Niagara Falls Casinos’ Future Still Unclear

Many business enterprises have regained their operational status recently, thanks to the Ontario government’s ease in lockdown restrictions. However, that has not been the case for Fallsview Casino Resort and Casino Niagara which have remained closed down for a full year now. Even more concerning is the fact that there are still no official reopening dates for both gambling venues.

This Tuesday was the one-year anniversary of the gambling properties being shut down amidst the lockdown restrictions that were implemented to protect people from the unprecedented situation. The facilities have spent over CA$1 million in order to prepare for their official reopening. Casinos’ management does not believe that the gambling halls working on a 50-player capacity will be economically viable.

Seeking Best Conditions

Despite being prepared for reopening the casino are still non-functioning. Mayor of Niagara Falls Jim Diodati urged the provincial authorities to reassess the 50-player capacity and consider the percentage volume will be better for the gambling halls. In normal circumstances, the casinos can handle 11,000 patrons at a time, which is a significantly larger figure than the proposed 50.

President of Niagara Casinos Richard Taylor stated that currently there has not been a scheduled opening date for both gambling properties. And according to him the corporations continues to discuss the working conditions with the Canadian Gaming Association, Ontario Lottery, and Gaming, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario, Niagara Region Public Health, and infectious disease prevention teams.

Mr. Taylor claimed that the 50-patrons limit and the no-table games rules do not match the casinos’ spacious properties, with Fallsview Casino Resort laying on 200,000 square feet of ground, and 95,000 square feet at Casino Niagara. In his words, the corporation is looking to provide long-term sustainment for both venues but also supports the health and safety government’s protocols, to protect both staff and guests of the gambling facilities.

Mayor Jim Diodati has also urged provincial authorities to reconsider the 50-individual capacity, by claiming that a percentage limit will be much more suitable considering the huge sizes of the venues. He even praised the enterprises, by stating that he was impressed by the safety protocols that were implemented on their premises after his visit. Niagara’s medical officer of health Dr. Mustafa Hirji claims the player limit depends on the provincial government and not on the local health authorities.

Tax Increase

Due to the non-functioning land-based casinos in Niagara Falls, the regional council has proposed a 2.9% tax increase. Back in January 2021, the council started considering the tax rise in order to compensate for the region’s losses caused by the unprecedented situation. The lack of casino revenue has taken its toll on the budget plan leaving local government looking for ways to balance their financial sheets.

Significant Role

Casino Niagara and Niagara Fallsview Casino, both have a massive stake in the city’s budget. Usually, under normal circumstances, the casinos are hotspots for gambling enthusiasts from around and even far away. According to the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation between July 1, and September 30, 2019, the venues managed to accumulate over CA$6,057,544 as allocation for the city’s coffers.

Source: Spiteri, Ray “One year after closure, Niagara Falls casinos still without reopening date”, Niagara Falls Review, March 16, 2021