NIAGARA FALLS VISITORS GUIDE

When gambling was first introduced to the Niagara region back in the 1990's it was the general consensus that casinos would be our salvation in tough economic times.

Local manufacturing jobs were disappearing because of "globalization" and the Niagara Falls tourism industry, which never did produce much more that minimum wage jobs, was stagnant. We had to do something to stimulate our local economy and the answer was casinos!

Casinos will bring in a whole new type of tourist. People with money! They will come to gamble but when they arrive they will be so overcome by the incredible beauty of the local parkland and the awe-inspiring site of "the Falls" they will be motivated to: do some sightseeing; eat in the local restaurants; and patronize our shops!

Did it work? Yes and no!

Gamblers are here and spending money. Unfortunately, not much of their money is being spread around. They arrive at the casino/hotel, check-in, hit the slots or the craps table, eat in one of the casino restaurants, check out the view of "the Falls" from the restaurant window, shop in the casino boutiques, drink in one of the many casino bars, go back to their hotel room to relax/recover/sleep then leave the next morning.

YES, casinos are contributing to our local economy because many local businesses contract services to the casino operators and thousands of new jobs have been created. NO, because gamblers never seem to wander too far away from the casinos, the existence of the casinos isn't doing much to help local restaurants, motels, souvenir shops or any local tourist businesses other than the casinos and the hotels that surround them.

Of course casino gambling itself presents another problem to the locals. Most out-of-town visitors come to the Niagara Falls casinos to have a little fun, try their luck at the slots or Black Jack tables and win or lose (most likely lose) head back home and don't think about gambling again until their next vacation. This isn't the case with many of the local residence. When a casino is "just down the street", the temptation is great! Far too many locals have become addicted to gambling and have lost, or are in the process of losing, everything. Savings are gone, families broken apart, jobs lost, lives lost! BE WARNED!

About the Niagara Casinos

There are three casinos in Niagara Falls. Two in Niagara Falls, Ontario and one in Niagara Falls, New York.

Casino Niagara: The oldest and most casual (not too glitzy) is Casino Niagara in Niagara Falls, Ontario. They offer all the usual gaming facilities, slots table games and poker room, as well as a sports book. The amenities include restaurants, an all-you-can-eat buffet (best bang for your buck in Niagara Falls), bars and comedy club. The casino is located in the Clifton Hill area and surrounded by hotels i.e. Sheraton on the Falls, Crowne Plaza Niagara Falls-Fallsview Hotel and the Skyline Inn. Please note that under Province of Ontario Law, smoking is prohibited in the casino as well as restaurants and bars, in fact, the only place you can smoke is outside. The pit bosses can offer players some freebies such as a restaurant voucher for the buffet but NO FREE LIQUOR. You have to pay for your drinks!

Niagara Fallsview Casino Resort: The largest and most "Vegas" like casino (lots of sparkle and glitz) is located in the Fallsview area of Niagara Falls, Ontario. They offer the usual slots and table games with huge poker room and a VIP room for high rollers as well as bars, restaurants, all-you-can-eat-buffet (not to pricey with excellent food choices), a theatre/ballroom featuring first class entertainers and stage shows, boutiques and a patio overlooking "the Falls". The casino is part of a hotel/spa complex and is surrounded by several major hotels on Fallsview Avenue including the Hilton, Oaks, Marriott and Embassy Suites. Please note that under Province of Ontario Law, smoking is prohibited in the casino as well as restaurants and bars, in fact, the only place you can smoke is outside. The pit bosses can offer players some freebies such as a restaurant voucher for the buffet but NO FREE LIQUOR. You have to pay for your drinks!

Seneca Niagara Casino & Hotel: Located in Niagara Falls, New York. I have only been to this casino twice and can't say I know much about it other than it has all the amenities a casino should have i.e. table games and slots. From what I've heard from other people, the buffet is outstanding and the the fact that you can smoke in the casino and drinks (liquor) are free sure is appealing. The following has been extracted from their website ?If you?re looking to get the most out of every visit to the Casino, then you'll love Seneca Niagara Casino & Hotel. From the very latest slot machines to your favorite table games to world-class dining and entertainment, Seneca Niagara Casino & Hotel is the real deal for real players.?

If you're planning a trip to Niagara to do a little gambling, please take some time to "smell the roses". This is a beautiful area with magnificent scenery, first-class tourist facilities and countless sites of historical importance to both Canadians and Americans dating back to and before the War of 1812.

For more information, please "click" these links.

Niagara Falls to Niagara-on-the-Lake bicycle tour highlighting area attractions with images and text narrative.

Niagara Region Museums and Historical points of interest.

Niagara Falls Travelers Information

Niagara Falls Attractions

All About Niagara Falls (Home Page)

Niagara Falls Hotels (Including Hotels with Water Parks).