Great Blue Heron Casino, located in the beautiful and quiet area of Port Perry, features a newly built 116-room hotel attached to the casino. The serene setting of Scugog Island provides a pleasant backdrop for gaming enthusiasts. However, the poker room doesn't have its own private dedicated space and is situated on the gaming floor, which detracts from the overall poker experience. A more secluded poker area would enhance the atmosphere considerably.

Other Amenities

‍The casino floor boasts over 540 slot machines and 60 table games. Places to eat include the Water’s Edge Buffet, the Noodle Bar for Asian cuisine, and Quickbites for some lighter fare such as fresh sandwiches and baked goods. There are also two fully-stocked bars. The hotel offers comfortable accommodations and guests can enjoy an on-site fitness center and spa.

• Number of Tables: 10
• Hours of Operation: 12pm until 4am

‍

Cash Games

• 1/2 NLHE: This game runs regularly and attracts a mix of retirees, locals, and beginner poker players, providing opportunities for sharp players.
• 2/5 NLHE: Also runs regularly and offers higher stakes for more serious players.
• 20/40 Omaha with a half-kill: This game runs occasionally on weekends and adds diversity to the game selection.

Despite other reviews you may find online, these days the wait time to get a seat is negligible. If you call ahead, you'll likely be able to walk right onto a table. The games here are known for their aggressive play and large average pot sizes, making it an exciting environment but also one with high variance. Compared to the other rooms in Ontario, this one has the games with the most "action" if you like exciting games where it isn't infested with nit regulars. The regulars at Great Blue Heron will gamble it up with you.

They are part of a Multi-Destination Bad Beat Jackpot that shares liquidity with Great Canadian Casino, Elements Casino Brantford and Pickering Casino.

‍Tournaments

‍Unfortunately, there are no tournaments currently being offered. In the past, the casino hosted popular monthly $500 tournaments, which were well-received. Resuming these tournaments would significantly enhance the poker room’s appeal.

• Rake: 10% up to $15 per hand.

The casino increased its poker rake post-Covid shutdown, which has been detrimental to the game’s economy. High rake reduces the amount of money in play and causes players to bust more quickly. This makes low-stakes games almost unplayable for serious players. While one can still potentially earn at 2/5 NLHE, the high rake makes rooms with lower rake or online multi-tabling more attractive options for serious grinders​

The staff at Great Blue Heron Casino are generally competent and friendly, but the casino can sometimes be understaffed. This can lead to situations where there is no cashier available, requiring players to buy chips from the pit tables. The dealers are professional, and the floor staff is top-tier, but the lack of dedicated chip runners and adequate staff to cover breaks can cause inconvenience.

‍

In summary, Great Blue Heron Casino has both strengths and weaknesses. The beautiful property and the exciting game dynamics make it a fun place to play. However, the high rake and lack of a dedicated poker room are significant drawbacks. For casual players or those looking to enjoy a staycation in Ontario, the property is appealing. Serious grinders, however, might prefer venues with lower rake and more favorable conditions.

To sum up, Great Blue Heron Casino offers a good poker experience but is overshadowed by high rake and the absence of a more private poker room. While it remains an option for casual players, there are better choices in Ontario for serious poker players.