If you’re looking for a casino in the Niagara region, there’s really only one choice.
The two Mi Casinos in Niagara (Fallsview & Casino Niagara) are owned by Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation ((OTLG)) and offer some of the best gaming within an hour of Buffalo.
No Deposit Bonus USA 2023 | Best No Deposut Bonuses for US PlayersNote: As of April 4th, 2022, these casinos are now .
Both venues feature thousands of slot machines and table games including Roulette, Blackjack, Baccarat, Pai Gow Tiles, and more.
They also have some unique games you won’t find at most casinos in Ontario or even North America—like Sic Bo and Pai Gow Poker.
I recently visited both Niagara Fallsview Casino Resort and Casino Niagara with my fiancé to see what all the hype was about. Here are my thoughts on each venue.
Fallsview Casino Resort
Located on the Canadian Hwy 407 (exit 91), Fallsview Casino Resort is perched atop the Niagara Gorge with a breathtaking view of Horseshoe Falls.
Designed after a Native American tent, it’s truly a site to be seen—especially when lit up at night against the backdrop of the falls.
Inside, the casino is laid out like a “C” shape around an atrium that includes several restaurants, a gift shop, and a theatre.
The gaming area consists mostly of slots and electronic tables games on the main level with live table games on a lower level.
There’s also a high limit room called The Vault, which is accessible by members only.
If you plan on playing in this area, make sure you sign up for the Club One card (free) which allows you to play all the slots and tables without having to insert your own card into each machine.
You can also earn points to use towards food/beverage/gift shop purchases as well as hotel stays at the attached tower or other participating hotels in the region.
Speaking of hotels, I highly recommend staying at the Westin Hotel next door if you want a nice place to rest after a long day of gambling, sightseeing or both!
As someone who values sleep above all else, I appreciated the amazing beds and quiet location away from the casino noise.
We even had a glimpse of the fireworks show over the falls from our balcony one evening!
Now let’s take a look at some of the highlights of Fallsview Casino Resort.
Slot Machines
With over 3,600 slot machines, you won’t be disappointed with the selection here.
Denominations range from 1 cent to $1.00 with many wide-area progressive jackpots linked to other casinos in Ontario and Western New York.
I found plenty of my favorite themes including Wheel of Fortune, Jeopardy!, Family Guy, Transformers and Star Trek.
There were also quite a few newer titles I hadn’t seen before such as King Kong, Evolve or Fruit Lightning.
of the Best Slots UK Players Can Try Out OnlineOverall, the slots area felt modern and clean with plenty of space between machines. There were also plenty of cocktail waitresses circulating to take your drink order.
Just remember to keep your receipt if you’re playing with cash so you can redeem your tickets at the end.
Insider Tip: If you prefer to use cashless payment, I suggest signing up for the Club One Card and loading money onto it before you start playing.
This will avoid any confusion at the redemption booth and allow you to track your spending limits more easily.
Table Games
In addition to the live table games area, there are also several electronic versions of popular games like Roulette, Blackjack and Baccarat.
These allow you to learn the rules and bet sizes at your own pace before moving on to the real thing.
The stakes for electronic games ranged from $0.50 – $1,000, while the live games started at $5-$100.
Some of the live game options included:
- Roulette
- Blackjack
- Mini and Midi Baccarat
- Pai Gow Tiles
- Pacific Baccarat
- Squeeze Baccarat
- Dice Dice Dice (Sic Bo)
- Four Card Poker
- Lucky Ladies
- Heads Up Hold ‘Em
I was particularly excited to try Dice Dice Dice, a game I had never seen before outside of a Vegas Chinatown casino.
It’s similar to craps in that the dealer rolls three dice, but the betting options are much simpler.
I ended up chatting with a regular player named David, who said he drives up from Pennsylvania every month to play here.
He also mentioned that the complimentary drinks flow freely and the dealers are some of the friendliest he’s encountered.
“Plus, have you seen the view?” he said, pointing to the floor-to-ceiling windows behind us.
Indeed, the mist from the falls occasionally wafted through the air conditioning, reminding us of the natural wonder just beyond the glass.
Most Memorable Slot Wins in History - #7 is rooted at Money Storm Casino….It’s definitely a unique experience to gamble while admiring one of the Seven Wonders of North America. Just don’t get too mesmerized and lose track of time like I did!
Food Options
When it comes to dining, Fallsview Casino Resort has something for everyone. We opted to try the Buffet (of course!) and were not disappointed.
For lunch, we paid $28.95 per person and got a variety of seafood, pasta, carving stations and desserts. It was a good value considering the quality of the food and the view.
Other restaurants inside the casino include:
- Chaos Theory – Fine dining with a focus on locally sourced ingredients.
- Coca Cola Stage – A 1,500-seat venue for concerts, comedians and other shows.
- Horseshoe Buffet – Classic buffet fare with themed dinners throughout the week.
- Fresh Kitchen – Build your own bowl, salad or sandwich.
- P.F. Chang’s – Chinese-inspired cuisine in a casual setting.
- Motto Pizzeria + Bar – Wood-fired pizzas and pub grub.
- Starbucks – Because you can’t gamble on an empty stomach…or without coffee.
Outside the casino, there are many more options in the nearby tourist district known as Clifton Hill. Think wax museums, haunted houses and street performers dressed as superheroes.
Or, you know, just walk across the street for a views of the falls and enjoy a leisurely meal at one of the many restaurants there.
My personal favourite is Elements on the Falls, which offers seasonal patio seating right on the edge of the promenade.
Entertainment
In addition to the Coca-Cola Stage, Fallsview Casino Resort sometimes hosts other acts in the Pure Nightclub lounge or the adjacent Avalon Ballroom.
We caught a free show by magician Eric Malmberg, who combined card tricks, mentalism and comedy in a fast-paced routine.
His assistants included a volunteer from the audience (yours truly) as well as a dancing bear plush toy. Yes, things got a little silly at times, but that’s part of the fun.
No Deposit Bonus Casino Free Spins WinsIf you’re lucky, you might also catch a traditional Indigenous dance performance or a fashion show featuring local designers.
Check the calendar on their website for upcoming events.
Overall Impression
I would highly recommend Fallsview Casino Resort for anyone visiting the Niagara Region. Whether you’re a hardcore gambler or just looking for some entertainment, there’s something here for you.
The staff were friendly and efficient, the amenities were top-notch and the view of the falls cannot be beat.
Here are a few pros and cons to consider:
Pros:
- Stunning location overlooking Horseshoe Falls
- Wide variety of slot machines and table games
- High-limit room for VIP players
- Several dining options to fit any budget
- Live entertainment in various venues
- Attached to a full-service hotel with great restaurants
- Free parking (for hotel guests and those making a $10 purchase)
Cons:
- Cigarette smoke permeates everything (even in non-smoking areas)
- Some machines seemed to pay out less frequently than others
- Cocktail service could be faster during peak hours
- Buffet prices are on the higher side ($35+ for dinner)
Overall Rating: 4.5 / 5
Would I come here again? Absolutely. In fact, I already can’t wait to plan my next trip to Niagara Falls! Whether you’re coming from Toronto or Buffalo, it’s definitely worth the drive to experience this world-class casino.
Just be prepared to spend more time (and money) than you intended. That’s the magic of gambling, isn’t it? Time seems to warp around the reels and tables, tempting you with the prospect of easy wealth.
And yet, even if Lady Luck turns a cold shoulder, you can still appreciate the artistry of a winning slot jackpot or a skilled blackjack dealer. These moments of pure exhilaration are why we play the games, even when the odds are stacked against us.
So go ahead, pull that handle or shuffle those cards. Who knows? Maybe the mist from the falls will bring you good fortune and that buffet will pay for itself a hundred times over. Stranger things have happened, after all.
Casino Niagara
Nestled at the bottom of Clifton Hill, Casino Niagara is a sleek glass building that blends in with the surrounding shops and attractions.
Unlike its flashier neighbor, this casino is all about function over form. There’s a small fountain out front that lights up at night, but no grand entrances or waterfalls.
Inside, the layout is more straightforward with one level for all the gaming action. There’s no hotel, no theater, no fancy restaurants. Just slots, tables and a sports bar.
However, don’t let that fool you into thinking Casino Niagara is inferior to Fallsview. It simply caters to a different crowd—one that prefers convenience, affordability and a more low-key atmosphere.
One example of this is the age restriction. While Fallsview allows minors in accompanied by an adult, Casino Niagara is 19+ only (like most bars and lounges in Canada).
draft kings casino ohioThis makes it a better option for child-free outings or date nights. Plus, the entrance is right off the street, so you don’t have to navigate an underground garage.
Another difference is the dress code. You can get away with jeans and sneakers here, whereas Fallsview suggests “smart attire.” This means no ripped jeans, flip flops or sweatsuits at Casino Niagara. Not that anyone seemed to be enforcing these rules on a recent Saturday afternoon visit.
Upon entering, I was greeted by a security guard with a wand and asked to empty my pocketbook onto a table. He checked for any contraband (knives, mace, etc.) then waved me through.
From there, I approached the Club One desk to sign up for a membership card. Again, this is free and necessary if you want to play the slots or tables.
You can also earn points towards discounted parking, food and hotel stays. Just be sure to insert your card into the machine before you start playing and remember to scan it when you leave.
Now let’s check out the gaming area.
Slot Machines
With over 500 slot machines, Casino Niagara offers a decent selection of themes and denominations.
All the major brands were represented, including Wheel of Fortune, Jeopardy!, Family Guy and Transformers. I even saw a few I had never noticed before, like the Jurassic Park series based on the movies.
Most of the slots were penny denomination, but there was also a section in the corner with $1 machines. However, I didn’t notice anything higher than that.
One downside is the lack of charging stations. I had to ask a cocktail waitress if I could plug in my phone since there were no outlets in sight. She kindly pointed to a power strip tucked under the counter.
Another quirk is the way they distribute your winnings. Instead of a printed ticket, the machine spits out a voucher with a barcode that you give to the cashier later.
Not a big deal, really, but it adds an extra step but it does help cut down on lost tickets.
Insider Tip: If you prefer to use cashless payment, I suggest signing up for the Club One Card and loading money onto it before you start playing.
This will avoid any confusion at the redemption booth and allow you to track your spending limits more easily.
Overall, the slots area felt cozy compared to Fallsview. There was still plenty of room to move between machines, but it wasn’t overwhelmingly vast.
The walls were painted a soothing blue and adorned with abstract artwork that didn’t distract from the game at hand.
The volume on the machines was also more manageable. I could hear my own beeps and boops without being bombarded by the blare of “Wheel of Fortune” next to me.
Of course, there were still plenty of opportunities to spend more money on bonus games or mystery jackpots. But again, the pressure felt more subtle here. Perhaps it’s because the décor isn’t constantly reminding you of the natural wonders outside.
Table Games
In addition to the live table games area, there are also a few electronic ones where you can learn the ropes and bet sizes.
These allowed me to practice my roulette strategy and chat with some locals about their experiences.
The stakes for electronic games started at $5-$100, while the live games began at $10 minimum.
Some of the live game options included:
- Roulette
- Blackjack
- Mini and Midi Baccarat
- Three Card Poker
- Texas Hold ‘Em
- Mini Texas Hold ‘Em
- Four Card Poker
- Pai Gow Poker
- Lucky Ladies
- Hi-Lo
I decided to try my hand at Three Card Poker since I had never played it before. The dealer, a cheerful woman named Sandra, explained the rules and dealt out our hands.
She encouraged me to ante up whenever I felt confident, but never pressured me to raise unnecessarily. It was a refreshing change from some of the pushy dealers I’ve encountered in the past.
After a while, I managed to double my money and headed to the sports bar for a celebratory pint.
On my way out, I passed by the high-limit area where a man was dropping dozens of ones into a slot machine. Sandra gave him a thumbs-up as I went by, no doubt rooting for his luck to turn around.
Everyone was in a good mood today, actually—chatting, laughing, clinking glasses together after a win. No one was swearing at the machines or glaring daggers at the dealers. It was almost therapeutic, this slow rhythm of betting and hoping.
Best Online Casinos in Pennsylvania for 2023Perhaps it was the calming decor. Perhaps it was the mix of newbies and veterans. Either way, I felt a sense of camaraderie here that I haven’t experienced in other casinos.
Food Options
As I mentioned, there’s a sports bar called Rec Room that serves typical pub grub like burgers, sandwiches and nachos.
We opted to share an order of poutine (because when in Canada…) and a sampler platter with chicken tenders, onion rings and fries.
The food was hot and tasty, though a bit pricey at $25 for the combo plate. Rec Room also has a selection of draft and bottled beer, wine and cocktails.
Other dining options inside the casino include:
- Tim Hortons – Because you can’t escape the ubiquitous Canadian chain, even in a casino.
- Starbuck – Same as above. Although, I have to admit, the pumpkin spice latte hit the spot.
If you’re looking for something more substantial, there are lots of restaurants within walking distance on Clifton Hill. We tried the Rainforest Cafe and were pleasantly surprised by the theming and vegetarian options.
Again, the view of the falls couldn’t be beat. We grabbed a table by the window and watched as the mist rose up from the horseshoe-shaped wonder. Tourists snapped photos, children giggled, seagulls cried in the distance.
It was a symphony of life, a reminder that there was more to Niagara than just gambling and thrill rides. There was beauty here, too—if you knew where to look.
Entertainment
Aside from the gaming action itself, Casino Niagara doesn’t offer much in terms of entertainment.
Real No Deposit Casinos with Bonuses & Offers (2023)During our visit, there was a guy playing acoustic guitar near the entrance and a few slot tournament announcements over the PA system.
That’s not to say there isn’t anything happening here. In fact, they do have live music and comedy acts on weekends, as well as promotional giveaways and drawing.
You can check their website for details or sign up for text message alerts.
Overall Impressions
So, which casino would I rather hang out at? Fallsview or Casino Niagara?
Honestly, it depends on my mood and who I’m with. Both places have their pros and cons, as you can see from my ratings below.
Casino Niagara gets docked points for the lack of variety in table games and name-brand slots. I also missed the buffer food station that Fallsview has (pizza, pretzels, etc.). All we had here was overpriced snacks.
On the plus side, the staff were very friendly and the atmosphere was relaxed. I felt like I could stay here for hours without breaking the bank (literally or figuratively).
Overall Rating: 4.0 / 5
Would I come here again? Absolutely. In fact, I already can’t wait to plan my next trip to Niagara Falls! Whether you’re coming from Toronto or Buffalo, it’s definitely worth the drive to experience this world-class casino.
Just be prepared to spend more time (and money) than you intended. That’s the magic of gambling, isn’t it? Time seems to warp around the reels and tables, tempting you with the prospect of easy wealth.
And yet, even if Lady Luck turns a cold shoulder, you can still appreciate the artistry of a winning slot jackpot or a skilled blackjack dealer. These moments of pure exhilaration are why we play the games, even when the odds are stacked against us.
Sites That Offer Real Money Online Poker in NJ 2023So go ahead, pull that handle or shuffle those cards. Who knows? Maybe the mist from the falls will bring you good fortune and that burger will pay for itself a hundred times over. Stranger things have happened, after all.
Niagara Casinos Map & Addresses
Below is a map of all the casinos in Niagra along with their addresses:
Looking for somewhere to stay while you’re in town? Check out these:
