River Rock Casino Resort, located near Vancouver International Airport and easily accessible by rapid transit from downtown Vancouver, offers a quintessential Las Vegas experience in British Columbia. This guide provides essential information for visitors planning a trip to River Rock.
River Rock Casino: Gaming and Rewards
River Rock Casino features a comprehensive loyalty program known as Encore Rewards. This card allows players to accumulate points on slot machines, video poker, and electronic table games. For every dollar played, one point is earned, and 1000 points can be redeemed for $5 in freeplay. New members often receive a signup bonus of $5 or $10 in freeplay. While the casino boasts a wide array of slot machines and video poker options, full-pay video poker, even at the $1 denomination, is not typically available.
Blackjack and Other Table Games at River Rock
While River Rock offers blackjack among its table games, the rules may not be as favorable as in other jurisdictions. Historically, blackjack rules in BC casinos were more player-friendly, but recent changes have adjusted those conditions.
Complimentary Drinks and Tax Information
Guests at River Rock can enjoy complimentary non-alcoholic beverages such as coffee, tea, soda, and ginger ale. These are available from servers circulating with beverage carts or directly from the bar. Alcoholic beverages can be purchased from the bar or cocktail waitresses and are not complimentary, with beer typically priced around $6-7 and cocktails between $8-10. Importantly, gambling winnings are tax-free for Canadian citizens. However, due to the US/Canada tax treaty, American players may be subject to tax reporting for substantial winnings. It’s also worth noting that hand pays for penny and nickel slot machines generally begin at $500.
