The Longest Standing Casino in Canada: A Historical Landmark
When people think of Canada’s casinos, glitzy modern gaming floors in Niagara Falls or Montreal often come to mind. But tucked away in the northern wilderness of the Yukon is a place where history, entertainment, and the spirit of the Klondike Gold Rush come together like nowhere else, Diamond Tooth Gertie’s Gambling Hall.
Recognized as Canada’s oldest operating casino, Diamond Tooth Gertie’s is more than a place to play cards or pull slot handles. It’s a living historical landmark, preserving the vibrant energy and bold spirit that defined Dawson City during its golden age. It is understandable why online versions like online blackjack and online slots hold the essence of traditional games as it is the same reason why places like diamond tooth Gerties gambling hall is still standing.
A Casino Born from the Gold Rush
Diamond Tooth Gertie’s Gambling Hall first opened its doors in 1971, but its roots reach much deeper, back to the Klondike Gold Rush of the late 1890s. During that era, Dawson City was the heartbeat of fortune seekers from around the world. The town exploded with excitement, opportunity, and a bit of lawlessness as prospectors flooded the Yukon in search of riches.
Entertainment was an essential escape from the harsh realities of frontier life. Dance halls, saloons, and gambling Parlors sprang up overnight, offering miners a place to celebrate their wins or drown their losses.
Diamond Tooth Gertie’s captures that very essence. Named after a real historical figure, Gertie Lovejoy, a popular dance-hall performer known for the diamond set between her front teeth, the casino was created to recreate the charm and spirit of Dawson City’s wildest years.
A Step Back in Time
Walking into Diamond Tooth Gertie’s Gambling Hall feels like stepping back more than a century. The building itself, housed in a beautifully preserved 19th-century structure, oozes Gold Rush nostalgia.
The swinging doors, ornate woodwork, vintage chandeliers, and stage performances transport visitors straight to 1898. Croupiers in period costumes greet guests, while cancan dancers perform lively routines reminiscent of old-time saloon shows.
Unlike modern casinos filled with neon lights and digital screens, Gertie’s atmosphere is authentic, warm, and full of character. It’s not just a gaming experience; it’s a celebration of Canadian history brought vividly to life.
More Than Just a casino: A Cultural Landmark
What truly makes Diamond Tooth Gertie’s special isn’t just its longevity, it’s its commitment to preserving heritage and supporting the community.
The casino is owned and operated by the Klondike Visitors Association (KVA), a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting tourism and maintaining Dawson City’s historical charm. Every dollar of profit from the casino goes back into local heritage initiatives, tourism programs, and community events.
This makes Diamond Tooth Gertie’s Gambling Hall the only casino in Canada where gambling directly benefits cultural preservation. Players aren’t just chasing luck, they’re helping keep a piece of history alive.
The Entertainment Experience
Each summer, the casino comes alive with nightly shows that blend theatre, music, and dance, much like the rowdy performances that once entertained miners and travellers during the Klondike era.
The highlight of the evening is the Diamond Tooth Gertie stage show, a musical revue complete with dazzling costumes, high-kicking dancers, and a charismatic “Gertie” leading the charge. There are three different shows per night, each more lively than the last.
Between performances, guests can enjoy classic casino games such as blackjack, roulette, and poker, or try their luck on the slot machines. But it’s the lively energy, laughter, and vintage décor that make the experience unforgettable.
For many visitors, the true win isn’t at the table, it’s being part of a living piece of Canadian folklore.
A Symbol of Dawson City’s Resilience
Dawson City has weathered booms and busts since the Gold Rush days, yet it has never lost its sense of adventure. Diamond Tooth Gertie’s stands as a symbol of that resilience.
While other Gold Rush towns faded into history, Dawson City preserved its heritage. Many of its buildings, including Gertie’s, are protected as National Historic Sites, reflecting the town’s commitment to celebrating its past while adapting to the present.
Visiting the casino is more than entertainment; it’s an immersive historical experience that connects visitors with the heart of Canada’s northern frontier.
The Legacy of “Gertie” Herself
The real Diamond Tooth Gertie Lovejoy was a local legend during Dawson City’s boom years. She was a performer known for her wit, beauty, and unmistakable sparkle, both in her smile and her personality.
By naming the casino after her, the founders paid tribute to the women of the Gold Rush who played key roles in shaping the social life of the Yukon. Today, every “Gertie” who takes the stage carries on that legacy of confidence, charm, and boldness that defined the era.
A Must-Visit Historical Attraction
Diamond Tooth Gertie’s Gambling Hall isn’t just a stop for gamblers; it’s a must-see attraction for anyone visiting the Yukon.
It’s open seasonally from May through September, when Dawson City buzzes with activity and travellers from around the world come to explore the town’s colorful streets, wooden boardwalks, and storied past.
Visitors often describe Gertie’s as a mix of Las Vegas meets the Wild West, but with a distinctly Canadian twist. Whether you’re there for the games, the history, or the spectacle, one thing’s certain: there’s no other casino quite like it.
Preserving the Past, Inspiring the Future
In a world where casinos often chase modern luxury and high-tech experiences, Diamond Tooth Gertie’s remains refreshingly authentic. It proves that the thrill of gaming doesn’t need flashing lights or skyscraper resorts, just heart, history, and a little touch of sparkle.
As Canada’s longest-standing casino, it stands as a proud reminder of how entertainment, heritage, and community can come together in one remarkable place.
Whether you visit for a spin at the roulette table or to watch the cancan dancers light up the stage, Diamond Tooth Gertie’s offers more than a night out, it offers a chance to step into history and feel the spirit of the Klondike alive and well.
