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Canada's Historical Top Five Oldest Gambling Establishments

The modern gambling landscape in Canada can be traced back to 1971, marked by the establishment of the first casino in the nation. Today, there are countless casinos and integrated resorts that captivate both locals and tourists, catering to those on vacation or weekend getaways. However, the scene was quite different several decades ago, when only a handful of facilities were operational. Out of these few, we highlight the top five venues that enchanted Canadians and visitors during the 1970s and 1980s. land-based casinos In this article, we’ll explore key queries such as: When did gambling become such an appealing form of entertainment in Canada? What sparked this trend? How many casinos exist today, and what intriguing histories do the most notable ones possess?

Diamond Tooth Gertie’s Gambling Hall – Established in 1971 (Dawson City)

Named after the legendary Gertie Lovejoy of Dawson City, this Gambling Hall made its debut in the 1970s. It was launched by the Klondike Visitors Association in Yukon, and it continues to operate at its original location. The venue features a charming 1898 saloon theme that immerses guests in the area's rich history related to the Klondike Gold Rush. Gertie Lovejoy, celebrated for her unique diamond-adorned smile, was a prominent figure during the Gold Rush, and her story inspired a daily vaudeville performance at the casino.

old wooden building

The first casino in Canada was At Gertie’s, patrons have the opportunity to place bets while enjoying live entertainment all in the same space. Visitors are captivated by breathtaking performances from the Gold Rush Girls as they celebrate along with the Klondike queen herself. The casino hosts three shows each evening and features table games such as blackjack and poker, along with over 60 slot machines. Diamond Tooth Gertie’s operates seven days a week from May through September. The establishment, constructed in 1901 and formerly called Arctic Brotherhood Hall, channels its revenue into preserving historic sites, supporting local initiatives, and promoting the Yukon region. Cash Casino opened its doors in 1980, marking a significant milestone as Alberta's first privately operated casino. Initially, it was restricted to charitable gaming events with agricultural or religious themes. Nowadays, it boasts an impressive lineup of over 500 slot machines, alongside gaming tables for blackjack, roulette, baccarat, poker, craps, and Pai Gow, which are open every day from noon until 3 am.

On Fridays and Saturdays, visitors can enjoy Calgary's longest-running free entertainment segment, featuring The Blackjack Beauties. The Nevada Poker Room hosts poker tournaments six days a week, while the casino also includes two dining options and a bar. Notably, it is conveniently located less than 10 miles from Calgary International Airport.

Cash Casino – 1980 (Calgary)

brick building

Treasure Cove Casino – Founded in 1986 (Prince George) Cash Casino Located centrally in Northern British Columbia, this expansive venue covers 37,000 square feet and integrates a striking Tuscan architectural style. Inside, you'll find over 500 slot machines and a comprehensive table gaming area offering games like Texas Hold’em poker, Progressive Ultimate Hold'em, blackjack, Fortune Pai Gow, and roulette. Additionally, Treasure Cove Casino features the province's largest bingo room, with nearly 700 seats available.

Until recent times, Treasure Cove had a 5,500-square-foot lounge that accommodated up to 180 guests for stand-up comedy and similar performances. Currently, the casino is undergoing renovations to expand this lounge to a concert hall with 800 seats. Patrons at Treasure Cove Casino can also sign up for Encore rewards cards, allowing them to earn and redeem points during their visits.

Originally known as Royal Casino, this establishment began as a charitable gaming venue but evolved into an iconic landmark in historic Quesnel, British Columbia. Family-owned, its distinctive facade resembles a luxury paddlewheel boat, harking back to the 19th-century mining founder of Barkerville, located near Quesnel. This design echoes the vessels that traversed the Fraser River during the Gold Rush.

The Treasure Cove Casino The casino has seen significant renovations, enhancing the lobby, restaurant, and lounge areas to cater to high rollers. The complex includes a gaming room filled with various slot machines and roulette tables, along with a hotel, a cozy café, and a showroom for entertainment. With a convention and banquet space seating up to 100 individuals, it's suitable for various events, workshops, and seminars. The venue embraces the slogan 'old world elegance & modern amenities,' perfectly capturing its unique charm.

Another fascinating chapter in Canada’s gambling tale is found at – slot machines and tables.

big brick building

Billy Barker Casino – 1987 (Quesnel)

old brick building

When it opened in 1987, Billy Barker Casino This casino opened in 1988 in Calgary after the successful operations of Cash Casino. Nestled in the vibrant Victoria Park area, close to the Calgary Stampede grounds, it spans an impressive 96,000 square feet, mixing gaming experiences with a lively bar, two restaurants, and a dance hall. Its name hints at its cowboy-themed ambiance.

The top gaming destination in Calgary, Cowboys Casino, offers 33 gaming tables and over 350 slot machines, along with a VIP high-limit room. The poker room operates around the clock, featuring games like Texas Hold’em, Omaha, Pineapple, Limit, and No Limit poker. Guests enjoy amenities such as evening massages, late-night dining options, and complimentary breakfast, with many appreciating the heated underground parking during Calgary's frigid winters!

Cowboys casino – 1988 (Calgary)

brick building

A Brief Overview of Canada’s Longest-Standing Casinos Cowboys Casino Here is a concise summary of key characteristics from Canada's oldest casinos. This overview will provide insights into their timelines and allow for a comparison of their gaming offerings.

Although online gaming is rising in popularity, experiencing a physical casino visit remains unmatched. Many of the oldest establishments have evolved into multi-faceted entertainment hubs designed solely for your enjoyment. You can blend your gaming activities with dining, shopping, and witnessing captivating performances. A visit to one of Canada’s renowned casinos could turn out to be a once-in-a-lifetime getaway. Just imagine the thrill of celebrating someone's victory with the crowd around you? Well, perhaps there's an even greater excitement when that victor is you!

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Oldest Casinos in Canada
Casino Founding date Location Games
At Gertie’s, patrons have the opportunity to place bets while enjoying live entertainment all in the same space. Visitors are captivated by breathtaking performances from the Gold Rush Girls as they celebrate along with the Klondike queen herself. The casino hosts three shows each evening and features table games such as blackjack and poker, along with over 60 slot machines. Diamond Tooth Gertie’s operates seven days a week from May through September. The establishment, constructed in 1901 and formerly called Arctic Brotherhood Hall, channels its revenue into preserving historic sites, supporting local initiatives, and promoting the Yukon region. 1971 Dawson City, Yukon 60 slot machines and 2 table games
Cash Casino 1980 Calgary, Alberta 500 slot machines and 15 table games
Treasure Cove Casino 1986 Prince George, British Columbia 500 slot machines and 10 table games
Billy Barker Casino 1987 Quesnel, British Columbia 15 table games and 100 slot machines
Cowboys Casino 1988 Calgary, Alberta 350 slot machines and 33 table games

Conclusion

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Lucas Goldberg
When did gambling receive legal status in Canada?
Site Editor
University of Toronto
Gambling was officially legalized in Canada in 1970, empowering provinces to organize and regulate gambling activities. This led to the establishment of government-operated casinos, enabling Canadians to partake in gambling entertainment.
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FAQ

Which is the oldest casino in Canada?

Can I enjoy shows at the oldest casinos in Canada?

Certainly, you can catch a range of performances at Canada's oldest casinos. Whether it's a vaudeville-themed dance show at Diamond Tooth Gertie’s Gambling Hall or a performance by the talented Blackjack Beauties at Cash Casino in Calgary, there's plenty to see.

Do the oldest casinos in Canada provide loyalty rewards?

Some of these historical casinos do offer loyalty reward programs, while others may not. For instance, Treasure Cove Casino in British Columbia provides Encore rewards cards to guests, allowing for the collection and redemption of points on games and slots.

What gaming options are available at Calgary’s oldest casinos?

Cash Casino, Calgary's oldest gaming establishment, provides a wide variety of options including blackjack, roulette, baccarat, poker, craps, and Pai Gow. Conversely, Cowboys Casino features a high-stakes poker area with Texas Hold’em, Omaha, Pineapple, Limit, and No Limit tables, along with over 350 slot machines.

Engaging in responsible gambling means making informed decisions and establishing boundaries to ensure that gaming remains a fun and secure activity. If you or someone close to you is facing challenges with gambling addiction, support is readily accessible at

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Join us as we uncover the origins of Canada's first casino as well as the five oldest gambling establishments in the nation. This detailed exploration offers insights into the fascinating history of gambling in Canada!
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