Niagara Falls
CASINOS OF THE FALLS
Casino Niagara 1998
Seneca Niagara Casino 2002
Niagara Fallsview Casino 2004
Located at 310 Fourth Street Niagara Falls New York Niagara Falls’ Seneca Niagara Casino opened in 2002, the result of an $80 million transformation of the Niagara Falls Convention and Civic Center into a full-service casino. It features 82,000 square feet of gaming space with 2,595 slot machines and 91 table games. Niagara Falls’ Seneca Niagara Casino opened in 2002, the result of an $80 million transformation of the Niagara Falls Convention and Civic Center into a full-service casino. It features 82,000 square feet of gaming space with 2,595 slot machines and 91 table games. Seneca Niagara Casino is Open 24 hours a day 7 days a week. In my opinion, Fallsview Casino is a better casino than Casino Niagara except, if you have kids, Casino Niagara is close to Clifton Hill which has more family entertainment. So did my wife the casino need to open up the machines and to give better gifts to regular customers. Date of experience: October 2019. Casinos in Niagara Falls, NY.
Come to the Casinos of the Niagara Frontier to experience and enjoy the glamour and excitement of the ultimate pursuit of happiness - the pursuit of money. Enter the plush and elegant settings and pamper yourself to the almost surreal world that are the Casinos of Niagara. Play the table games, the slot machines and video terminals if you desire. Whether you play or watch,
The Casinos of Niagara are an absolute must for any visitor. An experience like no other that overlooks and compliments the beauty and grandeur of the Falls of Niagara.
Casino Niagara
Welcome to Casino Niagara - the first casino built in Niagara.
On December 9th 1996, CASINO NIAGARA wasopened to the general public.
Casino Niagara will remain open 24 hours a day - 365 days a year.
Casino Niagara was built by the Government of the Province of Ontario and was initially operated by the NAVEGANTE GROUP. Casino Niagara is the largest in Canada and rivals the best of Casinos in Atlantic City, New Jersey and Las Vegas and Reno, Nevada.
In the autumn of 1998, the Hyatt Corporation took over the everyday operations of the interim Casino Niagara pending the building of the Niagara Fallsview Casino Resort.
Casino Niagara and Oakes Garden Theatre
Casino Niagara consists of 96,000 square feet (10,000 square meters) of gambling space located on three floors. There are 2,400 slot machines, 79 gaming tables and video poker machines for the gambling visitor. In addition a number of upscale restaurants and boutiques are available within the Casino.
Original projections estimated that between 16,000 and 25,000 people would visit Casino Niagara each day and that Casino Niagara would earn an approximate gross profit of $680 million dollars during its first year of operation.
A view of the main entrance of Casino Niagara
The bottom floor houses the stores. The Second floor is a designated non smoking floor. On the third floor smoking is permitted. The Millionaires Club is located on the third floor. The tower is not open to members of the public. Casino Niagara employs 3,500 people.
Dining facilities include Twenty - One Fine Dining Restaurant, The Market (open 24 hours), The Grand Cafe, Perk's Cafe, Terrace Food Court, the Hard Rock Cafe and Planet Hollywood.
Games played include: Bacarrat, Black Jack, Caribbean Stud, Craps, Roulette, Niagara Hold'em Poker, Pai-Gow, Three Card Poker and Let It Ride Bonus.
Slot machines accept Canadian currency in the form of bills and tokens in 5, 25 and 50 cents, $1, $5, $20 and $100 denominations
MILESTONES:
On December 9th 1997, Casino Niagara celebrated its first year of operation. During this fiscal year, gross revenue profits (after winning have been paid but before other expenses) will have exceeded $650 millions dollars. Approximately ten million persons have visited Casino Niagara during this period of time. These numbers make Casino Niagara, the largest and most successful Casino in Canada.
The Ontario Casino Corporation has released the November 1997 statistics for Casino Niagara. During the month of November, 649,000 people visited the Casino Niagara, an average of 22,000 persons per day. Casino Niagara made a gross revenue profit of $43.8 million dollars during the month of November.
During the month of August 1997, monthly attendance again exceeded one million visitors while grossing $50.0 million dollars.
During September 1997, Casino Niagara was visited by 811,400 people - an average of 27,000 per day while grossing $ 43.6 million dollars.
Between December of 1996 and September 1997 , Casino Niagara has drawn 5,249,700 people while earning a gross revenue profit of $265 million dollars.
Casino Niagara claims to pay out $1 million per day in winnings - an average of $30 million dollars per month.
During the first three months of 1998, the interim Casino Niagara averaged $52 million dollars per month in gaming revenue and a daily average of 28,480 visitors per day.
In 1998, Casino Niagara made a gross revenue profit of $650 million dollars.
Between April & June 1999, Casino Niagara recorded 27,681 visitors each day and generating an average revenue of $56.5 million dollars each month.
Between July & August 1999, Casino Niagara recorded 32,152 visitors each day and generating an average revenue of $59.8 million dollars each month.
From October 1st to December 31st 2000, Casino Niagara averaged a revenue of $48.1 million dollars per month. This was a drop of $1.4 million dollars when compared to the third fiscal quarter of 1999.
An average 20,489 visitors entered the Casino on a daily basis (the 1999 average was 22,080 daily visitors).
In 2000-2001 Casino Niagara made a gross profit of $596 million dollars. There were 8.5 million visitors.
In 2001-2002 (April to March) Casino Niagara made a profit of $609 million dollars. There were 8.4 million visitors.
On June 19th 2002, at 10:15 a.m., Casino Niagara recorded its 50 millionth customer. Joyce Walcott of Toronto, Ontario made the casino history book by walking in the door on Monday morning. It took five years, six months, eight days, one hour and forty-five minutes to reach this goal.
For more Casino Niagara Casino Information:
Casino Niagara,
P.O. Box 300,
5705 Falls Avenue,
Niagara Falls,
Ontario
L2E 6T3
Reach a representative by telephone at: 1-888-946-3255
Web Site: Casino Niagara
Email for General Information Inquiries: Casino Niagara
Seneca Niagara Casino
The State of New York and the Seneca Indian Nation signed an agreement which will allow the Seneca Indians to operate the Seneca Niagara Casino for a 14 year term which is renewable.
Seneca Niagara Casino consists of a 112,590 square feet of world-class gaming floor, with more than 3,200 slot machines and 97 table games.
Seneca Niagara Casino was built at a cost of $80 million dollars (US) and was opened to the public on December 31st 2002.
Features include Turtle Island - a non-smoking casino, the Blue Heron Room designed exclusively for high-stakes table games enthusiasts. Additional features include a high limit Slot Area, 'Pennies from Heaven' balcony slot area and the only live Poker Room in Niagara Falls.
Seneca Niagara Casino also offers three restaurants, a 443-seat showroom-style theater, a live music venue located at the heart of the gaming floor, three retail stores, complimentary valet parking and complimentary self-parking. And we’re located just blocks from an international icon and natural wonder of the world – Niagara Falls! So no matter what you’re looking for in an entertainment experience, you’ll find it at Seneca Niagara Casino.
Gamblers must be at least 21 years of age.
While gambling at Seneca Niagara Casino, all beverages are available at no cost. Drinks may also purchased inside the casino restaurants: at Club 101 in the center of the Casino, in the Keno Lounge and at the Bear’s Den Showroom during events.
Visit the world class 'Poker Room' and try your hand at the games of Texas Hold’em, Omaha and 7 Card Stud.
Seneca Niagara Casino is the only Niagara Falls casino offering live Poker. With 16 tables and all levels of play.
The slot area features 60 machines with $5-$100 limits and luxury seating. The 'Pennies from Heaven' balcony slot area with more of the 1¢-5¢ slots.
Table Games played include: Black Jaxck, Craps, Roulette, Baccarat, Mini Baccarat, Caribbean Stud Poker, Let It Ride, Pai-Gow, Three Card Poker, Money Wheel , Keno and Spanish 21.
Concerts are held at the Bear’s Den Showroom. This intimate theater has only 443-seats and features nationally-renowned performers every month.
Concert Tickets are available at all Ticketmaster locations, Eight Clans Gift Shop, or charge by telephone at 716-852-5000. Ticketmaster in Canada telephone: 416-870-8000.
Dining facilities include: The Western Door Steakhouse, Morrie's Place Sports Pub, Thunder Falls Buffet, Cy's Deli and Java Cafe/
On May 18 2004, The Seneca Nation of Indians and Seneca Niagara Casino proudly broke ground on their long-awaited signature hotel construction project - The Seneca Niagara Falls Hotel . This beautiful 26-story structure -$140 million dollar (US) will be a jewel in the Niagara Falls skyline, featuring 600 rooms, a full-service spa, restaurants, gaming facilities and more. Phase I completion is scheduled for August 2005. Because the hotel is being built upon land owned by the Seneca Indian Nation, sales tax, bed tax and property taxes are not being contemplated.
Seneca Niagara Casino currently employs approximately 2,000 people.
For more Seneca Casino Information:
Seneca Niagara Casino
310 Fourth Street
Niagara Falls, NY 14303 USA
Reach a representative by telephone at: 716-299-1100
1-877-873-6322
Web Site: Seneca Niagara Casino
Email for General Information Inquiries: Seneca Niagara Casino
Niagara Fallsview Casino Resort
In 1998, Mr. Al Palladini, then Minister of Tourism and Economic Development for the Province of Ontario announced the long awaited location for the future site of the permanent Casino in Niagara to be built and operated by the Chicago based Hyatt Development Corporation.
The Hyatt Corporation was the anchor of the Falls Management Company (FMC) consortium that had bid for this opportunity. The Hyatt Company owns 179 hotels and resorts throughout the world. It operates seven casinos and is co-owner of the eighth casino with Circus Circus.
Other members of this successful consortium include the wealthy Latner Family of Toronto, Ontario, Highland Gaming of Chicago owned by Neil Bluhm of JMB Realty Corporation, Olympic V. Associates controlled by Paul L. Snyder, and Falls Entertainment Corporation, co-owned by Toronto sports events promoter Andrej Kepinski and Richard Boxer.
The site selected was a 26 acre parcel of land which is located south-east of the intersection of Murray Street at Fallsview Boulevard (formerly Buchanan Avenue). The property which was owned by Ontario Hydro housed an old brick building which was used for storage and elevator facilities for the Ontario Generating Station located at the base of the Horseshoe Falls. The eastern border of this property rests along the top of the glacial moraine overlooking Queen Victoria Park and will provide an unequalled view of the world famous Falls of Niagara. Niagara Fallsview Casino Resort was built on this parcel of land and was purchased for $40 million dollars.
Niagara Fallsview Casino Resort was opened on June 8th 2004 to invited guests. It was opened to the general public June 10th 2004. Construction had begun in October of 2001.
Niagara Fallsview Casino Resort is located on 6380 Fallsview Boulevard at Murray Street in the City of Niagara Falls. Built at a cost of $1 billion dollars, the 2.5 million square foot complex includes:
180,000 square feet (18,580 sq. meters) gaming floor consisting of 150 game tables and 3,000 slot machines
each slot machine costs approximately $15,000 an investment of about $45 million dollars
10 dining and food facilities
Grand Buffet overlooking the Falls (750 person capacity) cost $20 per person.
17 Noir Fine Dining (140 seat sushi and cocktail bar) (225 seat restaurant)
30 storey Hyatt Regency Hotel with 365 rooms including 85 VIP suites (all rooms have a room with a view of the Falls) ranging from $200 -$1000 per night.
15,000 square feet of health and fitness spa
50,000 square feet of meeting and exhibition space including a 28,000 square foot Grand Hall
225,000 square feet of shopping space shopping Galleria
3,000 car - 1 million square foot parking garage
The entire building was designed in accordance with the ancient Chinese philosophy of 'Feng Shui'.
The Avalon Ballroom will offer Las Vegas caliber concerts. It has a seating capacity for 1,500 persons in a richly appointed black and red design with adjustable floor level seating for special events such as boxing matches or fashion shows. Tickets can be purchased at the Casino box office or by calling 1-888-836-8118. Paul Anka was the inaugural performer. Box Office hours - 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
All concert show times begin at 8:30 p.m.
The Niagara Fallsview Casino Resort logo is the 'Lady of the Falls' which was developed by Kramer Design Associates of Toronto. It encompasses a lady with a centuries old tradition of long flowing hair that are symbols of good fortune and good luck.
The Niagara Fallsview Casino Resort was financed, designed and built by the Falls Management Company under agreement with the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation. Approximately 2,500 persons are employed at this resort.
The center art piece in the main lobby inside the front entrance is a $10 million dollar structure named the 'Hydroteslatron'. Designed by Larry Lester, it was constructed using stainless steel, acrylic and LED crystals. incorporates the themes of the power from Niagara Falls and the power transmission inventions of Nikola Tesla. The structure resembling a old power generator utilizes 19,000 litres of water that cascades from the top of the art-piece.
Following two and a half years of construction under the watchful eye of architect Ed Zeidler. His design is based upon what is called 'a belle epoque style', a reminder of the late 1800's Victorian luxury.
The outdoor mounted red neon casino signs are 12 storeys in height.
Many Asians believe 4 is an unlucky number so the casino hotel has eliminated the 4th, 14th, 24th, 34th floors as well as the 13th floor.
Unique to this casino is a clock tower built in the middle of the gaming floor (normally clocks are nowhere to be found) and is a first for any such casino. Two of the clock faces tell time in reverse and the clock hands run backwards.
Slot machines range from 5¢ to $100 per play.
Niagara Fallsview Casino is ten times larger than Casino Niagara
It is estimated that 32,000 people per day will visit this casino.
Smoking is allowed on the gaming floor. Air is circulated four times per minute thus smoking will not inconvenience non-smokers.
Table games played are: Baccarat, Blackjack, Caribbean Stud, Casino War, Craps, Let It Ride, Roulette, Spanish 21 and Three-Card Poker.
For more Niagara Fallsview Casino Information:
Niagara Fallsview Casino
6380 Fallsview Boulevard
Niagara Falls
Ontario,Canada
Reach a representative by telephone at: 1-888-946-3255
Web Site: Niagara Fallsview Casino
Email for General Information Inquiries: Niagara Fallsview Casino
Casinos are built to earn money at the expense of those people who come to gamble. It is estimated that Casino Niagara's win ratio is approximately 85.1 %. That means the chance of winning by members of the general public is Only 15.9%. The odds of winning ARE NOT in your favour.
Remember not to get caught up in the glitzy environment and the heat of the elusive pursuit of the ultimate happiness....Money, Money and More Money. It is important to set a definitive limit that you are willing to lose. Set this limit before you enter the casino. Leave or certainly quit gambling when you reach your limit regardless of the strong desire to 'break even'. Leave all your valuables locked in the trunk of your car....Do Not leave valuables on car seats in visible locations. Beware of pickpockets.
Casino Niagara Skylines
The primary skyline feature of Casino Niagara is the 350 foot tall white tower which at night becomes a lighted beacon which can be seen for miles around. Each side of the tower has the word 'CASINO' spelled out in giant red lighted lettering from top to bottom. The tower which is more than 30 years old, was originally build as a landmark for the Oneida Silver Company which once occupied this site. Later the tower was again the center of the Maple Leaf Village Complex. The top of the tower became an observation deck which is serviced by an elevator. The tower is not open to the public.
To learn more about this attraction, visit theHistory of Towerssection.
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Date last updated:February 20, 2012
The preceding locations and facts about them are but a few of many famous sites & attractions to be found in Niagara Falls. The best of it is FREE to see...so think of Niagara Falls when planning your next vacation. If you have questions of a current or historical nature about the Niagara Falls area or suggestions feel free to e-mail Rick at:
niagarahistory@gmail.com
THANK YOU FOR VISITING
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Percy: ‘We are very well suited for a strong rebound’
By Joshua Maloni
GM/Managing Editor
Retail stores √
Barbershops and salons √
Restaurants √
Houses of worship √
Graduation ceremonies √
As Niagara County prepares for phase three of Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s “New York Forward” reopening process, answers, dates and procedures have been given for a number of items.
The reemergence of one significant sector, however, is still unknown.
Tourism.
Cuomo’s plan has said arts, entertainment and recreation are part of phase four – which could come locally as soon as Tuesday, June 30. That said, the governor recently allowed houses of worship to reopen at 25% capacity, gave the OK for outdoor graduation ceremonies of 150 people or less, and reopened restaurant patios in between phases two and three – so, it’s possible tourist attractions could come back on a different date.
Destination Niagara USA President and CEO John Percy said, “As far as we are aware, attractions are in phase four. Many of the attractions across Niagara County are currently working on their safety plans and submitting them to the state for approval.”
Two of the most prominent tourist attractions in Niagara County are the Maid of the Mist and the Cave of the Winds in Niagara Falls State Park. Each one is closed – as is the Orin Lehman Visitor Center, Niagara Adventure Theater, and Observation Tower.
Speaking on behalf of the Maid of the Mist, Kevin Keenan said, “Maid of the Mist is a concession in New York State Parks and for that reason, it is up to State Parks to determine when Maid of the Mist will open. It is not clear to the Maid whether we or any other attractions in the park are in a particular phase. In the meantime, Maid of the Mist has made a number of revisions to our safety plan that will need to be approved by New York State Parks.”
State Parks would not provide details on Maid of the Mist, or indicate when the Cave of the Winds would reopen. Its website noted visitors can walk the park grounds and view the water.
Speaking on behalf of the Maid of the Mist, Kevin Keenan said, “Maid of the Mist is a concession in New York State Parks and for that reason, it is up to state parks to determine when Maid of the Mist will open. It is not clear to the Maid whether we or any other attractions in the park are in a particular phase. In the meantime, Maid of the Mist has made a number of revisions to our safety plan that will need to be approved by New York State Parks.”
State Parks would not provide details on Maid of the Mist, or indicate when the Cave of the Winds would reopen.
The Aquarium of Niagara issued a press release Wednesday that said, in lieu of an immediate opening, it would mark its 55th anniversary this weekend with a special “look-back” video and a commemorative T-shirt that will be for sale at www.aquariumofniagara.org.
Old Fort Niagara Executive Director Robert Emerson said, “Over the centuries, Old Fort Niagara has withstood famines, sieges, surprise attacks and the storms of Lake Ontario. If you’ve wondered how Old Fort Niagara has been doing during the pandemic, it’s been tough. On March 20, our doors closed in the interest of public health. Like other closed museums and historic sites right now, our resources are dwindling. Without visitors, we’re without revenues that sustain us.” The Youngstown historic site is offering a series of virtual distance-learning programs in June.
NFP reached out to Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours operator John Kinney. He did not provide a response as of press time. The WJBT website states, “Our updated opening date is scheduled for July 1st, 2020 in Lewiston, New York. We are closely monitoring the COVID-19 situation and will make changes to our operating dates if necessary.”
Niagara Falls’ Rainbow Air Helicopter Tours also is delayed. A Facebook post stated, “Safety has always been #RainbowAirInc first priority. With saying that, until further notice we will hold off on opening day for #Season2020 Please check back to see when we are going to kickoff our XXV Season! In the meantime, please stay home, stay safe and most importantly, stay healthy.”
Not having these attractions open to the public has struck a significant blow to the area.
“This crisis has hit our local tourism economy incredibly hard,” Percy said. “As an example, the most recent hotel data shows a nearly 80% decrease in occupancy year over year for April.”
Maid of the Mist and Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours patrons are eager to get back on the water.
If You Build It, They Will Come … But Maybe Not This Year
When attractions do reopen, the next question is will people come and patronize them this summer?
Travel across the northern border bridges is limited until July. A May 10 article in the New York Times, citing a study from Airlines for America, stated airline “passenger traffic is down about 94%, and half of the industry’s 6,215 planes are parked at major airports and desert airstrips.”
Percy said, “Based on government restrictions and traveler sentiment, we don't anticipate overseas visitors coming to Niagara Falls USA until 2021 and beyond. This could change once restrictions are lifted, as well as other factors affecting inbound travel to the United States.”
Though a smaller-scale tourism season isn’t ideal, Percy said, “Once the attractions are able to reopen, we feel that we are very well suited for a strong rebound. Industry research suggests that once consumers begin to travel again, they will likely do so within a six-hour drive from their home. We have always been an extremely strong drive-market destination and that’s where we are placing a heavy marketing focus. We also have an abundance of outdoor attractions and activities, which make us a particularly attractive destination right now due to social distancing and safety guidelines.”
WATCH:
Niagara Falls is Open
State parks have remained open throughout the course of the coronavirus pandemic, and Cuomo’s “New York State on PAUSE” order – which closed all nonessential businesses in late March. He shifted to “New York Forward” in mid-May.
Niagara Falls State Park is gradually reopening and welcoming tourists.
Delaware North handles the concession and retail operations. Director of Corporate Communications Glen White said, “Delaware North on June 5 reopened some retail shops and food and beverage outlets at Niagara Falls State Park.”
General Manager Michael Barnes oversaw the creation of a safety plan, working in partnership with New York State Parks.
White said, “Open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays are the snack bar, ice cream shop and gift shop at the Cave of the Winds Pavilion, the gift shop at the Top of the Falls at Terrapin Point and the snack shop near Prospect Point. It should be noted that the Cave of the Winds, Top of the Falls restaurant and Maid of the Mist have not yet opened for the season.
“For its operations at the park, Delaware North has implemented a comprehensive program in response to COVID-19. The Rest Assured Commitment to Care program features new health and safety standards aimed at helping keep guests and employees safe. Delaware North has reengineered operating procedures to minimize contact risk and bolster hygiene protocols to meet or exceed best-practice guidelines of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
“The Rest Assured program at Niagara Falls State Park includes:
√ “Upholding current social distancing guidelines as directed by local and state health officials and in compliance with the CDC.
√ “Enhanced cleaning and sanitization protocols for all high-touch surfaces in common areas.
√ “Most points of sale accept touchless mobile wallet payment options such as Apple Pay and Google Pay.
√ “Hand-sanitizing stations.
√ “Plexiglas dividers at points of sale.
√ “Rest Assured signage, including for social distancing.
“In addition, our employees:
√ “Take a health check when they report to work.
√ “Sanitize their hands when they report to work and are required to wash and sanitize their hands frequently throughout the shift.
√ “Undergo a comprehensive Rest Assured training program.
√ “Wear face coverings while they are on duty.”
Seneca Niagara Reopening Next Week
Seneca Gaming Corp. will reopen Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino on Thursday.
In a press release issued earlier this week, Seneca Nation President Rickey Armstrong Sr. said, “After being closed for nearly three months, we are now ready to move forward with the safe, responsible and systematic reopening of our gaming facilities. This is a signature moment in our region’s economic recovery from the circumstances that arose as a result of this unprecedented public health crisis.”
Interim CEO and CFO David Sheridan said, “The health and safety of our team members, guests and their families continues to be our highest priority.”
To that end, the company stated, “The Seneca Resorts & Casinos team has established a comprehensive plan informed by public health experts and CDC guidance to adapt all front-facing and back-of-house procedures to maintain a safe and fun environment. The plan, which can be accessed in full at SenecaNiagaraCasino.com, includes protocols for social distancing, disinfecting measures, and wellness screenings for both team members and guests.”
“We are confident in opening Seneca Resorts & Casinos in phases while implementing the most comprehensive steps across all of our departments to ensure an effective return to operations while protecting everyone in the facility,” Sheridan said. “We look forward to reconnecting with our extended Seneca family … from a distance.”
The casino PR team noted hotel operations and the spa and salon will remain closed, as will most restaurants. Some slot machines will open, but there will be no table games.
STIR and The Lobby Bar are closed. Morrie’s will offer grab-and-go options, as will Blues Burger, which is also able to provide sit-down dining in the front wing.
Meanwhile in Lockport
Lockport Locks and Erie Canal Cruises opened Thursday, according to a tweet sent earlier in the day.
Tourists come from around the world to take a Rainbow Air Helicopter ride.