- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Coffee & Tea |
- All
Casino Nova Scotia
Category: Arts & Entertainment Casinos Casinos [Edit]
1983 Upper Water StreetHalifax, NS B3J 3Y5
(902) 425-7777
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 10 am - 4 am
Fri-Sun 4 am - 4 am
- Good for Kids:
- No
16 reviews for Casino Nova Scotia
16 reviews in English
-
Review from Colleen D.
Dartmouth, NS
4/2/2012 1 Check-in Here
Yes, I'm a fan. We don't go out much but when we do we like a night at the casino. We're not high rollers and we don't go looking to make a big payout, we look at it as a form of entertainment, far less disappointing that way. That being said, it's always nice to come out ahead.
I usually only play the slots and the BlackJack tables. I find for the most part, the slots are pretty tight, though on the rare occsion I've come out ahead. The BlackJack tables can be fun. I find most of the dealers are pretty friendly and can really make or break the fun at the tables. Most are pretty good at letting newbies know what "The Book" says about certain plays. The other players can be hit or miss. Many will take it very seriously, generally I like to play at the low minimum tables as people are less stressed out if they lose. The only thing that bothers me is it is sometimes hard to get a seat at a table and they won't open up a new one.
There is a high roller room of tables and one for slots. Minimums are not really that much higher then out on the main floor but a little quieter for sure.
They've opened up "The Games Room". Seems to be marketed to the younger crowd, it's "open" Friday and Saturday nights. It has low minimum Black Jack tables, slot machines, a DJ, and draws for swag from mothly sponsors. Even though we are older then their target market, we enjoy going into the room every now and then, though it can get loud ;-)
There's some pretty good entertainment comes to the Harbourfront lounge and the Schooner Room. The casino has paired up with the Delta hotels to put together a very well priced Stay & Play package which we took advantage of this past weekend. A very good deal IMO. -
Review from Kimberley M.
Halifax, NS
4/12/2012
I'm not a gambler, but for whatever reason, I do like going to the casino. Most often, I end up at the Casino for events, rather than to play the slots, and that's what happened most recently.
I attended a Mad Men party in the Harbourfront Lounge and it was a pretty good spot for a TV premiere gathering. The bartenders indulged our requests for cocktails that are now seldom ordered (Manhattans, sidecars, gimlets) and did a fine job of it. The space is large, and roomy, with high ceilings and a small stage at the front. I haven't seen anyone playing live in the space, but I think it would be a pretty cool venue. It sort of resembles a cabaret movie set, or could easily pretend to be one.
Overall, the Casino surprises you a bit - it's classier than you think and can act as a really nice place to grab a drink or host an event.Listed in: Night on the Town
-
Review from Tiffany T.
Halifax, NS
10/3/2011
I do not gamble, and I don't particularly enjoy watching other people gamble. Sometimes though, I do not have a choice. The "Games" floor is obnoxious really, very loud and annoying. Like Philip said; "bling bling, flash flash ring ring, gulp gulp". To be honest, it makes my soul hurt. But, I know some people just love that, must be nice to have money to burn!
I have seen a few a shows in the Schooner room; Naturally 7, Bob Saget ( Hilarious) and Cyrus the Master Hyponist (not so master, if I say). Shows were decent, depending where you sit. If you're too far back it's hard to see as it's not stadium seating. There is bar which is a huge plus, although it is WAY overpriced.
The Trapeze, the Casino's restaurant (http://www.yelp.ca/biz...)
wasn't what I wanted it to be.
So, yeah I'll head down every once and a while if that's what my friends want to do, and I will continue to go to shows there (I'm seeing Jeff Dunham in January). But, will it ever be a go-to place, nah.. never..Listed in: 30 Day Yelp Challenge
-
Review from Philip H.
Halifax, NS
6/1/2011 3 Check-ins Here
Bling bling, flash flash, ring ring, gulp gulp.
This might seem like an odd review from someone who doesn't gamble besides the odd lotto ticket. I find casinos in general loud and obnoxious. One good thing Casino NS has going for it is it's venue space. I've seen many terrific shows (mostly in the Schooner show room) there and always have a great time.
The staff are friendly and helpful to event planners and their army of helpers. The facilities are always very clean and well maintained.
They get a good solid 3 stars for their performance venues... not for the annoying one-armed-bandits.
One thing to note... on the off-season use the front door, not the one on the water front, it's closed.
Completely wheelchair accessible, no free wi-fi. -
Review from Laura P.
4/14/2010
Its everything you'd imagine a casino being: pulsating colour scheme, industrial carpet, cling-clang sounding of chips 'n slots, no sense of time and the slow deprivation of pockets.
I'll admit, the whole casino experience makes me sweat. While many people go for a little harmless fun, I always turn my focus to the serious slot masters and table-side junkies just praying for a win. And in seeing them, I can't help but see the Casino as more of a downer. Older folks should be safe and warm at home... not strung out on a stool waiting for three of a kind.
Putting my own stigma aside, the Halifax Casino caters to those wanting to partake in a little gambling action. Step into the casino and get lost in its undertow for a few hours-- who needs Vegas? Staff are serious and very professional. But beware: they won't hesitate to remove gawkers and those just there for a party.
There is a restaurant, a bar and cushy washrooms to hit up during intermissions; thus, making it a comfortable place to stay and risk some more cash. It truly is the complete casino experience and a spot to see at least once.
Although, I've had my fill... and I think I'll save myself the bother and buy some groceries instead. -
Review from Courtney M.
Halifax, NS
4/17/2010
There's nothing really wrong with Casino Nova Scotia, I am just of the belief that we should all treat casinos as a somewhat dodgy entity.
I used to enjoy occasionally heading to 'the casino' after a long night out on the town to a) enjoy the fun of gaming in general and b) recoup bar losses.
The $5 black jack tables were particularly fun as you could typically play for half an hour or so, enjoy a fancy cocktail and then be on your way to maw down on some greasy pizza. Within the last year or two though the casino has done away with the $5 tables all together and hardly has any $10 tables left either! Too rich for my blood!
Overall, head to the casino if it's your 21st birthday. Beyond that, best left avoided. The crisp oxygenated air is enough to keep you going for hours but I wouldn't recommend it. -
Review from Adam B.
Halifax, NS
12/16/2009
I've never won big money at the Casino, matter of fact, I always come out with less money then when I walk in, but I also always leave with a smile on my face.
I look at the Casino as an evenings entertainment and not a ticket to riches. If I take a date to the movies, I'm going to be spending $30. So if I go to the Casino, I'm expecting to leave 20-30 dollars lighter. It's entertainment and a lot of fun. Just don't take it seriously.
Gamble responsibly. Public Service Announcement - over!
The solid thing about the Casino is that it guarantees a good weekend night can go on a little longer. When the bars shut down, trusty old Casino Nova Scotia is still open for your good time needs. The drinks are relatively cheap and the bells and whistles are bound to keep you awake and excited. I don't think I could stay in there for more than a few hours, but by the time I want to leave it's time to go to bed (or go to work*).
Those of us who don't have a sense of control or who don't know when to quit, I would suggest avoiding the Casino, but if you want a good night to go a little longer, the Casino can be a great after party.
(*I kid, I kid, get a good nights sleep before you go to work friends.) -
Review from Krista L.
Westphal, NS
11/12/2009 1 photo
What I like about Casino NS is:
-Cheap draft ($3.25/glass);
-Free parking (provided you use your Casino card and have your ticket validated);
-Great selection of VLTs including 1 and 5 cent slot machines, and
-The Schooner Show Room is great for watching concerts at reasonable prices.
What I dislike about Casino NS is that:
-They're almost always super busy and you can't always play the games or machines you'd like to play;
-They recently did away with their $5 blackjack tables and now they only have computerized $5 blackjack, and
-The food from the restaurants inside the casino is expensive, it's not very good, and you typically have a long wait before being served.
Overall, not a bad night out, just be sure to eat before you go, and avoid going on a Saturday night. -
Review from Katie M.
Halifax, NS
4/3/2010 1 photo
What better way to ring in your nineteenth birthday than a trip to Casino Nova Scotia!
I was overwhelmed my first time at the Casino, there is so much to take in. It's a big building filled with slot machines, betting tables, bars, concert rooms and cash out machines everywhere.
Big decisions have to be made right off the bat; the budget for the night was fifty dollars and we decided to use it sparingly first hitting the five cent slot machines and then switching to the Black Jack tables when we worked up enough courage. We joined a table with a five dollar minimum bid and managed to win enough to buy a drink from the bar (which was ridiculously priced).
The waitresses were pretty good at coming by often enough to deliver drinks, but then again there weren't many people in the casino that night. It's definitely easy to see how some people lose track of time in any (and particularly this) casino. Artificial light is pumped in and the temperature control made it feel like winter inside in the middle of July.
I'm not a big gambler so the novelty of the betting wore off on me, but I was continually impressed every time I used the restroom. The facilities were very fancy and really clean and spacious so you'll never find yourself waiting in line.
Hot Hint: Leaving the casino and the weather isn't great? You can navigate the tunnels above the streets and through Scotia Square to make your way up to Grafton Street in no time. -
Review from Shawna D.
Chester, NS
Updated - 8/25/2010
The Schooner Show Room - We went to see Dr.Hook at the Schooner Show Room in the Casino last weekend.
This was my first time going to the Schooner Room, it turned out to be a great evening. The seating is in a huge room, all level seating, preassigned when purchased. There is a bar that stays opened until about halfway through the concert. You are allowed to take your drinks into the main room which is nice.
There was room at the front of the stage for dancing, which I have to say was packed the whole night long. The staff were very helpful getting people to their seats after the lights went down. It was a great place to see a concert and has a whole different atmosphere than seeing it at a huge complex.1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
4/5/2010
Casino Nova Scotia, I went here while walking the water front. I was amazed at how many people were… Read more »
-
-
Review from Joshua Y.
Vancouver, BC
11/12/2009
This is the only Casino, at least the only one I know of, in the entire province. Casino Nova Scotia has a variety of things for you to do. From variety shows, to buffet's to, of course, gambling.
Unfortunately, over the years, the Casino has been offering less and less perks for customer's. They still give the basic essentials of a Casino, but there have been tons of things they used to offer that they don't any more. I have been to Casino's in other countries so I am not easily impressed by Casino Nova Scotia. They are all supposed to be flashy and exciting. So no props for having that because I haven't been in a casino that didn't have it.
As for their entertainment, its pretty good and probably one of the top reasons why the Casino is still in business. From popular Maritime bands like Sons of Maxwell to big names such as Chantal Kreviazuk, they do a good job in booking a variety of performers both locally and abroad.
Casino Nova Scotia gets three stars for being the only Casino, not doing too bad of a job, and giving enough of a variety to bring in Gamblers and Non-Gamblers alike. However they have been cutting small things through the years and its starting to be noticed by the public. The staff are working harder than ever and I don't know, but I'm pretty sure there are less staff than in previous years. So their budget cutting is starting to become obvious and I hope they stop it because they have always had the opportunity to be one of the best entertainment center's in Halifax. But with every one thing you take away from visitors, it is just one more reason not to come. But for the sake of not ending on a down note, I do like the Casino and pop on by from time to time. I'm not a big Gambler but I'll drop some money down on a game I know will last me more than a minute or two.
If you are a fan of Casino's, then head to Casino Nova Scotia. Not because its going to be the best experience you've ever had in a Casino. Its the only one in Halifax so it wins by default. But you will have a good time I guarantee. -
Review from cheryl d.
Halifax, NS
7/31/2010 1 photo
I am mixed when it comes to this kind of entertainment. But if you are ever looking for some that is bright, loud and with alot of people then this would be your location.
Yes I understand that a Casino is all of the above but honestly I have been in this place made twice and placed about $5.00 in the slots. It is truly amazing how much money someone can spend here with large amounts of time. Casino Nova Scotia was a HUGE hit when it first opened as we had nothing like it and we all wanted to see what they hype was about. Anything from slots, blackjack to your favourite poker hands all with great atmosphere and alot of lights so make sure you have your Tylenol with you oh and your wallet. But be assured that bank machines are near by. -
Review from Ang M.
Halifax, NS
11/10/2009
I don't have a problem with casinos. I think they're kind of fun, although I know that many people have real issues with gambling addiction. For me, the casino is just a place to go and drop $20 every six months or so on the slot machines and dream of the big win.
And it is kind of fun. The noise! The lights! The very serious people at the blackjack tables. I've even won some money, on occasion, though that's not what usually happens.
I do have a friend who seems to have a magical aura about her and all she has to do is look at a machine for it to start spewing money at her. Unfortunately, she doesn't live here, so I can't exploit her casino-friendly energy very often. -
Review from Bethany J.
Halifax, NS
4/10/2010
When the Casino came to Nova Scotia, much weeping and wailing and knashing of teeth ensured. Church-going types were positive it would be the ruination of our province, scattering families asunder and paving the way to the poorhose for countless citizens.
Several year later, here we are: a little the worse for wear, economically, but that certainly can't be laid at the feet of the Casino.
I've been the the Casino only a handful of times, because honestly my budget doesn't have a line item for "throw money at nothing repeatedly". I did enjoy the visits I've made, though, and had a blast feeding quarters into the one-armed bandits and making the occasional wager on the tables. I've never really paid close enough attention to table games to really make any money at it, but these can be picked up fairly quickly if you're not looking to turn a profit.
The atmosphere on the gaming floor is all go go go, all the time. The Casino is opened extensive hours, so you can pretty much get your gamble on any time you like.
If you head down, take a moment to check out the high rollers' rooms. It's a fascinating glimpse into the kind of lifestyle you've only seen in the tv tournaments. -
Review from Lacey H.
4/6/2010
Gah - Casino Nova Scotia, a place to take your money and throw it about like it ain't no thang. I've enjoyed this money vacuum on a few occasions; fancying the black jack tables over the slots.
I'm not really sure what to say. Most casinos are the same: no windows, crisp (intense) air, swirling carpet patterns, loud bells and colors - it's a real sensory experience.
The employees are efficient and professional. I think there is a rule on how many times casino workers can smile and joke. Once they reach their daily limit, it's all horizontal tight lips and head nods.
The casino buffet draws people in with its spread of offerings, and if it's your birthday - you eat free! There isn't a ton of stuff for vegetarians, and if you're looking for a healthy meal, it's not the spot for you. Nonetheless, there is a charm to buffet dining while bells toll overhead and the sound of slots being cranked fills the air. Le sigh...
It's a fun/funny place to go, especially late at night if you're looking for a cheap cocktail. The signs on the way in will make you think you can be a winner too, like all of the other framed smiling faces, but be warned: you'll probably lose, and that's a fact. Have fun! -
Review from Tremayne H.
Halifax, NS
8/30/2010
The Sunday morning buffet has alot of variety. Because of the licensing children can't join to make it a family affair. Still a great buffet selection.
