North · First Nations · 18+
Casino Dene in Cold Lake
This page covers Casino Dene in Cold Lake: where it sits, who hosts it, what is on the floor and what to bring. It is a First Nations casino on reserve land, listed in the North section of this guide. The "Plan your visit" table gives no hours, because the venue's own pages publish different hours, so check with the casino before setting out.
A First Nations casino in Cold Lake
Casino Dene stands at Route 28 and Highway 897, Cold Lake, AB T9M 1P4. It is one of six Host First Nation casinos in Alberta, on reserve land of Cold Lake First Nation. Its designated licensed charity is the Dene Ts’edi Society. The main line is 780-594-7900, and the toll-free number is 1-888-594-7228.
The casino began as a vision of the Denesuline (Chipewyan) Tribe of Cold Lake First Nations. It was meant as economic development for the Nation, through an agreement with the AGLC. Doors opened on September 27, 2007. Under Alberta's model, 40% of revenue from government-owned slots at First Nations casinos goes to the First Nations Development Fund. In this guide, Casino Dene appears on the North region page and the First Nations casinos page.
On the floor and around it
- Games: over 250 in all, split among slots, VLTs and table games. VLT stands for video lottery terminal, an electronic game machine.
- Live tables: there are 10 table games, and a live table means a real dealer rather than a screen. The list covers poker, Texas Hold’em, Chase the Flush and roulette.
- Poker: tournaments run every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. A tournament is an event where players compete until one holds all the chips.
- Food and drink: the Aurora Bar and Lounge is the casino restaurant and lounge, for guests 18 and over. It is non-smoking, and free live entertainment runs every weekend.
- Hotel and event space: Hotel Dene & Conference Centre sits directly across the casino parking lot and has its own website. In June 2026, Cold Lake First Nations announced a groundbreaking on a Community Gathering Space for up to 750 guests, linking hotel and casino on Highway 28.
- Loyalty card: Winner’s Edge is AGLC's province-wide rewards program, with points earned on carded play. Carded play simply means your card is inserted while you play. Members pick up the card at Guest Services with government ID and must be 18 or older.
Before you go
The legal gambling age in Alberta is 18. Staff must check valid government-issued photo ID for anyone who appears under 25, so carry it. Ample parking is on site, and security will walk you to your vehicle on request. The slot floor has both non-smoking and designated smoking areas.
The "Plan your visit" table gives no hours for this venue, because its own pages publish different hours. For those, check the casino's own page. The AGLC directory at aglc.ca/gaming/casinos/find-casino-rec lists addresses, phones and games. If gambling stops feeling like a night out, the Addiction Helpline is 1-866-332-2322.
Asked about this page
Questions
Who hosts Casino Dene?
Cold Lake First Nation hosts it on reserve land, as one of six Host First Nation casinos in Alberta. The designated licensed charity is the Dene Ts’edi Society. The casino opened on September 27, 2007.
Does Casino Dene have live tables and poker?
It has both, in fact. There are 10 live table games, including poker, Texas Hold’em, Chase the Flush and roulette. Poker tournaments run every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Is there a hotel, and is there racing?
Hotel Dene & Conference Centre sits directly across the casino parking lot. This guide does not list racing or off-track betting at Casino Dene.