Posted on: December 16, 2021. Last updated on: July 26, 2023 
Canada’s gambling scene is experiencing rapid growth, with many betting options generating substantial revenue that benefits all. The friendly and accommodating gambling environment has led Canadians to embrace it as a favored leisure activity. Interestingly, even amid the surge of the online gambling sector, brick-and-mortar casinos continue to hold their appeal.
Canada is home to many casinos, offering gambling aficionados the chance to test their luck and place bets. This, however, was only sometimes the case. A few years back, the number of operational casinos was quite limited, providing only a few venues for players to gamble. This historical context paves the way for us to embark on a nostalgic journey to discover some of the oldest casinos in Canada.
Diamond Tooth Gertie’s Gambling Hall
The casino started operating in the 70s and is the oldest one in the country. The Diamond Tooth Gertie’s Gambling Hall was opened by the Klondike Visitors Association. It was located in Dawson City, Yukon and still holds a reputation in the city. It is based on the saloon theme and offers a glimpse of the “Klondike Gold Rush” era. It was named after the most famous dancer of Dawson, Gertie Lovejoy, from the Gold Rush era. Here, customers can drink alcohol, place bets and experience live entertainment in the same room. The best part is that over 60+ slot machines along with poker, blackjack, roulette and other games are available here.
Billy Barker Casino
In 1987, it was launched as the Royal Casino and was another charitable casino of that time. It became one of the historical Quesnel symbols in British Columbia and happens to be family-owned. The casino has a great design resembling a beautiful and luxurious paddlewheel ship. The name of the casino is interesting and has a history as well. In the 19th century, a miner founded a town, Barkerville, and the name came from there. From 1999 to 2014, the casino went through extensive remodeling.
Now, the casino has a lounge, lobby, restaurant, and many other things. All these things make it more appealing for high rollers. Gamblers can also enjoy other facilities such as: a wide range of slots, a showroom, tables, and a banquet that can occupy 100 people.
Treasure Cove Casino
Located in the heart of Northern British Columbia, this casino is spread over 37,000 sq. ft. and has a Tuscan theme with a fantastic architectural complex. It accommodated around 500 slot machines, 700 bingo seats, and a full table pit. The place has the biggest bingo room in the city, and you can explore games like Progressive Ultimate Hold ’em, Fortune Pai Gow Poker, Texas Hold ’em poker, blackjack, and roulette.
A few years back, it underwent a massive change, following which a 5,500 square-foot lounge was introduced. Surprisingly, it hosts comedy shows as well. The casino administration also plans to expand their lounge by 800 seats and transform it into a concert hall. Gamblers playing here can also register at Encore rewards cards and earn points and redeem on tables and slot machines.
Cash Casino
In 1980, it opened its doors in Calgary as the first private-owned physical casino. Initially, the casino was allowed to host only charitable events and table games with religious and agricultural agendas. But as per present data, the place has around 500 slot machines with all types of casino games. It includes roulette, baccarat, craps, poker, and whatnot. It is the longest-running free entertainment destination where you can see the blackjack beauties performing on all Saturdays and Fridays. In a week, on six days, poker tournaments will be held, and it also has a bar and two restaurants.
Cowboys Casino
Everyone is aware of the gambling history in Canada, and one of the popular physical casinos is Cowboys Casino. In 1988, it was launched in Calgary and located in Victoria Park. Beside the Calgary Stampede grounds, you will find this casino with a great bar, a gambling floor, a dance hall, and two restaurants. The name of the casino is another reason for its popularity.
Here you have more than 350 slot machines, seven different games, 33 table games, etc. It includes No Limit and Limit poker, Omaha, Texas Hold ’em, Pineapple, and many more. Interestingly, the poker room is active 24*7, and you get late-night food, nightly massages, and free breakfast.
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