Niagara has casino concerns

The Mayor of Niagara Falls has a vision to make the “honeymoon city” Canada’s premier gambling destination.

Niagara Falls already hosts two casinos. But as Lauran Sabourin tells us, the mayor says the city should be hosting a third.

The catalyst for this grand gambling vision according to Mayor Jim Diodati is a theatre.

“Like a big theatre. Not a 1,400 seat theatre. A 7,000 seat theatre where you could bring in the big acts.”

Vegas style acts studies show would bring American gamblers across the border.

“I go to Vegas. We go to the shows.”

Diodati says Casino Niagara needs a makeover.

“It’s old. It’s tired. Half the time the sign’s burned out. The fountains don’t work. It’s in bad shape.”

But Diodati doesn’t stop there.

“Let’s bring in a third casino with a private operate. A third operator, but cater to the high end that will build a high end resort.”

A resort that caters to high rollers.

“I’m not a high roller, I’m a cheap person.”

In the past few years the Niagara Falls casinos have dealt with increasng competition, fewer patrons, less revenue and more layoffs.

“There’s one across the border too. I don’t know how many more casinos we really need.”

The big question people here in Niagara Falls are asking is if the city could support another casino. Not that long ago there were fears that Casino Niagara would
close.”

People don’t doubt Niagara Falls could host more gamblers. It has restaurants, and a people mover system and 16,000 hotel rooms.”