- Very reasonable room rates
- Tons of comps and resort vouchers
- Slots by IGT, Aristocrat and Konami
Casino Nova Scotia Halifax Review
Casino Nova Scotia is a long-standing casino and entertainment venue in Halifax Nova Scotia. The casino was first launched in 1993 at the local Sheraton but has since been relocated to a larger and more Vegas-styled structure on the Halifax Waterfront. Nowadays, it is a fully equipped gaming venue that offers a multitude of betting options along with fine dining and a peaceful scenery.
Available Gaming Options
Now operated by the Great Canadian Gaming Corporation, Casino Nova Scotia offers you all the gaming options you’d expect from a GC casino, including off-track betting. Whether it is slot machines you’re after, classic casino table games, or if you want to spend all day at the Poker tables, Casino Nova Scotia will be able to cater to your needs.
For slot machine players, the casino offers a solid selection of more than 500 different machines. Some of these slots offer old-school games while others feature more modern picks. Most of the slot collection is supplied by Aristocrat, so if you’ve ever played on some of the game provider’s slot terminals, you know exactly what to expect from the casino.
No matter what kind of a budget you are on, you can find a machine to enjoy. If you want to spend a few hours entertaining yourself with slots, you can try the penny machines. But if you want to spend more in order to get more, you can also find games with higher denominations. Progressive jackpots like the Lightning Link are also available on the gaming floor along with other slot jackpots.
And if you don’t like playing slots, you also have around 30 tables where you can find a number of classic casino games. For Blackjack players, the casino offers a couple of tables with betting limits between $5 and $20. If you want to spend less, expect to wait for a spot at the table. Variants include standard Blackjack, Blackjack Switch, as well as a game with the King’s Bounty side-bet.
For a more Vegas-like experience, there is also a mini-craps table at the casino which is opened only on Friday and Saturday nights after 8 PM. Mini-Baccarat is also available during the same hours when the casino is the liveliest. If you want to play Roulette, however, you’ll only find double-zero variants on the main floor but no single-zero games.
For a chance to play single-zero Roulette tables, you will have to visit the high-limit Crown Room. In this area, you can play a small variety of table games with higher betting limits. Blackjack with the King’s Bounty bet, single-zero Roulette, and EZ Baccarat can all be played at this high-roller area. The operating hours of the room are 8 PM – 4 AM Sunday to Thursday and 6 PM – 6 AM on other days.
Poker players, on the other hand, can enjoy a host of options, both on the main floor area as well as the Poker room. If you want to play against the casino and win some bonus payouts, you can find games of Let it Ride Poker and Mississippi Stud. Both games feature the Three Card Bonus Bet which pays special jackpot prizes when both the dealer’s and player’s cards complete a strong hand.
However, if you like to take on other players in a game of No-Limit Texas Hold’Em or Pot Limit Omaha, you’ll need to go straight to the Poker room. There, you can find 6 tables that offer these variants in a variety of limits which are given upon request. Table-side service is also available in the Poker room and so are progressive jackpots like the Bad Beat and Royal Flush jackpots.
And just in case you want to try something other than casino games, Casino Nova Scotia offers off-track betting on horse races. Horse racing bets can be placed at the special Poker room, which has a designated betting area with 16 large TVs. Your bets can be placed through the pari-mutuel hosts or via some of the automated betting terminals.
Location and Atmosphere
The casino is strategically located to offer closeness to the city centre as well as be secluded enough to provide you with privacy. It’s very close to the Halifax Marriott Hotel and within a 20-minute walk from downtown Halifax. Since it’s located straight on the harbour front, the casino gives you a chance to enjoy some fresh air and soak in some sea views while walking around the outside area.
Being in the business for long, the casino’s knows how to make players welcomed and happy. The staff is efficient, friendly, and accommodating to guests, be they on the gaming floor or in the restaurants. The casino is smoke-free and has a fun and friendly atmosphere that becomes especially vibrant during weekends when more tables and great shows are made available.
Resort Amenities
The casino’s former hotel is now the Marriot Halifax Harbourfront Hotel, so if you want to get some accommodation you will have to visit the hotel separately. There you can find a variety of rooms and amenities like spa centres and swimming pools. As for the casino’s own amenities, you have the Schooner Showroom where exciting concerts, musicals, and shows are offered frequently.
Restaurants
The main dining spot at Casino Nova Scotia is the 3Sixty Lounge, which is located in a newly renovated area. The Lounge offers both a la carte dining and free entertainment with its trivia, karaoke, and live music shows. You also have a 3Sixty Buffet available at the casino which is open until 10 PM on Thursday to Saturday and serves different food every day.
Conclusion
If you’re in Halifax, you won’t want to miss out on Casino Nova Scotia. Conveniently located within a very short drive from the downtown, the casino is a practical choice for entertainment and dining. It also features a solid game variety that can appeal to both slot players and fans of table games. Blackjack and Poker players will be especially happy here with all the available offers.