Many years ago I dated a man that really knew how to play Black Jack.; he’d almost always come out far ahead. Recently I met a group of guys on a food tour that play online poker for a living, and did nothing else for cash. They mentioned to check out casino games such as poker, roulette or blackjack online for more on that. Even my father paid for much of his med school education with the same games. For me, it’s just not my thing. Sadly, I even went to Vegas last year and wouldn’t have gambled a dime, but I threw a twenty into a slot machine, because, well, isn’t that what you do in Vegas? I would have had far more fun lighting that bill on fire or buying some trinket or other. The results? I lost a twenty. It’s not really a big surprise that gambling ain’t my thing. I’m massively impulsive and bored easily, not the best attributes for a gambler. But I don’t mind a casino, but when I visit one there damn well better be more than just gambling.
Now some say that Vancouver area casinos have much to be desired, but I have headed out to several for some pretty excellent nights.
What’s out there?
Hard Rock Casino
The newest casino in Metro Vancouver is the Hard Rock Casino Vancouver with entertainment, dining and gaming offerings. The 80,000 square foot casino floor has Blackjack, Roulette, Baccarat, Poker, Pai Gow, Craps, VIP high limit salons and more, but it’s not just games here. Several performance spaces host ever-changing talent including music, comedy and performance arts. The culinary scene at the Hard Rock includes a variety of options and there’s some special events such as the 30 for $30 Winemakers Dinner series which promotes local wine.
River Rock Casino
Over in Richmond the River Rock is Western Canada’s only Four-Diamond Casino Resort. Along with the casino games and horse racing stakes there’s plenty of great shows such as the upcoming Tony Bennett, Bob Newhart, Kenny Rogers, and Margaret Cho music and comedy performances. The property is home to an excellent Italian Restaurant, Tramanto, and there’s an even an onsite hotel with modern comfy rooms. Perhaps an alternative when you have an early morning flight? The BC Association of travel writers hosted a symposium there and we had excellent service and food for the entire event.
Grand Villa Casino
Burnaby is host to Grand Villa Casino which has 50 gaming tables and 1000 slot machines as well as bars, restaurants, a show lounge, and the 200 room Delta Burnaby Hotel & Conference Centre should you need to spend the night. Their all-star chef has recently departed, but not before he set up a very nice culinary program and we’ve done many dinners here in the hotel’s spacious ballrooms and remember fonly great night of dueling pianos followed the next morning by a stellar buffet brunch.
Edgewater Casino
In downtown Vancouver the Edgewater Casino will soon be expanding, but in the meantime there are 500 slots and Blackjack, Roulette, Baccarat, and a High Limit Room should you be so inclined. There’s a lounge where you can grab a drink and 430 seat venue hosts pay-per-view sports events and galas. Easy to get to if you are downtown, but not the best of the lot by any means.
Cascades Casino
Out in Langley there’s the Cascades Casino which I have yet to visit. Along with games, etc they have recently opened Match Restaurant and friends have dined and given a thumbs up and there’s also the Coast Hotel and Convention Centre for those needing accommodation and business space. I’ll let you know when we get there.
Starlight Casino
Out in New Westminster is Starlight Casino where I’ve attended one of the most delicious weddings ever at Kirin. They will be opening a Match Restuarant soon and of course there’s the slots and VIP tables Baccarat, Blackjack, Craps, PaiGow, Roulette, Progressive Pai Gow and more.
