Your first casino visit in Alberta

The age limit is 18

The legal gambling age in Alberta is 18. Anyone younger can't enter a casino unless the facility's licence allows minors.

River Cree is a resort as well as a casino. Since July 29, 2024, minors with an adult can use its non-gaming areas, such as the rinks, the restaurants and community events in The Venue. They can't enter any gaming area, and River Cree shows stay 18+.

Shows elsewhere can carry their own age rule. The Pearl Showroom at PURE Yellowhead is 18+, and so are ticketed events in the Social Room at PURE Edmonton.

At the door: bring photo ID

Staff must check ID for anyone who appears to be under 25. They ask for valid government-issued photo ID. If they can't confirm you are 18 or older, they refuse entry or ask you to leave.

Carry it even if you think you look older. Staff decide who appears under 25, not you.

Large cash amounts bring a second ID rule. For cash buy-ins, bets or payouts of $10,000 or more, alone or combined in one gaming day, the casino must identify you. That ID has to be original, unexpired government photo ID with your name, date of birth and a unique number. A provincial health card does not count.

You also need government ID to pick up a Winner's Edge card at Guest Services.

Once you are inside

Alberta law bans smoking and vaping in enclosed public places and workplaces. It also bans them within 5 metres of a door, an opening window or an air intake. Plan any smoke break outside, well clear of the entrance.

River Cree works differently on smoking. Its main floor is smoke-free, but Embers, by the north entrance, is a separate smoke-friendly gaming area. River Cree's poker room also has an enclosed smoke room.

Every casino in Alberta has a GameSense Info Centre, and GameSense Advisors work on site. GameSense is the responsible gambling program of AGLC, the provincial gaming regulator. It covers how games work, the odds and the house edge. If a game is new to you, that is a good first stop.

Finding the tables

At several casinos in the area, table games keep shorter hours than the slots. An early visit can find the slots open and the tables still closed.

Poker rooms keep hours of their own. Both PURE poker rooms are open 24 hours. At River Cree the poker room runs 24 hours from Thursday to Sunday, and 11 a.m. to 3 a.m. on other days.

On a big floor, ask Guest Services or any staff member where the tables are. Holiday hours can differ, so check the casino's own site before a holiday visit. For table hours across the area, see where to sit at a table.

Set your limit before you leave home

Decide two numbers before you go: how much you can afford to lose and what time you will head home. Treat that money as the price of the night out. Don't plan on winning it back.

• Bring that amount in cash, and leave your cards at home if that helps.
• Set a phone alarm for the time you picked.
• If you go with a friend, tell them your limit.
• When the money or the time runs out, the night is over.

Our responsible gambling page has a simple tool for setting both numbers.

If gambling stops being fun, help is free and confidential. The Addiction Helpline (Recovery Alberta) answers 24/7 at 1-866-332-2322. You can also call 211 or text INFO to 211.

Questions