Casino Dene

History of Casino Dene

The Casino Dene opened on Sept. 27, 2007. The idea for the casino began with a vision of the Denesuline (Chipewyan) Tribe of the Cold Lake First Nations. The goal was to provide an economic development plan to give opportunities to the people of the tribe. The vision became real when a deal was signed with the Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission to open the casino.

Casino Dene is set up to care for the community. It has been the source of over a million dollars in donations to local charities and nonprofits. Working closely with local businesses, the casino runs charitable support in the areas of health, education, training, leadership, environmental sustainability, social services, tourism development and arts/culture.

Slot machines at Casino Dene

There are both smoking and nonsmoking slot sections at this casino. You will find more than 250 slot machines. While this is a smaller selection than in many casinos, it does cater to all tastes in the latest slot games. There are reel slots and video slots available. You can spin for a penny per line or try your hand at the high-denomination slots or games with progressive jackpots. Popular titles like Aristocrat’s Lightning Link slots are available.

Alongside the slots are VLTs. These are Class II electronic gambling devices that are run by the province of Alberta under the Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Act. With slots from many of the biggest name providers adapted for Class II gambling, the selection of games at Casino Dene gets a significant boost. These games appear to work the same way as regular (class III) slots from the player’s perspective.

Table games

There are 10 live tables available at Casino Dene in Cold Lake. These are open from 4 p.m. daily. While most stakes are small, high rollers can enjoy more serious action. A maximum bet per hand of $100 for table games is available. In the casino you can enjoy the following games:

• Blackjack: The most popular casino card game involves beating the dealer by getting closer to 21 or holding any hand when the dealer busts.
• Roulette: This wheel-based game lets you bet your lucky numbers, go for the 50-50 bets like black/red or try your hand at more complex betting strategies.
• Ultimate Texas Hold ’em: This casino game is based on Texas Hold ’em. You can win big by hitting a strong poker hand.
• Three card poker: With simple strategy and side bets with big prizes, this is the most popular casino poker variation. Beat the dealer’s three-card hand to win.

Casino Dene poker room

Players can also enjoy poker at Casino Dene. Tournaments run every second Saturday, while cash games are ongoing throughout the day and evening. The poker games available are No-Limit Hold ’em and Dealer’s Choice, and the games are played across four tables.

For something a little different, you can enjoy “Music Poker” occasionally at the casino. Strictly speaking, it is more like playing bingo. When you hear a song, you mark it off on a card. If you make a hand with marked-off songs, you will win a prize.

The poker room is open from midday to 1 a.m. from Monday to Friday. On the weekends, the doors open at 10 a.m. with the same 1 a.m. closing time.

Winner’s Edge loyalty program

If you play at Casino Dene, you can become a member of the Winner’s Edge loyalty program. This is an Alberta-wide program. You earn loyalty points as you play and redeem them at any casino that is part of the program. For example, you can earn points at a casino in Calgary and redeem them at Casino Dene.

You will earn points at a rate of one point for every $1-$5 you wager on slots and VLTs (the exact rate of points depends on which specific games you play). You can then redeem those points for bonus play at the casino, or for extra entries into member-only contests. You can also receive 10% discounts on select menu items in the restaurants.

Members of Winner’s Edge are offered two Gamesense tools. Gamesense is a platform that aims for you to get the most out of gambling — and to protect those with gambling problems. It will aid you in learning more about how gambling works, offering tools and resources aimed at helping you make informed decisions at the slots and tables.

Other promotions

In addition to the Winner’s Edge, there are multiple promotions, including some of the following:

• Seniors discount — If you are 55 or older, you can get a 10% meal discount, every day of the week.
• Enter regular contests to win sports apparel, including sometimes Edmonton Oilers-related items.
• Win tickets at the table games to enter a draw to win a 55-inch smart TV. Qualifying hands include a flush or better at Ultimate Texas Hold ’em or any blackjack.

You can follow promotions and jackpot wins via the Casino Dene Facebook page.

Casino Dene restaurants & dining

There are two places to eat at Casino Dene:

Aurora Bar and Lounge: This is a new restaurant addition to the casino. In the lounge, you will find pool tables and VLTs, plus TVs to watch all the latest sports action. This nonsmoking venue opens from 11:30 a.m. daily, closing at 10 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays, with the hours extended till midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.

On the menu, you will find over 20 flavours of wings, including dry, sweet, and hot alternatives. Starters include popcorn chicken, mozzarella sticks, and loaded potato skins. Main meal options include a steak sandwich, a prime rib dinner (available every Friday), and a clubhouse sandwich. There are plenty of sharing platters, with the platter for two including a sampling of wings, popcorn chicken, battered mushrooms, jalapeno poppers, macaroni & cheese bites, spicy potato puffs, and perogies.

Grab a breakfast, too, with $5 options available. Look out for the featured specials, as well. Rib Night with wings takes place on Thursdays, and Chili Wednesdays are part of the featured meals.

Enjoy signature cocktails to go with your meals.

Casino Dene Lounge: This is the site of the live entertainment at the casino, offering both smoking and nonsmoking areas. Enjoy signature meals (off the same menu as offered at the Aurora Bar and Lounge) and a range of beverages. There is also a private lounge area, which can be booked for small groups.

Entertainment & live music

Live music from local bands is available in the evenings Thursday through to Sunday. The entertainment takes place in the licensed Casino Dene Lounge. This is a smaller facility and does not have a theatre, business centre or conference facilities.

Summing up — how does Casino Dene compare?

If you are heading to the Lakeland area in Alberta, Casino Dene is a quality casino destination. The casino features some good options in games, with a large range of slots and video lottery terminals giving you hundreds of options. Head to the tables to play classics such as blackjack and roulette — or win big with the side bets at three-card poker. Regular poker tournaments sit alongside the cash games for poker players.

The two lounges at the casino offer up varied menus. Head into the Casino Dene Lounge on weekends for live music. Casino Dene is part of the Winner’s Edge loyalty program, which covers many casinos in AB.