Updated by Courtney Pledger
Writer
Fact Checked by Michael Graham
Content Editor
The good news for gamblers in Edmonton is that the legal age for casino gaming in Alberta is just 18, lower than many other jurisdictions around the world.
However, individual venues may have their own admission policies, so it is worth checking directly with your chosen casino before you travel.
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Edmonton's gaming market is served by four distinct operators, covering a mix of national gaming companies, a publicly traded entertainment group and a First Nations corporation. All properties operate within Alberta's charitable gaming model under the oversight of the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission (AGLC).
One of Canada's largest gaming operators with more than 30 properties across the country, Gateway Casinos and Entertainment operates two Edmonton venues: Starlight Casino inside West Edmonton Mall and Grand Villa Casino in the ICE District. Gateway is known for its Players Club loyalty programme and its Replay Arena electronic gaming zones, exclusive to Alberta.
One of Alberta's most established gaming operators, PURE Canadian Gaming runs two Edmonton properties on opposite sides of the city: Pure Casino Edmonton on the south side and Pure Casino Yellowhead in the northwest. The company has operated casinos in Alberta since the 1970s.
A publicly traded international gaming company, Century Casinos Inc. operates two Edmonton-area properties: the Century Casino and Hotel on Fort Road and Century Mile Racetrack and Casino just south of the city near Edmonton International Airport. Century Mile is the greater Edmonton area's only racino, combining a full casino floor with live horse racing.
The Enoch Cree Nation owns and operates River Cree Resort and Casino on reserve land just west of Edmonton, one of the largest and most comprehensive gaming resorts in Alberta. All net proceeds from River Cree are reinvested into Enoch Cree Nation community programmes and services.
Edmonton's gaming scene stretches from the heart of the ICE District downtown to a First Nations resort on the city's western edge and western Canada's only Class A one-mile racetrack just south of the city near Edmonton International Airport. Seven venues serve the greater Edmonton area, operated by four distinct companies and covering everything from boutique downtown gaming to full resort experiences.
Located inside West Edmonton Mall, Starlight Casino is Edmonton's largest gaming venue, spanning 120,000 square feet across two floors. The gaming floor houses 777 slot machines and 32 live table games, alongside an eight-table poker room with its own private entrance and VIP gaming salons. The Replay Arena is an immersive electronic gaming zone featuring a massive digital wall, DJ booth and connected gaming terminals.
Six dining and entertainment venues operate within the casino including Match Eatery and Public House, Atlas Steak and Fish and Halley's Club, a speakeasy-inspired bar with live Big Band entertainment. Opened in 2018 following a $57 million refurbishment of the former Palace Casino, Starlight is operated by Gateway Casinos and Entertainment.
Pure Casino Edmonton is located on the south side of the city at 7055 Argyll Road, operated by PURE Canadian Gaming. The recently renovated 72,000-square-foot casino features over 800 slot machines, 28 VLTs, 26 live table games and a 24-hour 12-table poker room. A high-limit area and Replay Arena for electronic table gaming are also on site. Five food and beverage options are available including The Mezz and Centre Bar, both operating as sports bar-style venues, and The Social Room which hosts live entertainment from local bands and artists.
Located on Fort Road in northeast Edmonton, Century Casino and Hotel is operated by Century Casinos Inc. and serves as the company's Alberta flagship. The 35,000-square-foot gaming floor houses over 750 slot machines and 20+ live table games, alongside a renovated high-limit gaming room and an off-track betting lounge showing simulcast horse racing from North America and Australia on 14 HD screens. Yuk Yuk's comedy club and a live showroom provide regular entertainment throughout the year.
The attached boutique hotel offers 26 rooms for overnight guests, and four food and beverage options are on site. Underground heated parking is complimentary for all guests.
Grand Villa Casino sits in the heart of downtown Edmonton's ICE District, directly attached to Rogers Place arena, the home of the Edmonton Oilers. The 60,000-square-foot venue offers 600 slot machines and 28 live table games including blackjack, roulette, baccarat, craps, Ultimate Texas Hold'em and Pai Gow Tiles, alongside high-limit and private gaming salons. There is no dedicated poker room. Operated by Gateway Casinos and Entertainment, Grand Villa opened in 2016 and is the natural pre or post-game destination on Oilers match days, with the arena connected via indoor walkway.
Seven dining options are on site including Atlas Steak and Fish, Match Eatery and Public House and a Starbucks. The adjacent JW Marriott Edmonton ICE District provides luxury accommodation for overnight visitors.
Located in northwest Edmonton at 12464 153 Street just off Yellowhead Trail, Pure Casino Yellowhead is one of the largest casinos in western Canada, spanning 75,000 square feet. The casino offers over 770 slot machines, 26 live table games including blackjack, baccarat, roulette, craps and Pai Gow Tiles, and a 24-hour poker room. A high-limit room with private tables and personalised hosting is available for premium players. The Pearl Showroom is an active live entertainment venue hosting concerts, comedy acts and major sporting events.
Owned and operated by the Enoch Cree Nation on reserve land just west of Edmonton, River Cree Resort and Casino is the largest and most comprehensive gaming resort in the greater Edmonton area. The property operates two casino floors: a smoke-free main floor and Embers, a smoke-friendly expansion with 405 slot machines and 14 table games. Across both floors the resort offers 1,665 slot machines, 46 table games and a 14-table poker room open around the clock.
The resort includes a 249-room hotel, six restaurants and bars, a 24,000-square-foot entertainment and events venue, and the Twin Rinks sports complex featuring two NHL-sized ice surfaces. A free shuttle connects the property to West Edmonton Mall every 30 minutes. A $200 million expansion announced in 2024 will add a new hotel tower, expanded conference space, a pool area and RC Golf and Games, a two-storey interactive golf and entertainment venue expected to open in spring 2027. All net proceeds are reinvested into Enoch Cree Nation community programmes and services.
Opened in 2019 as the successor to the historic Northlands Park, Century Mile Racetrack and Casino is western Canada's only Class A one-mile racetrack, located in Leduc County just south of Edmonton near Edmonton International Airport. Operated by Century Casinos Inc., the facility offers Thoroughbred, Quarter Horse and Standardbred racing year-round alongside a casino floor with over 600 slot machines and VLTs and a Replay Arena for electronic table gaming. There are no live dealer tables.
The Finish Line Restaurant provides tiered panoramic views over the track on race days, and the Derby Restaurant and Celly's Sports Bar serve the main gaming area. Race day admission and parking are free and open to all ages.
| Casino | Floor | Slots | Tables | Poker | Hotel | Racino | Smoking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starlight Casino | 120K sq ft | 777 | 32 | Yes | No | No | No |
| Pure Casino Edmonton | 72K sq ft | 800+ | 26 | Yes | No | No | No |
| Pure Casino Yellowhead | 75K sq ft | 770+ | 26 | Yes | No | No | No |
| River Cree Resort and Casino | 63K sq ft | 1,665 | 46 | Yes | Yes | No | Yes* |
| Grand Villa Casino | 60K sq ft | 600 | 28 | No | No | No | No |
| Century Casino and Hotel Edmonton | 35K sq ft | 750+ | 20+ | No | Yes | No | No |
| Century Mile Racetrack and Casino | N/A | 600+ | N/A | No | No | Yes | No |
*Smoking permitted in Embers only, a dedicated smoke-friendly gaming area separate from the main floor.
Gaming is best enjoyed as a night out, not a income stream. If gambling is starting to feel less like fun and more like a compulsion, confidential help is available at no cost.
The Alberta Gambling Helpline is available around the clock on 1-800-522-4700. Every licensed casino in Edmonton also has a GameSense information centre on site, staffed by trained advisors who can provide guidance and resources in person.
Before you play, decide on a budget and stick to it. Never chase losses and only gamble with money you can afford to lose. If you need to take a break, all Edmonton casinos participate in the AGLC's BreakFree self-exclusion programme, which lets you voluntarily restrict your access to gaming venues across Alberta.
The information on this page is provided for general informational purposes only and should not be considered legal or financial advice. Gambling laws, regulations, and casino details in Edmonton may change over time.
For official and up-to-date information, refer to the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission (AGLC). Always ensure you meet the legal age requirements before participating in any gambling activity.
Important: The legal gambling age in Alberta is 18 years old for all regulated gaming activities including casinos, sports betting and lottery. Century Mile Racetrack and Casino is located in Leduc County rather than within Edmonton's city limits, so check admission policies directly before you travel.
Courtney Pledger is an experienced iGaming writer and an avid visitor to casinos in her spare time. Courtney has written expertly on slots, roulette, blackjack, poker and many other games, both from a strategy point of view and a recreational one. All those years of experience have now converged, allowing Courtney to share her expertise with you. When she's not doing that, she can usually be found watching tennis.
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