the free rewards card
• Free live music every Friday and Saturday nights
• 100+ slot games with progressive jackpots
• Wonderful First Nations casino design

Cons

• Very few live dealer tables
• Only 300 slot games

Ready for a Road Trip to Sand Hills Casino?

Sand Hills Casino is a small facility that offers a varied collection of casino games that doesn’t quite rival its bigger competitors. However, the experience is something else. The isolated location and wonderful First Nations design doesn’t feel like any other casino we’ve ever tested.

This casino doesn’t have the most convenient location in the world and if players require significant travel to reach Sand Hills Casino, you may want to look elsewhere if a larger casino gaming experience is desired too.

But if you’re looking for a unique experience, affordable dining, and live entertainment, and can make the trip, Sand Hills Casino does hit the spot.