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Vancouver and Alberta Casinos
Introduction: Two strong scenes - Vancouver and Alberta
In British Columbia (BC), the BCLC crown corporation conducts and operates a commercial game through a network of partner sites, and the minimum age is 19 +. In Alberta, the sector is the responsibility of the AGLC, and entry from the age of 18; online channel - PlayAlberta. These differences are important for visit planning and editorial references.
Vancouver and Metro-Vancouver: A showcase for British Columbia
Parq Vancouver (Downtown)
Facts. The only casino in downtown Vancouver, next to BC Place and Rogers Arena. It has a two-story gaming room ~ 72,000 sq ft, about 600 slots and up to 75 tables (a part is usually involved in the operating system). In 2024-2025, the expansion of slots to 900 is being discussed with the previous table limit.
Why it matters. Parq is an "urban" resort with JW Marriott and The Douglas hotels and a developed restaurant scene; this is the point where the casino is integrated into the event center of the city.
Hastings Racecourse & Casino (Vancouver, PNE Park)
Facts. The historical hippodrome (founded in 1889) with the lower level of slots: 446 slots ~ in operation (resolution - up to 600), without tables. It is one of two licensed gambling venues within the city limits of Vancouver.
Why it matters. A unique hybrid of horse racing + slots is a rare format for Canada; GameSense information centers and gastrons operate on the site.
River Rock Casino Resort (Richmond, Metro-Vancouver)
Facts. One of the most famous BC resorts, ~ 70,000 sq ft of play space; owner - Great Canadian Entertainment.
Why it matters. The traffic resort at Canada Line and the airport, with a theater and a large line of slots, is a "massive" choice for guests in the region.
Great Canadian Casino Vancouver (Coquitlam; formerly Hard Rock/Boulevard)
Facts. Large area of the region, ~ 80,000 sq ft of playing space; owner - Great Canadian Entertainment.
Why consider. Coupled with River Rock, it forms a strong belt of major halls in metro-Vancouver; important for concerts and events.
Note on BC rules. BCLC and the provincial government maintain public location registers; online channel - PlayNow. Age - 19 + for all forms of gambling in BC.
Alberta: Edmonton and Calgary - two cores
Starlight Casino Edmonton (West Edmonton Mall) - flagship "giant"
Facts. After rebranding Palace→Starlight (2018), the facility received ~ 120,000 sq ft of gambling and entertainment space, a REPLAY arena and a wide range of tables. Located inside WEM (second level; convenient transport bundle). The operator is Gateway Casinos & Entertainment.
Why it matters. The largest "futprint" site in the province; combines a casino with a "megamall" and nightlife - a powerful tourist anchor.
Grand Villa Casino Edmonton (ICE District)
Facts. Rogers Place casino in the city center, ~ 60,000 sq ft of entertainment and gaming; as part of Match Eatery & Public House.
Why it matters. "Arena Cluster": traffic from NHL/concerts, premium bars and proximity to hotels create an "evening" complex experience.
Calgary: Pure Casino Calgary и Deerfoot Inn & Casino
Pure Casino Calgary is an all-in-one object: ~ 57,000 sq ft of playing space, ≈852 slots, ~ 30 tables, 24/7 poker.
Deerfoot Inn & Casino - resort with a large slot hall (~ 785 slots + 32 VLT; exact numbers change), an active live music scene and spa.
Alberta Rules Note. Online play is allowed on PlayAlberta (requires 18 + and being in the province); AGLC controls licensing/compliance, and a minimum age of 18 is confirmed in conditions and regulatory materials.
Comparison and practical conclusions
Scale and type of sites.
Metro Vancouver is dominated by resort or "urban" formats (Parq - downtown resort; River Rock - on the water; Coquitlam is a large concert hub; Hastings - racetrack with slots).
Alberta is led by Mall and Arena Cases: Starlight inside West Edmonton Mall and Grand Villa in ICE District; in Calgary, Pure Casino Calgary and Deerfoot are noticeable as a "resort + casino."
Age and tolerance.
BC: Entry and play from the age of 19. Alberta: from the age of 18 (and online too - when geolocation in the province).
Trends.
The Parq expansion (bid for + 300 slots) and the Hastings quota discussion indicate a "point" increase in Vancouver's capacity.
In Alberta, the Edmonton-Calgary duopoly will remain with competition for concerts, restaurants and sports traffic around arenas and shopping malls.
Quick Guide to Key Sites
Parq Vancouver - 72,000 sq ft, ~ 600 slots, up to 75 tables; downtown, JW/Douglas hotels.
Hastings Racecourse & Casino - racetrack + slots (in operation ~ 446; up to 600 allowed); no tables.
River Rock (Richmond) - ~ 70,000 sq ft; major airport resort/Canada Line.
Great Canadian Casino Vancouver (Coquitlam) - ~ 80,000 sq ft; concert hub.
Starlight (West Edmonton Mall) — ~120 000 sq ft; REPLAY Arena; shopping/nightlife center.
Grand Villa Edmonton (ICE District) — ~60 000 sq ft у Rogers Place.
Pure Casino Calgary - ~ 57,000 sq ft; ~ 852 slots, ~ 30 tables, poker 24/7.
Deerfoot Inn & Casino (Calgary) - ~ 785 slots + 32 VLT; resort format.
The casino scene in metro-Vancouver and Alberta are different models of success: Vancouver relies on "city resorts" and events (Parq, River Rock, Coquitlam) and a hybrid racetrack with slots (Hastings), while Alberta relies on mall and arena clusters (Starlight, Grand Villa) and powerful Calgary venues (Pure, Deerfoot). For players and tourists, the key landmarks are simple: in BC - 19 +, in Alberta - 18 +, check the hours/rules on the official websites and plan a visit for a specific format - resort, city center, hippodrome or "megamall."