Stoney Nakoda Resort & Casino Review

Based at the foot of the Rockies, we couldn’t image a more scenic spot for a First Nations casino. But is Stoney Nakoda a rock-solid casino?

Keep reading to find out more about the available games, what unique entertainment is on offer, how to get a rewards card, and much more.

Stoney Nakoda Resort & Casino Ratings

Table of Contents

• Rating and Review Process for Stoney Nakoda Resort & Casino
• Slot Machines – 5/5
• Casino Games – 4/5
• Staff & Service – 5/5
• Loyalty & Rewards – 4/5
• Casino Atmosphere – 4/5
• House Rules (T&Cs) – 4/5
• Player Feedback – 3.7/5
• Operator – 5/5
• Stoney Nakoda Resort & Casino Competitors
• Stoney Nakoda Resort & Casino Pros and Cons
• Should You Split Aces at Stoney Nakoda Resort & Casino?

Rating and Review Process for Stoney Nakoda Resort & Casino

We leverage our specialized review system to fully test and examine land-based casinos in Canada. The goal is to leave you with the tools to make an informed decision.

We’ll accomplish this by reviewing games, checking security, analyzing operator history, assessing the level of service offered, and more.

How we inspected Stoney Nakoda Resort & Casino

• Date of visit: 03/29/2024
• Time of visit: 6 PM – 1 AM
• Initial bankroll: C$100
• What we played: Slots, Blackjack
• Final bankroll: C$210
• Next: 03/27/2025

What we looked at

Our rating criteria consider a multitude of objective and subjective factors. For example, we’ll consider subjective factors such as our assessment of the atmosphere on the casino floor.

We’ll also look at objective factors such as the presence of progressive jackpots or free drinks.

What we found

Slot Machines – 5/5

Stoney Nakoda Casino has hundreds of slots and most of them have progressive jackpots. With multiple game providers, the casino exhibits outstanding variety too.

Slots we played at Stoney Nakoda Resort & Casino

We are in Alberta, so we had to start with Alberta Gold – we did not win the C$10K+ progressive jackpot though. Next, we moved on to the classics, Pompeii and Lucky 88.

We then spent way too much time playing Quick Hit, before heading to the tables. After a lengthy blackjack session, we finished up on another classic – IGT’s Double Diamond.

How many slot machines does Stoney Nakoda Resort & Casino have?

We counted over 250 slot machines on the casino floor.

Do the slot machines accept coins?

No, you can only use cash notes, vouchers, or free play using your Winner’s Edge card.

Slot machine providers

• IGT
• Aristocrat
• Scientific Games

Local progressive jackpots

As an Alberta casino, you’ll find several Alberta Progressive Games.

Additionally, many of the other slot machines feature four local progressive jackpots.

Casino Games – 4/5

Stoney Nakoda Resort & Casino offers four table games. You can enjoy one of the lowest minimum bet blackjack tables in Canada.

Baccarat is only available on Friday and Saturday nights. By our count, there is at least 10 tables that can be utilized on any one night.

Game types

• Roulette
• Blackjack
• Ultimate Texas Hold’em
• Baccarat

Betting limits

On Friday and Saturday nights, an incredibly low C$2 minimum bet blackjack table is available. But the betting limits seem quite reasonable throughout the week as well.

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

Yes. There are no VIP games, so anyone can bet the table limits.

Stoney Nakoda Resort & Casino poker tournaments

No-Limit Texas Hold’em cash games are held on Friday and Saturday nights.

Tournaments are held on the first and last Sunday of the month. The action kicks off at 7 PM with a C$70, plus a C$10 admin charge.

Staff & Service – 5/5

Food & Drinks

You have two dining options at Stoney Nakoda Resort & Casino. The Ridge offers a typical restaurant experience but at rather expensive prices. A burger will set you back C$22 and even some starters cost C$18.

Sidelines Lounge is the casino’s main bar which lets you order from The Ridge menu.

The Ridge

• Opening hours: 8 AM – 9 PM

Sidelines Lounge

• Opening hours: 10 AM – 2 AM (Food stops at 11 PM/ 12 PM Sat)

How much do you tip at Stoney Nakoda Resort & Casino?

Expect to tip between 15-20% in Kananaskis.

Does Stoney Nakoda Resort & Casino offer free drinks?

No, we didn’t see any drink stations and all the players at the tables needed to pay for their drinks.

Is there a buffet at Stoney Nakoda Resort & Casino?

Yes, the casino regularly hosts brunches for various events such as Mother’s Day or Easter.

Parking

The resort & casino offers free, unsecured parking that surrounds the facility. While parking isn’t secure, you are at the base of the Rockies and would-be criminals will have a long trek to reach your car.

Accommodation

The resort includes a recently renovated 3-star hotel which offers a variety of rooms and suites. You’ll find different perks such as a Jetted Tub Suite, an electric fireplace, and amazing sunset views. Most of the rooms start at C$179 per night but the suites start at around C$240 per night.

Do you tip room service at Stoney Nakoda Resort & Casino?

Room service is not offered, but you may wish to tip the front desk staff, or a bellhop if you receive excellent service.

Are there smoking areas?

All the rooms and suites are non-smoking. You’ll need to step outside if you wish to smoke.

Security

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

Loyalty & Rewards – 4/5

How does the Stoney Nakoda Resort & Casino rewards program work?

This is an Alberta casino, so you can use the Winner’s Edge Loyalty Program like you would at any other casino in Alberta.

What you get

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

How to register in the program

1. Go to the Guest Services desk or Winner’s Edge kiosk when you enter the casino
2. Complete the registration form
3. Provide your photo ID
4. Receive your Winner’s Edge Rewards Card

Casino Atmosphere – 4/5

Inside Stoney Nakoda Resort & Casino

We examined the interior décor, reviewed the alternative entertainment options, and got a feel for the atmosphere on the casino floor.

Design experience

We loved the design of the casino floor at Stoney Nakoda Resort & Casino.

Are you allowed to take photos in Stoney Nakoda Resort & Casino?

Yes, but you cannot take photos at the gaming tables or photos near the gaming tables.

Location and surroundings

There isn’t much around the casino except for the fact that you are at the base of the Rocky Mountains.

You can easily access and explore pristine lakes, amazing wild rivers, and exceptionally gorgeous landscapes.

Do you need a passport to visit Stoney Nakoda Resort & Casino?

No, any form of government-issued photo ID will be acceptable. It is usually a good idea to bring your passport if you are travelling from abroad since your ID might not be easily verified.

Events

The resort offers a range of activities including a water slide and a golf simulator. Live entertainment is routinely provided in the form of conferences, live music, dance parties, watch parties, and trade shows.

House Rules (T&Cs) – 4/5

When is Stoney Nakoda Resort & Casino open?

The casino floor opens daily at 10 AM. Slot games will remain open until 3 AM, but gaming tables are only open between 2 PM and 2 AM.

Does Stoney Nakoda Resort & Casino charge entry?

No, entry is free.

Do you always need a reservation to play at Stoney Nakoda Resort & Casino?

No, the games are provided on a first-come, first-serve basis. However, you may need to reserve your seat in some poker tournaments.

Is membership required at Stoney Nakoda Resort & Casino?

No, but becoming a Winner’s Edge member has many perks including dining discounts, and the chance to earn free play.

Dress code

There isn’t a strict dress code at Stone Nakoda Casino, and you’ll be able to wear casual attire. You’ll generally notice most players wearing appropriate smart/casual attire that matches the season.

Standout rules at Stoney Nakoda Resort & Casino

We didn’t find any unusual or unique rules during our visit.

Player Feedback – 3.7/5

Stoney Nakoda Resort & Casino has been reviewed more than 3,300 times across Google and Tripadvisor. Comments are very consistent across both sites too.

Stoney Nakoda Resort & Casino player reviews

Google – 4/5

Customers positively reflected on the level of service and enjoyment of the casino games but noted slow food service and small, expensive portions.

Tripadvisor – 3.5/5

Much like Google, reviews on Tripadvisor were mostly positive regarding the casino but felt the dining experience could be improved.

Most common issues

• Expensive, underwhelming dining

Operator – 5/5

Who owns Stoney Nakoda Resort & Casino?

This is a First Nations casino that is still owned by the Stoney Nakoda Administration. However, operations are managed by Stagewest Hospitality, a trusted Alberta-based business which also operates Stoney Nakoda Resort & Casino.

Contact info

Stoney Nakoda Resort & Casino Competitors

Due to the unique location of Stoney Nakoda Resort & Casino, the closest competitor will always be the best online casinos in Canada. The nearest land-based casinos are over 74 km away in Calgary.

Stoney Nakoda Resort & Casino vs Grey Eagle Resort & Casino

Grey Eagle Resort & Casino is gigantic with over 1,000 slots and more than 30 gaming tables. The event space also hosts major events like big-name bands and MMA bouts.

Grey Eagle Resort & Casino is best for table gaming

With so many tables and a wide variety of game types including poker, Grey Eagle Resort & Casino is the place to be for serious table gaming.

Stoney Nakoda Resort & Casino vs Elbow River Casino

Located just down the road from Grey Eagle Resort & Casino, this Calgary casino is about a one-hour drive from Stoney Nakoda Resort & Casino.

Elbow River Casino is the best alternative for live music

This casino consistently hosts high-quality musical artists covering Top 40 rock, cover bands, hip hop, country, and more. Ticketed events rarely cost more than C$30 too.

What sets Stoney Nakoda Resort & Casino apart from its competitors?

The additional entertainment options such as virtual golf, the Nakiska ski area, swimming, and quick access to the Rockies really sets Stoney Nakoda Casino apart from any other casino in Canada.

Stoney Nakoda Resort & Casino Pros and Cons

Pros

• Great casual-friendly table limits such as C$2 Blackjack
• Loads of progressive jackpot slots including Alberta Progressives
• Poker tournaments with a reasonable C$70 buy-in
• Amazing location at the foot of the Rockies

Cons

• Rather expensive dining

Should You Split Aces at Stoney Nakoda Resort & Casino?

The location alone is enough to make the trip worth it. However, the variety of games, reasonable table limits, and additional entertainment options are even more reasons to make the trip.

High rollers might not feel entirely satisfied but the average player will have plenty of gaming options. Dining can be rather expensive, but it won’t necessarily break the bank.

The amazing location, solid range of casino games, and First Nations feel make Stoney Nakada Resort & Casino a must-visit in our opinion.