EDGEWATER CASINO
750 Pacific Blvd., Vancouver
604-687-3343
www.edgewatercasino.ca

During the 1986 World’s Fair, this soaring glass building housed the BC Pavilion next to False Creek’s shimmering waters. Today, the Edgewater still offers a world of excitement. You won’t keep a poker face while gaping at the abstract glass sculptures by Joel Berman that adorn the casino.

When you need a break from the 500-plus slot machines and traditional table games of chance, head upstairs to the Stadium Club. This year, the recently renovated 290-seat venue has hosted an up-tempo Burlesque Beauties show, the New Music West Conference and pay-per-view sports events, such as UFC fights, on the big screen.

The Edgewater is conveniently located downtown next to BC Place and GM Place, ideal for those who plan to catch live CFL football or NHL hockey. Grab a pre-game drink at the Vue Bar & Lounge and gaze at passing boats. As well, savvy seniors (aged 55 and up) come out on Tuesdays to enjoy specials at Splash Bistro, such as a 99¢ breakfast, $2.99 soup-and-sandwich combo at lunch or $5.99 dinner. All week, visitors can feast on international dishes such as Chinese dim sum and pork ribs.

STARLIGHT CASINO
350 Gifford St., New Westminster
604-777-2946
www.starlightcasino.ca

Entertainment-wise, the Starlight Casino might be the biggest thing to hit New Westminster since the 2004 blockbuster I, Robot was filmed in the historic Royal City. The 9,290-sq-m (100,000-sq-ft) facility boasts nearly 50 gaming tables and 850 slots beneath its distinctive windows, but is also packed with non-gambling diversions.

At Schanks Sports Grill, BC’s largest sports bar, with a 1,000-plus capacity, you can play nine holes of mini-golf, blow your mind with video games or do your best pool-shark imitation. With over 120 TV screens, it’s a great spot to watch sports from around the world, and the place gets noisy when the NHL Canucks are playing.

Starlight’s varied dining options are money in the bank. Choose from casual fare at the Salt & Pepper café, savoury Peking Duck at Kirin, or handmade Ramen noodles at the nearby Shang Noodle House. For a post-dinner cocktail, slip into the Redbar Lounge and check out original artists and cover bands playing everything from the Rolling Stones to soul and funk.

RIVER ROCK CASINO RESORT
8811 River Rd., Richmond
604-273-1895
www.riverrock.com

Overlooking the Fraser River in Richmond, this huge rainforest-themed casino is the closest thing to Las Vegas that BC offers. It has 900-plus slots, poker tournaments and a Racebook area for horse-racing fans, among other amenities. This winning experience is just 20 minutes from downtown.

Water is a constant motif architecturally, with ponds and waterfalls enlivening River Rock’s lobby. If you feel like making a splash yourself, pull on your bathing suit and whiz down the resort’s waterslide into a tropical-style swimming pool. Then try the hot tub or the well-equipped gym. It’s all available for $10 per person. To further relieve your stress, book an appointment at the onsite Absolute Spa. Facials, therapeutic massages and hydrotherapy are among the revitalizing options. There’s a beautiful relaxation lounge, plus a couple’s room for a shared romantic experience. The Vancouver-based Absolute Spa chain is a magnet for celebrities such as Chris Rock, Tanya Tucker and Lisa Lampanelli.

Celebs and regular folks flock to concerts at the 950-seat River Rock Show Theatre. Long-time NHL coach Marc Crawford was recently spotted rocking out to Peter Frampton’s masterful guitar licks. Upcoming concerts include Petula Clark (Sep. 19) and the Beach Boys (Sep. 26 and 27). Call Ticketmaster for tickets (604-280-4444). Live boxing matches take place here, too, and special guests have included Joe Frazier and Sugar Ray Leonard. River Rock’s finest dining is at Tramonto, a chic Italian restaurant where the riverside view of purple-tinged sunsets is equalled by chef Sylvain Cuerrier’s cuisine. Graze on an antipasto platter or dig into garlic-stuffed lamb sirloin tournedos with an Australian Shiraz in a Riedel glass. Then roll the dice on a dessert of rich tiramisu or chocolate cake.

BOULEVARD CASINO
2080 United Blvd., Coquitlam
604-523-6888
www.blvdcasino.com

Want a safe bet? If you’re like Bob Seger and you prefer “that old time rock and roll,” make the 40-minute drive from downtown to this Coquitlam casino. Whether or not you cash in with the more than 900 slot machines, 60 gaming tables and poker room, you’ll be singing.

The in-house Red Robinson Show Theatre features state-of-the-art acoustics, seating for 1,050 and vintage pop-music acts, such as Huey Lewis and the News (Sep. 13) and Grand Funk Railroad (Sep. 19). Call Ticketmaster for tickets (604-280-4444). And check out the framed photos in the swanky lobby. The theatre’s namesake is a renowned Vancouver rock DJ, and you’ll find shots of Red Robinson posing with the Beatles, Elvis Presley, Martha and the Vandellas and Jerry Lee Lewis. He’s still broadcasting on 104.9 CLEAR FM—no wonder the 70-something Robinson has been called “Canada’s own Dick Clark.”

Dining at Boulevard is another sure thing. The best choice for sports fans is the Lions Den Sports Bar. Tuck into a heaping platter of wings and dry ribs, or a peppercorn sirloin steak, and enjoy the game on a huge projection-screen TV. The drinks list includes 16 martinis affordably priced at $5.60 each. The spacious, welcoming room is festooned with goodies from the CFL’s BC Lions, such as an autographed jersey worn by Lui Passaglia, pro football’s all-time leading scorer. House bands and tribute acts such as Dr. No and Nearly Neil perform nightly.

For those who want to keep rockin’ and dinin’, Backstage Grille offers upscale fare and more music memorabilia, while Metro Bistro dishes up quality cafeteria food.

Publication Date: 9/2008