It’s safe to say that one of the most impressive wonders along the border between Canada and the United States is Niagara Falls. The site is renowned for its breathtaking waterfalls, however it is also home to a vibrant casino scene. This is mostly thanks to three casinos that attract millions of visitors annually from all over the world. It’s not just avid gamblers who visit; you'll find audiences coming to see live shows and visitors looking to sample gourmet dining options and lounge in luxurious accommodations.
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These casinos are a significant source of revenue for the region, creating a lot of jobs and supporting local businesses. They also expand the appeal of Niagara Falls, blending the site’s jaw-dropping views with sophisticated entertainment to create the perfect getaway destination. Here, visitors can play casino games in a welcoming and luxurious setting.
Casinos in Niagara Falls have gone through a fascinating journey that has effectively reshaped the region’s tourism and economy. It all started in the 1990s, when the Ontario government began looking into casinos as a potential tourism boost that could generate more revenue. In April 1996, it was announced that the former location of Maple Leaf Village would be used as the site for a new casino in Niagara Falls. By December of that year, the Casino Niagara opened its doors to visitors.
The casino’s popularity led the sector to gain momentum in Niagara Falls, and the early 2000s saw a significant evolution and expansion. The biggest addition came with the unveiling of the Fallsview Casino Resort in 2004. It was a major milestone in the region’s casino industry, with a state-of-the-art resort that combined luxury accommodations with huge gaming floors and world-class entertainment.
Over the past few decades, both the Casino Niagara and Fallsview Casino Resort have continued to evolve to meet the demands of visitors. They have expanded their gaming floors to include more options, making sure players have the chance to play traditional table games and modern slot machines or jump onto a high-stakes area for an altogether different experience.
Another big change came with the rise of online casino gambling in the 2000s. This pushed the land-based casinos in Niagara Falls to expand and renovate to ensure they remained competitive and relevant in the digital era. The largest of these overhauls came in 2016, when Fallsview Casino Resort added a new gaming floor and an additional entertainment venue.
The casinos in Niagara Falls have become an essential part of the region’s appeal. As this beautiful location continues to evolve, its major casino venues will change and adapt with it.
Here is a look at some of the most noteworthy casinos in Niagara Falls.
Perched atop the picturesque cliffs that overlook Horseshoe Falls is Fallsview Casino Resort, the cornerstone of Niagara Falls’ bustling entertainment scene since 2004. The resort was designed to offer visitors a luxurious, all-inclusive experience, setting a new standard for casino resorts in the region. It showcased the tremendous potential of combining the allure of natural wonders and breathtaking landscapes with high-end leisure and casino facilities.
The Fallsview Casino Resort has a huge gaming floor spanning more than 200,000 square feet. It comes with an impressive selection of gambling options, including more than 3,000 slot machines and 130 table games such as roulette, blackjack and poker. These cater to casual players and high rollers alike, with a designated high-limit area offering a more exclusive gambling experience.
If you step away from the gaming floor, you’ll find plenty of attractions at the resort. There’s a multitude of dining options to choose from, with everything from casual eateries to fine dining restaurants. These include the award-winning Ponte Vecchio, offering Italian cuisine, along with The Grand Buffet, with its vast range of international dishes and a striking view of the Falls.
The resort’s hotel has more than 370 rooms and suites and is fitted with a spa and fitness center, offering high-end treatments for visitors looking to relax during their stay. The Avalon Theatre, a 1,500-seat venue, also hosts a wide variety of shows, including concerts from acclaimed artists, stand-up comedy acts and theatrical performances.
The nightlife at Fallsview Casino Resort is also very busy. You can head over to bars and lounges to enjoy live music. Special events and seasonal celebrations add to the venue’s vibrant atmosphere, making sure the resort remains a prime location in the area. Fallsview Casino Resort is one of the best resorts in the country, offering a unique experience with its high-end offerings.
Casino Niagara has the honor of being the first casino in Niagara Falls. Its opening in 1996 turned out to be a pivotal moment for the city, transforming the region into a key destination for tourism and entertainment. Strategically located at the heart of Niagara Falls, Casino Niagara quickly became a top spot for tourists and locals thanks to its fantastic blend of entertainment on offer.
Although it may be smaller than the Fallsview Casino Resort, Casino Niagara’s gaming floor is still quite extensive, spanning more than 95,000 square feet. It comes with more than 1,300 slot machines, along with popular table games such as baccarat, roulette and blackjack. Poker players can head over to the poker room for regular tournaments that cater to players of all skill levels.
The entertainment on offer here expands beyond gaming; Casino Niagara has some brilliant dining options to choose from. The Market Buffet has a wide selection of international dishes, all in a casual setting. The LEV2L Sports Bar & Entertainment has a livelier atmosphere, with a menu of pub-style dishes and a lot of large screens showing live sports events.
The only drawback here is that Casino Niagara doesn’t have a hotel. However, the venue is situated very close to the Fallsview Indoor Waterpark, and there are several hotels in the area with a variety of accommodation options. What it lacks in accommodations, it makes up for in entertainment. The venue constantly hosts live performances, with local bands and tribute acts taking to the stage to mesmerize audiences and create memorable experiences.
Casino Niagara brought about a huge change in the region, and although it's no longer the biggest resort in the area, it remains incredibly relevant. As the region evolves, Casino Niagara continues to adapt accordingly, maintaining its legacy as a key player in the sector.
The Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino is located on the United States side of the border, which means it is situated in New York state. It opened in 2002 and is operated by the Seneca Nation of Indians. The casino has been a huge asset to the local economy, generating more revenue and revamping the tourism industry on this side of the border.
Although it may not be as expansive as the Fallsview Casino Resort, the Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino is much bigger than the Casino Niagara, with a gaming floor of around 147,000 square feet. There is a variety of gaming options available, with more than 2,500 slot machines and more than 80 table games such as craps, roulette and blackjack. You also get a dedicated poker room and a high-stakes area, so both casual players and high-rollers can get the experience they’re looking for.
Another big part of the resort is the luxurious hotel featuring more than 600 rooms and suites that have been built with comfort and elegance in mind. Most of the rooms give you a stunning view of the Niagara River, and you also get access to the hotel’s full-service spa, fitness center and indoor pool. There are several dining options to choose from, with restaurants for all types of occasions. The Western Door Steakhouse offers a fine dining experience, while Thunder Falls Buffet and Blues Burger Bar offer a more casual setting for your evening.
The venue’s entertainment mainly revolves around the 2,400-seat Seneca Niagara Events Center, where you can enjoy regular performances such as concerts, comedy shows and theatre productions. You’ll also find the Bear’s Den Showroom, a more intimate venue that offers an up-close experience with renowned artists and performers. The venue also has various bars and lounges that make up a vibrant nightlife.
The casinos at Niagara Falls are equipped with a broad range of gaming options, ensuring all players can find the games they prefer. This includes thousands of slot machines and a wide selection of table games such as blackjack, roulette and baccarat. In most of the casinos, you'll also find a dedicated poker room with regular tournaments, along with high-stakes gaming areas.
If you’re a first-time player, it's essential to keep an eye out for your budget, managing your bankroll carefully as you go along. Make sure you understand the rules of the game you’re playing and consider starting with simpler options, such as slot machines and low-stake table games.
You’ll find a variety of accommodations at Niagara Falls Casinos, from luxury suites to budget-friendly rooms. If you’re looking for elegant suites, check out the Fallsview Casino Resort or Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino. These hotels offer stunning views, modern amenities and five-star service.
However, these aren't the only options available. You'll also find several smaller hotels around the area with budget-friendly options, providing comfortable and convenient accommodations.
For the best rates possible, be sure to book in advance, especially if you’re visiting during peak tourist seasons. Be on the lookout for package deals and dining vouchers that can help you save some money on your trip.
If you want to take a break from gaming and enjoy your surroundings, be sure to start with the striking parks around Niagara Falls. They offer stunning views with breathtaking natural beauty, along with hiking opportunities. If you’re the adventurous type, you might enjoy zip lining over the falls, thrilling helicopter tours, and boat rides on the river.
For more cultural experiences, check out the Niagara Falls History Museum and historical sites like Old Fort Niagara. Families can also head to the Butterfly Conservatory and Aquarium of Niagara, both of which offer guided tours. Regardless of your interests, you’re sure to find activities to enjoy in the region.
There are three casinos in Niagara Falls.
The Fallsview Casino Resort and Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino are attached to their hotels, but the Casino Niagara doesn’t have its own hotel.
The Fallsview Casino Resort and Casino Niagara are owned by the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation, while the Seneca Niagara Resort and Casino is owned by the Seneca Nation of Indians.
In Niagara Falls, you will find the Casino Niagara, Fallsview Casino Resort and the Seneca Niagara Resort and Casino.
The Fallsview Casino Resort is the biggest casino in Niagara Falls.
The Fallsview Casino Resort and Seneca Niagara Resort and Casino are both hotels with casinos.
The Casino Niagara was built by Mohegan Gaming and Entertainment, and they still run the casino.
Players from all over the world visit and play at Niagara Falls casinos.
Aside from the beautiful views the location offers, casinos provide significant contributions to the local economy, making them popular in the area.
There are more than 5,000 slot machines across the casinos in Niagara Falls.
Yes, Niagara Falls casinos have venues offering live music.
You’ll need an official ID that demonstrates you’re 19 or older to enter the casinos. Anyone who looks like they are younger than 21 may be asked to provide two sources of ID.
Learn more about different Canadian casinos
Fallsview Casino Resort is a luxury gaming property perched on top of a cliff overlooking Horseshoe Falls.
Discover all the gaming options and additional amenities that await visitors at Casino Niagara.