Encore Rewards (Great Canadian) Casino Review 2026
Pros and Cons
- Licensed by MLL
- Not registered with iGaming Ontario (grey-market in CA)
- No French-language support
Key Facts
- Loyalty program type: Land-based player club (not an online casino)
- Operator: Great Canadian Entertainment
- Licence: Manitoba Lottery and Gaming (MLL)
- Provinces available: Manitoba (physical casino locations only)
- Online availability: Not available as a standalone online platform
- Headquarters: Winnipeg, Manitoba
- Welcome bonus: Varies by tier; see terms at point of enrolment
- Payment methods: In-person at casino cashiers
- Customer support: On-site at Casinos of Winnipeg locations
- Mobile app: Not standard for a land-based player club
What is Encore Rewards?
Encore Rewards is the player loyalty programme for Casinos of Winnipeg, operated by Great Canadian Entertainment, a long-established Canadian gaming operator. Rather than a digital online platform, Encore Rewards functions as a tier-based membership card system used at physical casino locations across Manitoba.
When you enrol, you earn points on slots and table play, which convert to comps, cashback, or tier upgrades. Perks typically include birthday bonuses, exclusive promotions for VIP tiers, and priority access to special events. The programme tracks your spend and rewards consistent play with incremental benefits—standard practice in land-based gaming.
Great Canadian has operated in Manitoba since the mid-1990s and holds a solid regulatory standing with the provincial lottery commission. The Casinos of Winnipeg properties are legitimate, inspected venues, not offshore operations. However, they are brick-and-mortar only.
Land-Based vs. Online: What This Means for You
The critical distinction: Encore Rewards is not an online gambling platform. You cannot access games from home or on your mobile device through Encore Rewards. You must visit a physical casino location in Manitoba to play.
If you live in Manitoba and regularly visit casinos, Encore Rewards is a free way to earn rewards on play you're already doing. If you're in another province, you'd need to travel to Manitoba to use the programme. If you prefer online play, you need to look elsewhere—Ontario players have access to iGO-regulated sites; players in other provinces can access offshore operators licensed by the Kahnawake Gaming Commission or other jurisdictions.
Tier Structure and Benefits
At the time of this review, Great Canadian has not published detailed tier breakdowns on the general public website. Typically, land-based programmes use tiers like Silver, Gold, Platinum, or equivalent, unlocked by annual spend thresholds. Each tier grants:
- Point multipliers on slots and tables (e.g., 1 point per $1 spent, or higher at premium tiers)
- Comps: restaurant credits, hotel discounts (if applicable), or free play vouchers
- Birthday bonuses: free play or bonus points during your birthday month
- Event access: advance notice of tournaments, promotions, or special gaming days
- Withdrawal perks: sometimes front-of-line service at the cashier
For specifics, visit a Casinos of Winnipeg location or contact player services directly—programme details change seasonally.
Casino Properties and Amenities
Great Canadian operates two main properties in Winnipeg:
- Canad Inns Destination Centre: Full-service casino with slots, table games (blackjack, poker, roulette), and on-site dining. Accessible to all players, Encore Rewards members enjoy tier-based perks.
- Casinos of Winnipeg (also branded under Great Canadian): Multi-property setup offering similar games and amenities.
Both venues maintain standard Canadian casino protocols: age verification at entry (18+), floor staff, security, and RNG (random number generator) compliance under MLL oversight.
Deposit, Play, and Withdrawal (Land-Based)
Since Encore Rewards is land-based, transactions work differently from online casinos:
- Visit a casino location during operating hours.
- Approach the cashier with your Encore Rewards card or ID.
- Exchange cash for casino chips or electronic play credits.
- Play slots, tables, or other games on the casino floor.
- Return to the cashier to cash out winnings or use comps for dining, hotels, or free play.
No Interac e-Transfer, no crypto, no wire transfers—it's old-school cash-in, cash-out at the cage. This is secure for the player (no online fraud risk, funds held in trust at a regulated venue) but requires physical presence.
Customer Support and Services
Casinos of Winnipeg locations provide on-site support:
- Languages: English; French available on request at some locations (verify when visiting)
- Hours: Venues operate extended hours (often 10 a.m. to 3 a.m. or later); call ahead for your specific location
- Channels: In-person at the casino, phone during business hours
- Disputes: If an issue arises, speak with floor management on-site. Escalation goes through Great Canadian's player services and ultimately MLL if unresolved.
There is no live chat or email support for a land-based programme—service is face-to-face or phone only.
Licence, Regulation, and Player Safety
Encore Rewards operates under Manitoba Lottery and Gaming (MLL) oversight. MLL is the provincial regulator for legal gaming in Manitoba, including land-based casinos.
What this means:
- Casino operations are independently audited for fairness (RNG testing, payout rates).
- Player funds in the cage are protected by provincial gaming law and venue insurance.
- Disputes can be filed with MLL if an unresolved complaint arises.
- Advertising and marketing are subject to MLL approval.
For Canadian players, provincial licences (MLL, Ontario's AGCO, etc.) carry more player protection than some offshore operators, but you forgo the flexibility of online play.
Is Encore Rewards Right for You?
Consider Encore Rewards if:
- You live in or frequently visit Manitoba and enjoy land-based casino play.
- You want a free, easy way to earn rewards on your existing casino visits.
- You prefer the social experience and physical environment of a casino floor.
- You trust provincial regulation and want to avoid offshore operators.
Look elsewhere if:
- You want to play online from home or your mobile device.
- You live outside Manitoba and cannot easily visit.
- You prefer the convenience and anonymity of online gambling.
- You want a large game library—land-based slots and tables are limited compared to online sites.
Alternatives
For online play across Canada:
- Ontario (iGO-regulated): bet365.ca, FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, theScore Bet, and others offer full game libraries and Interac e-Transfer payouts.
- Other provinces (offshore): Operators licensed by the Kahnawake Gaming Commission (Bodog, Ignition, Sports Interaction offshore side) or other jurisdictions serve players outside Ontario.
- Provincial monopolies: British Columbia (PlayNow.com), Quebec (Espacejeux), Alberta (PlayAlberta) offer limited online gaming under provincial control.
If you specifically want Manitoba-based legal play, Casinos of Winnipeg's land-based venues are your regulated option. If you want online access, you'll need to use an Ontario iGO site or an offshore operator licensed in another jurisdiction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Encore Rewards a legitimate casino programme? Yes. It's operated by Great Canadian Entertainment, a long-standing Canadian gaming company, and licensed by Manitoba Lottery and Gaming. The Casinos of Winnipeg are regulated, on-site venues—not offshore.
Can I play Encore Rewards online from home? No. Encore Rewards is a land-based player loyalty programme. You must visit a physical casino location in Manitoba to use it.
Do I have to pay to join Encore Rewards? No. Enrolment is free. You earn points on play at the casino and accumulate tier benefits automatically.
What happens to my points if I stop visiting? Most land-based programmes expire points after 12–24 months of inactivity. Check Great Canadian's terms when you enrol.
Is Encore Rewards available in other provinces? Only in Manitoba, at Great Canadian's physical casino locations. Players in other provinces cannot access the online platform (because there isn't one) or the in-person programme without traveling to Manitoba.
Are my winnings taxable in Canada? Gambling winnings in Canada are generally not taxed as income for recreational players. However, if the Canada Revenue Agency determines you are operating a gambling business, ordinary income tax may apply. For most players, winnings are tax-free. Consult a tax professional if you have specific concerns.
How do I contact Encore Rewards if I have a complaint? Call or visit a Casinos of Winnipeg location. Escalations go through Great Canadian's player services and, if unresolved, to Manitoba Lottery and Gaming.
Is there a mobile app for Encore Rewards? Not a standard feature. Some land-based programmes offer companion apps for checking points balance, but full online gaming is not available through Encore Rewards.
Verdict: Who Encore Rewards Suits
Encore Rewards is ideal for regular Manitoba casino visitors who want to convert their spend into comps and cashback. It's a no-cost loyalty programme run by a legitimate, regulated operator, and Great Canadian's properties are well-maintained venues. If you're already visiting Casinos of Winnipeg, joining Encore Rewards makes financial sense.
However, if you're seeking an online casino, Encore Rewards is not a fit. The programme is land-based only, and at the time of this review, Great Canadian does not operate a standalone online gambling platform. For online play, Ontario residents should explore iGO-regulated operators; players in other provinces can use offshore sites licensed by the Kahnawake Gaming Commission or other jurisdictions.
Great Canadian's land-based casinos are trustworthy and fun, but for online gambling, you need a different platform. Choose based on where and how you want to play.
Gambling should remain entertainment. If you or someone you know has a problem with gambling, call ConnexOntario at 1-866-531-2600 (Ontario), Jeu : aide et référence at 1-800-461-0140 (Quebec), or your provincial helpline. 19+ in most provinces; 18+ in Alberta, Manitoba, and Quebec.