South Beach Casino & Resort Review

South Beach Casino & Resort paid out more than C$8 million in jackpots last year, which certainly got our attention. But with its unique looks and ultra-retro vibe, is the casino all looks and no substance? Read on as we reveal the hundreds of games to choose from, the numerous rewards card perks on offer, and much more.

South Beach Casino & Resort Ratings

Table of Contents

• South Beach Casino & Resort Review Process
• Slot Machines – 5/5
• Casino Games – 3/5
• Staff & Service – 5/5
• Loyalty & Rewards – 5/5
• Casino Atmosphere – 5/5
• House Rules (T&Cs) – 4/5
• Player Feedback – 4.1/5
• Operator – 5/5
• South Beach Casino & Resort Competitors
• South Beach Casino & Resort Pros and Cons
• Should You Gamble at South Beach Casino & Resort?

South Beach Casino & Resort Review Process

We use a specialized review system that our experts leverage when they visit each casino that we test. This system allows our insiders to analyze every corner of a casino facility to ensure you can make an informed decision regarding your next visit. Our system also ensures consistency, legitimacy, and accuracy when testing casinos in Canada.

How we inspected South Beach Casino & Resort

• Date of visit: 01/20/2024
• Time of visit: 7 PM – 1 AM
• Initial bankroll: C$100
• What we played: Slots and Roulette
• Final bankroll: C$126
• Next visit: 01/21/2025

What we looked at

We review with an objective and subjective lens in mind. For example, objectively, we can consider the types of games available, check for specific features, and ensure minimum requirements of a quality casino are met. However, subjectively, we can also rate the overall atmosphere and dissect the casino’s house rules.

What we found

Slot Machines – 5/5

The casino features hundreds of slots from five of the best game developers in the world. We noted loads of progressive jackpot titles, plenty of summer slots, and a wide bet range of C$0.01 to C$5.

Slots we played at South Beach Casino & Resort

We started by attempting the jackpot at Wheel of Fortune with no luck. Next, we found a machine that had both Wicked Winnings II and Wicked Winnings IV. We opted for the latter to try and pick up some wins with the Sticky Stacks and Respins features. After some time at the Roulette wheel, we finished the night on Larry’s Loot Lobstermania 4, which features five jackpots.

How many slot machines does South Beach Casino & Resort have?

We confirmed more than 570 slot machines on the casino floor at South Beach Casino & Resort.

Do the slot machines accept coins?

No, slot machines will only accept cash notes and you can use your rewards card to swipe any free play.

Slot machine providers

• IGT
• Aristocrat
• Konami
• AGS
• Scientific Games

Local progressive jackpots

The slot collection is jam-packed full of progressive jackpot games including Lightning Link, Dancing Drums, Mystical Mermaid, and Fu Nan Fu Nu.

Casino Games – 3/5

The table gaming selection isn’t as impressive as the slot options. You can play a couple of classics like blackjack and roulette but there are no high roller baccarat tables or particularly high betting limits.

Game types

• Double Deck
• Blackjack
• Roulette
• Texas Shootout
• High Card Flush
• VLT games

Betting limits

During our visit, the minimum blackjack table limit was C$10 while roulette started at C$3 but we were told that the lower limit table isn’t always available.

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

There are no VIP tables, meaning anyone can bet the table limits.

Staff & Service – 5/5

Food & Drinks

South Beach Casino & Resort has four dining options. Blue Dolphin Bar offers a large, variable menu covering hot dogs, burgers, and salads. Mango’s has a breakfast menu, a dine-in menu almost identical to Blue Dolphin Bar, and special member discounts.

You can also enjoy a buffet at The Palms on Fridays and weekends. Finally, South Beach Café offers muffins, coffee, and sandwiches. The prices across the board are affordable with a steak costing less than C$20.

Mango’s

• Opening hours: Mon-Sat: 8:00 am – 9:00 pm / Sun: 11:30 am – 9:00 pm

Blue Dolphin Bar

• Opening hours: Sunday – Thursday: 11:30 am – 12:00 am / Friday & Saturday: 11:30 am – 1:00 am

The Palms

• Opening hours: Fri – Sat: 4:00 pm – 9:00 pm / Sun: 8:00 am – 11:30 am

South Beach Café

• Opening hours: 24/7

How much do you tip at South Beach Casino & Resort?

The standard tipping amount in Manitoba is around 15-20%.

Does South Beach Casino & Resort offer free drinks?

Yes, there is complimentary coffee, hot chocolate, and pop offered to playing customers.

Is there a buffet at South Beach Casino & Resort?

Yes, The Palms offers buffets on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Becoming a member results in seriously reduced buffet prices. Otherwise, a dinner buffet will cost C$41.95 while a 50 Plus member will only need to pay C$27.95 and an OC member will pay C$34.95.

Parking

Parking is something that is not in short supply at South Beach Casino. Large parking lots surround the casino facility.

Accommodation

South Beach Casino & Resort is also a hotel featuring high-speed internet, an indoor swimming pool, an executive floor and a variety of room types. Many of the room types – including the Grand Suite – are booked out months and months in advance. All we could get was a Deluxe King which had a variety of standard amenities and cost C$180 per night, which is quite steep.

Do you tip room service at South Beach Casino & Resort?

The resort does not offer in-room dining, so a tip is not required.

Are there smoking areas?

As a non-smoking hotel, you’ll simply have to go outside to smoke.

Security

Security checked our IDs when we entered and were polite while doing so. We also noted security occasionally checked out the parking area.

Loyalty & Rewards – 5/5

How does the South Beach Casino & Resort rewards program work?

South Beach Casino & Resort has two distinct reward cards. The 50 Plus card is exclusively available for players aged 50 or older. You’ll earn larger discounts than the regular member’s card.

What you get

Oceans Club

• Convert points to cash
• C$10 off hotel stays
• 15% gift shop discount
• 20% dining discount on selected days

50 Plus Club

• Convert points to cash
• 20% dining discount
• 15% gift shop discount
• C$15-20 off hotel stays

How to register in the program

1. Go to South Beach Casino & Resort
2. Head to Ocean Club and ask to sign up
3. Fill out the form
4. Instantly receive your rewards card
5. Additionally, you can streamline the process by downloading and printing the application form at https://www.southbeachcasino.ca/ocean-club-membership/, so you can fill out the form before you arrive.

Casino Atmosphere – 5/5

Inside South Beach Casino & Resort

Check out our expert’s insider analysis of the overall atmosphere on the casino floor, the additional entertainment options, and the unique design experience.

Design experience

We instantly got Miami Vice vibes and very nearly donned our Wayfarers and pastel jackets. The art-deco style is instantly reminiscent of 1980s Miami Beach and the blue, orange, and white colours really drive the theme home. This certainly helps the casino stand out from other facilities in Canada, and the casino was always impeccably clean during our visit.

Are you allowed to take photos in South Beach Casino & Resort?

Yes, but not at the gaming tables. Feel free to take a picture of a big slot win, your immense plate of buffet food, or your friends hanging out at the Dolphin bar.

Location and surroundings

The casino is located on the Brokenhead Ojibway reserve which features green and a great view of Lake Winnipeg. You’re a short distance from Victoria Beach, Patricia Beach Provisional Park, and Grand Beach Provincial Park. Golfers can enjoy three gorgeous courses including Manitoba’s latest course, Granite Hills Golf Course.

Do you need a passport to visit South Beach Casino & Resort?

No, a passport is not required but a reasonable form of government-issued photo ID is. However, for some foreign travellers, a passport might be the best option.

Events

The Blue Dolphin Bar hosts live music events on Friday nights. You’ll get to see various local musical acts covering rock, pop, country, and even a little heavy metal. These regular events are free too.

House Rules (T&Cs) – 4/5

South Beach Casino & Resort opening hours

The casino is open daily between 10 AM and 3 AM. However, the live gaming tables are closed on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. Additionally, the tables open in the late afternoon and close at 2 AM between Thursday and Saturday, and 1 AM on Sunday.

Does South Beach Casino & Resort charge entry?

Entry into the casino is completely free.

Do you always need a reservation to play at South Beach Casino & Resort?

No, the tables are open for all players and the seats cannot be reserved.

Is membership required at South Beach Casino & Resort?

Membership is not required but there are numerous benefits and discounts by becoming an Ocean Club or 50 Plus Club member.

Dress code

The dress code is quite casual and relaxed. You can wear fancy dress for a birthday party or a suit and tie. You could just walk in wearing shorts and a T-shirt or a summer dress. Basically, don’t wear anything offensive, violent, threatening, or gang related.

Standout rules at South Beach Casino & Resort

The rules at South Beach Casino & Resort are not out of the ordinary and there shouldn’t be any exceptional rules you wouldn’t expect from any other Canadian casino.

Player Feedback – 4.1/5

South Beach Casino & Resort has received incredibly favourable reviews from more than 2,400 customers on Google and TripAdvisor.

South Beach Casino & Resort player reviews

Google – 4.2/5

Many customers commented on the pleasant service, varied casino games, and excellent assistance given to novice players. Several customers noted the increase in price at the buffet and a slight decline in quality, in their opinions.

Tripadvisor – 4/5

Customers also commented on the increased buffet cost and average quality. However, most players enjoyed the friendly service, and quality VLT machines, and really liked to mention the quality of the staff overall.

Most common issues

• Rising buffet costs
• Buffet quality may have declined

Operator – 5/5

Who owns South Beach Casino & Resort?

South Beach Casino & Resort is a First Nations operation and the community is reflected throughout the casino.

The casino is located on the Brokenhead Ojibway Nation reserve but is owned by the Black River, Bloodvein, Brokenhead, Hollow Water, Little Grand Rapids, Pauingassi, and Poplar River First Nations.

Additionally, the casino was built and is managed by Minnesota-based Hemisphere Gaming.

Contact info

South Beach Casino & Resort Competitors

Besides online casinos in Canada, the nearest competitors are further south in downtown Winnipeg. That’s about an hour’s drive away but you can choose from two major casino facilities.

South Beach Casino & Resort vs McPhillips Station Casino

McPhillips Station Casino offers more than 1,200 slots and a similar table gaming offering as South Beach Casino. The casino also has an excellent bar for watching major sporting events or chilling out with a cocktail.

McPhillips Station Casino is best for playing slots

With over 1,000 slot games covering an abundance of themes, game types, and progressive jackpots. This includes the incredibly valuable C$1 Million Powerbucks progressive jackpot slot.

South Beach Casino & Resort vs Club Regent Casino

Club Regent Casino is quite similar to McPhillips Station Casino and is operated by the same organization, Casinos of Winnipeg. Just like McPhillips Station Casino, you’ve got over 1,200 slots to enjoy and you can bet on slots up to C$100.

Club Regent Casino is the best alternative for dining

The casino has four dining options including an ice cream shop and several unique bars. For example, the Heineken Banyan Bar has been specially designed to mimic an outdoor tiki bar and the effect is particularly authentic.

What sets South Beach Casino & Resort apart from its competitors?

Uniqueness. While McPhillips and Club Regent have that “classic casino” look and both look much like each other, South Beach Casino & Resort goes entirely leftfield with its 80s art-deco stylings. The experience at other Winnipeg casinos will be familiar but the casino at South Beach will be unique.

South Beach Casino & Resort Pros and Cons

Pros

• Loads of lucrative progressive jackpot slots
• Heavily discounted dining with a rewards card
• Rewards system provides cash rewards and free-play
• Excellent atmosphere and a totally unique décor

Cons

• Limited table gaming hours
• Expensive hotel

Should You Gamble at South Beach Casino & Resort?

We think everyone should visit South Beach Casino & Resort. Few casinos can claim to offer a unique vibe, but South Beach does so in spades. You’ve got over 500 slots – including loads of progressive jackpots – numerous VLT machines, and several table games to provide an exciting casino experience.

The rewards system boasts significantly more perks than most casino rewards programs we’ve tested across Canada. However, serious table gamers might not like the short gaming hours, the lack of poker tournaments, and the absence of any high-roller tables. But even serious players will get a kick out of the atmosphere at this unique casino.