This hugely impressive, multi-purpose gaming and hotel complex is one of the most exciting gambling destinations in the state of South Dakota (S.D). It has an outstanding selection of casino facilities and games, plenty of dining options, on-site accommodation, and loads of promotions and loyalty benefits. To get a deep insight into the venue and discover all it has to offer, keep scrolling down to our Royal River Casino and Hotel Review.
In the following review, we’ll be providing a comprehensive, impartial assessment of the Royal River Casino and Hotel. By looking at each individual aspect of the venue such as the casino facilities, licensing details, promotions, the hotel, and plenty more, we’ll make sure that you’re all clued up by the time you’re through! Alternatively, if you’re after quick answers to regularly occurring questions and queries, skip ahead to the FAQ section at the end.
Royal River Casino and Hotel: What to Expect
Contents
In 2019, the Royal River Casino and Hotel finally completed years of extensive remodeling. With over $30million spent, it has made significant improvements to the hotel, restaurant and gaming floor, and now offers state-of-the-art entertainment and leisure facilities. Simply put, it’s one of the most impressive and exciting casino complexes in the region. To learn more about the venue, use the content navigation tool above and skip ahead to specific paragraphs in the review.
Royal River Casino and Hotel Casino Games
The Royal River Casino and Hotel games selection is well up there with the best in the state. The collection of slots exceeds 400 and there are plans to extend it even further to surpass 700! At present, the range includes Vegas-style slots, progressive jackpot slots, video slots, penny slots, and more. And, as is required by law, all the games are regularly tested for fairness by the South Dakota Commission on Gaming.
Aside from slots, the Royal River Casino and Hotel games list includes a very solid selection of live table games. Classic versions of poker and blackjack — as well as a few fun variations — are housed in the card pit. In addition, dice chancers will be thrilled to hear that roulette and craps are played here too. There are high and low wager limit games available, so regardless of your budget, you can get in on the action.
- Traditional Slots
- Video Slots
- Progressive Jackpot Slots
- Penny Slots
- Mississippi Stud
- Silverado Stud
- Ultimate Texas Hold ‘Em Poker
- Free Bet Blackjack
- Craps
- Roulette
- Keno
- Online Adventure Bingo
As can be seen in the list element above, the Royal River Casino and Hotel games selection is about as good as it gets. It doesn’t matter what kind of gambler you are: card sharks, reel spinners and dice chancers all have good reason to get excited. Craps is available Thursday through Sunday, roulette and live card games from 10am – 4am daily, and slots are available 24/7!
Play Online Adventure Bingo
Whilst online gambling in exchange for real money is strictly prohibited in S.D, the Royal River offers fun, adventure-style bingo via its website! Warrior Bingo is a happy-go-lucky, fast-paced, action bingo game where you can go head to head with friends and other players online. Play your way through numerous levels and compete for bonuses, power ups and coin rewards! The best part about it is it’s totally free and can be played on the official Royal River website or via the native app. Head over to the Apple or Google Play store and get it on your device!
Loads of Promotions
The Royal River Casino and Hotel promotions range is another aspect of the casino worth getting excited about. Most of the promotions here take the form of cash and prize giveaways, which we really like as no prior skill or knowledge is needed in ordered to be a winner: simply be in the right place at the right time and you could walk away with a top prize!
Some of the standout promotions here include the weekly Spin the Wheel Draw where a share of $250,000 in slot plays is up for grabs. You’ll also find drinks deals at the bar; awesome prize giveaways where you can win cars, spa getaways and holidays; special seasonal promotions, and plenty more. The best way to keep up to date with the monthly promotions board is via the official website. The Facebook page also does a good job of posting hot new deals.
Royal Rewards Club
In addition to all the great promotions we’ve mentioned, loyal, regular visitors are entitled to a few benefits at the Royal River. It’s all about earning points here: the more points you accumulate, the more perks you win — points can be earned by playing on the slots or live table games. Once you’ve earned enough points you can choose to redeem rewards on a wide variety of services offered at the Royal River or simply trade them in for cash! To sign up to the program, enquire directly at the casino or fill out the application form on the website prior to arrival.
No Sports Betting
At present, sports betting is severely restricted in S.D. There are only a very small number of casinos where sports bets are taken and they are only permitted to offer services on a handful of S.D horse racing events. You won’t find anywhere with a comprehensive sportsbook offering that includes the big four (NFL, NHL, NBL and MLB). However, this may all be changing soon as the state is preparing to vote on whether sports betting is to be made legal. With the vote scheduled for November, there’s every chance there could be a breakthrough here.
Alternative Activities
While it may be hard to believe, the Royal River excels just as much at offering visitors non-gambling related attractions as it does great casino facilities. With regular events, top leisure activities, first-rate on-site dining and plenty more, you’ll have just as much fun outside of the games room as you will inside. Keep reading the following sections for the full rundown.
New Hotel Facilities
| Hotel Rooms | 108 rooms + 12 suites |
|---|---|
| Price per Night: | $69 – $105 |
| Pool: | Heated indoor pool + hot tub |
| Room Service: | Available |
| Gym/Fitness Studio: | Gym and fitness studio |
| Address: | 607 S Veterans St, Flandreau, SD 57028 |
As we mentioned earlier, the Royal River recently invested serious capital into the casino and hotel facilities. As a result, the hotel here is really top drawer. Offering affordable accommodation as well as luxury suites, a conference center, gym, fitness studio, indoor pool and hot tub, we’re sure you’ll find the arrangements here more than adequate. In addition, visitors making a road trip with an RV will find plenty of space on the campground.
The Royal River is located on the Flandreau Reservation, which is in West S.D on the border of Minnesota. If you’re traveling by road, your best bet is to look for either the Interstate 29 or 90. If you’re flying in, the nearest airport is Sioux Falls — just over 40 miles away. For airport transfers, enquire directly at the venue and they’ll be able to suggest car rental services or perhaps even a shuttle service for you.
Concerts, Dining & More
There’s no shortage of Royal River Casino and Hotel events and entertainment. The on-site concert hall is known for hosting top-bill shows, the vast majority of which are family friendly. Have a peak at the events calendar on the official website and see what’s coming up. In addition, there are plenty of lounge areas, gym and fitness facilities, and a heated indoor pool and hot tub. If all else fails, you can indulge at the River’s Bend Restaurant, which has loads of buffet menu options and delectable specials.
General Company Info
| Owner: | Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe |
|---|---|
| Phone Number: | +1 605-997-3746 |
| Gaming License Class: | Class III |
| Number of Games: | Over 400 |
| Hours: | 24/7 |
| Opened: | 1990 |
| Website: | Royal River Casino and Hotel |
| Social Media: | Facebook, Twitter |
The Royal River first opened back in 1990 and has since transformed into a full-purpose gaming, hotel and entertainment complex that can rival any other in the state. Following major investment and substantial remodeling — which was completed and celebrated with an extravagant launch party in October 2019 — its facilities are top notch. Now, you’ll find a VIP lounge, an expanded gaming floor and restaurant, an additional gaming bar, and plenty more.
The Class III license allows visitors to enjoy a vast array of slot machines, live table games, and 24/7 bingo in plush, modern surroundings. It’s been proudly owned and operated by the Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe since it opened, which is reflected in the decor and artwork around the building. The casino is committed to empowering the local community and gives generously to numerous charities and foundations around the nation.
An Outstanding Gaming & Leisure Complex
All things considered, the Royal River really is a top gaming complex — we are struggling to think why it can’t be named the best resort in the state. It has a great games selection, lots of promotions and loyalty benefits, on-site dining and accommodation, and plenty of leisure facilities. If you’re planning a trip to the area, we absolutely recommend you to visit: it has something to offer all kinds of gamblers. If enjoyed reading our Royal River Casino and Hotel review, head back over to the homepage and discover more leading casinos in S.D.
Frequently Asked Questions
We hope you’ve enjoyed reading our Royal River Casino and Hotel review! We’ve made it down to the final section, so we’ll attempt to tie up any loose ends by answering some of the questions we regularly get asked by our readers. If there are still things we’ve missed and you have more queries, shoot us an email using the contact tab.
What is the legal gambling age?
Like everywhere else in the state of S.D, the legal age to gamble at the Royal River is 21. If you don’t have a valid ID proving your age you won’t be able to enter the gaming floor or use any of the slot machines. For more info relating to licensing, see our general company info section.
Where is the Royal River Casino?
The complex is in western S.D on the border of Minnesota. The exact address is 607 S Veterans St, Flandreau, SD 57028-1416 — look for Route 34 on the Interstate 29. The nearest top rated casino is the Fort Randall — why not stop by on your way through?
Is there space for my RV?
Yes. In addition to the hotel there’s an RV park and campground with 20 power points. For $15 a night, you can get showers, cable TV, and electricity. There are also two water stations and a dump station. For more info about accommodation options, skip back up to our hotel paragraph.
How many games are there?
In total, there are well over 400 games here at the Royal River Casino. This includes loads of different types of slot machines, live table games, and bingo. For more in depth info, which includes a proper breakdown of all the casino facilities and games, head back up to our games paragraph.
Are there any promotions?
Yes. The Royal River Casino and Hotel promotions range offers plenty of great prizes and benefits for visitors. Most of them are random cash draws and prize giveaways, but you’ll also find a few promos at the bar and in the restaurant. For a full rundown of all the deals, head up to our promotions section.