Eagle River Casino

History of Eagle River Casino and Travel Plaza

The Eagle River Casino & Travel Plaza in Woodlands County, AB, opened its doors on January 31, 2008. It is owned and operated by the Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation. The aim of the casino is to promote tourism in the area, create jobs, and provide a place for all people to enjoy quality entertainment, food, and service.

The addition of the Eagle River Hotel in 2020 is a big step up for the venue, allowing guests to stay on-site and enjoy an entertaining weekend or a midweek break. The Husky Travel Plaza added to the site is ideal if you want to stay in your RV or camper. There is enough room to park up to 50 vehicles.

Slots and progressive jackpots

There are 250 slot games in total. Many classics from big-name developers like Bally, IGT, and Aristocrat are available. They include Quick Hits, Easy Money slots, and 777 Jackpot games. You will find a full range of denominations from per line up to dollar slots.

Eagle River shares prize pools with other casinos in Alberta. The largest progressive wins are via the linked province-wide jackpots. There are plenty of smaller progressives, often split into mini/minor/major/grand format on individual machines.

Slots are available whenever the casino is open. This is 10 am to midnight, Sunday to Thursday, with hours extended to 2 am on Friday and Saturday.

Table games

Smaller casinos focus on the most popular table games. Here is what you will find:

• Blackjack: The casino classic where you go head to head with the dealer, with the aim of getting as close to 21 as possible without going over.
• Roulette: This timeless casino game has been enjoyed by millions, where you can bet red or black, odd or even, single numbers, and more.
• Ultimate Texas Hold’em: Based on the famous poker game, this game sees you taking on the dealer instead of other players. You can bet pre-flop, on the flop, or on the river.
• Spanish 21: An interesting blackjack variant where all of the 10’s are removed from the deck.
• Three Card Poker: Just you against the dealer again with the aim of making the best hand. Place the ‘Pair Plus’ side bet on the value of your hand and you can win big.

Eagle River Casino poker room

Head to the poker room where you can enjoy a game against others, including the popular Texas Hold’em. Poker tournaments take place every Sunday at 4 pm. You can also hire a poker table for a private event.

This non-smoking poker room features six tables. It is open daily from 4 pm to 2 am. Cocktail service does extend from the main casino into the poker room.

Off-track betting at Eagle River Casino

Fans of horse racing can enjoy the simulcast racing coverage at this casino, which features all the best racing from across the US and Canada, bought to you on the big screens. Place those classic bets such as win, place, show, exactas, trifectas, and daily doubles via betting kiosks. There is no live racetrack at this location.

Eagle River Casino loyalty rewards & promotions

Players can enjoy the benefits of two different loyalty schemes at the Eagle River Casino.

Winner’s Edge loyalty program

The first is the Winner’s Edge loyalty scheme which is a province-wide scheme available at casinos across Alberta. Every time you play a slot (or any machine where you can swipe your loyalty card) you will earn points. For every $1 wagered on the slots you earn one loyalty point.

These points can then be redeemed for bonus play at the casino (or any other casino in Alberta that is part of the scheme). As a member of this loyalty scheme, you will earn entries into special promotions throughout the year. Offers include prize contests and the chance to win loyalty points at a faster rate. You can also receive a 10% discount on select items when eating at Eagle River Casino restaurants.

Talon Player’s Club Rewards

Your second loyalty scheme at the casino is the Talon Player’s Club Rewards. This scheme is unique to the Eagle River Casino. With this scheme, you are rewarded for both play and for any successes.

For example, you get an instant 100 loyalty points every day you enter the casino and swipe your card, plus 500 points every time you sit down at a table game. You will then get bonus points for the following achievements:

• 5,000 points for three of a kind, straight flush or a straight in three card poker.
• 1,000 points for a suited blackjack when playing blackjack or Spanish 21.
• 5,000 points for a royal flush in poker.
• 5,000 points for three consecutive hits on roulette.

You will get ten points for every dollar won on a hand-pay jackpot, and ten points for every dollar you spend at Timber’s Bar and Grill.

Every 2,000 points you earn is worth $1 and you can use these reward dollars at the Bar and Grill or redeem for play at the slots. You will also be able to benefit from the cheapest gas in town as part of the scheme and will receive a $20 birthday coupon.

Promotions at Eagle River Casino

There are also promotions to be found outside the twin loyalty schemes. Keep an eye on the casino website or social media for the latest deals and offers.

A good example of a promotion offered is the ‘Cruiser’s Party’, open to anyone aged 55 or over. Head into the casino on the first Monday of every month, and receive a free soup and a sandwich, and they will also throw in a $5 bonus slot play voucher.

Hotel and RV park amenities

The newly built hotel at the casino is due to open by the end of 2020. The aim of the Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation is to create a hotel that is much more than simply a place to stay. Their goal is to create a comfortable atmosphere that feels like a home away from home.

There is already an extensive RV park at Eagle River. It has 50 spaces, and has high ratings on specialist RV websites, reaching 8/10 in some instances. Power, sanitary, and Wi-Fi is available in this park.

Dining

The Timber’s Bar and Grill is where you head for food at this casino. It is open daily from midday through 11 pm. The grill offers an extensive menu, including daily specials with money-off offers.

Highlights of the menu include the rib eye steak, a tender, carefully prepared 16oz steak, or the Philly cheesesteak wrap, with savoury roast beef and melted Jack cheese. Sit in the licensed bar and you can watch your team on one of the flat-screen TVs and try out the extensive drinks menu.

Entertainment

The entertainment at this casino takes place in the Timber’s Bar. Visitors to the casino can enjoy free live entertainment every month, with acts and artists hitting the Timber’s stage at 9.30 pm.

Performers who appear range from popular regional bands, chart-toppers, the best in tribute acts, as well as a range of other performers, such as hypnotists and comedians. Fans of UFC will be entertained by the live pay-per-view events shown on the big screens at the bar.

How do Eagle River Casino and Travel Plaza compare?

The Eagle River Casino is an ideal starting point for your vacation. It combines the most popular forms of gambling with dining, RV facilities and hotel options, and a bar/restaurant.

There is a wide choice of slots available, alongside popular table game formats, poker, and off-track betting. This is a smaller casino, making it easy to move from playing slots to betting on your favourite number on the roulette wheel, to cheering on your favourite horse.

With classic food options on the menu, you will not have to leave the casino to dine. The two loyalty schemes can be combined to get you rewards, promotions, and dining/bar discounts.