The Dawn of a New Era: The First Licenses of the 1970s
The introduction of a licensing system for gambling establishments in the 1970s marked the beginning of a legal era for gambling in Canada, making this form of entertainment a part of mass culture. Prior to this, Canadians made do with temporary charity evenings, but the new laws allowed for the creation of stationary entertainment complexes. The 70s and 80s gifted the country unique establishments with their own distinctive atmospheres, five of which have become true legends of Canadian gambling.
1. Diamond Tooth Gertie’s Gambling Hall (1971, Dawson City, Yukon)
The absolute pioneer and oldest legal casino in Canada is Diamond Tooth Gertie’s Gambling Hall, opened in 1971 by the Klondike Visitors Association in historic Dawson City. The casino is styled as a colorful 1898 Gold Rush cabaret-saloon. The establishment is named after Gertie Lovejoy, one of the most famous Klondike dancers, who notoriously had a real diamond set between her front teeth.
Gertie’s casino still offers a unique format: guests can place bets while watching a famous vaudeville show featuring the Gold Rush Girls and the Queen of the Klondike herself. The venue is housed in the Arctic Brotherhood Hall, a building constructed in just three weeks in 1901 for a men's fraternal organization. Today, it features roulette, blackjack, poker, and over 60 slot machines. All profits from the casino are reinvested by the non-profit association back into the town's economy to preserve historical sites and promote tourism in the Yukon.
2. Cash Casino (1980, Calgary, Alberta)
Opened in 1980, Cash Casino went down in history as the first private casino in the province of Alberta. In its early years, the establishment was permitted to host only table games for charitable purposes, as well as organize religious and agricultural events. Over time, the restrictions were lifted, and today Cash Casino is a massive complex offering over 500 slot machines, and tables for blackjack, roulette, baccarat, craps, and Pai Gow poker. One of the venue's hallmarks is the free "Blackjack Beauties" entertainment show, which has delighted visitors every Friday and Saturday for decades.
3. Treasure Cove Casino (1986, Prince George, British Columbia)
Located in the heart of northern British Columbia, Treasure Cove Casino covers an impressive 37,000 square feet and is designed in an exquisite Tuscan style. The establishment is famous for its massive bingo hall seating 700 — the largest in the province. In addition to traditional slots (numbering over 500) and tables for Texas Hold'em, blackjack, and roulette, the casino offers a generous Encore Rewards loyalty system.
4. Billy Barker Casino (1987, Quesnel, British Columbia)
When this family-owned casino opened in 1987, it was called Royal Casino and operated as a modest charity establishment. Later, it transformed into a true architectural symbol of the historic town of Quesnel. The building's unique exterior fully mimics a luxurious 19th-century paddlewheeler — an exact replica of the vessels that once navigated the Fraser River during the Gold Rush. The casino was named after the legendary English prospector Billy Barker, who founded the nearby historic town of Barkerville.
5. Cowboys Casino (1988, Calgary, Alberta)
Eight years after the success of Cash Casino, another iconic venue opened in Calgary in 1988 — Cowboys Casino. It is located in the trendy Victoria Park district, right next to the famous Calgary Stampede grounds. The 96,000-square-foot complex is decorated in an authentic cowboy style, featuring wood, cowhides, and massive bar counters. The venue offers guests 33 gaming tables, over 350 slots, and a famous poker room operating 24/7. A special feature of Cowboys Casino is its attention to customer comfort during harsh Canadian winters: there is a large heated underground parking lot, and players can enjoy free breakfasts and evening massages right at the tables.
Comparison of Legendary Casinos
While Diamond Tooth Gertie's in Dawson attracts tourists with its historical atmosphere and has only about 60 slot machines, Cowboys Casino in Calgary is a giant of the entertainment industry with over 350 slots, 33 tables, and a round-the-clock poker room.
