Gambling
In 2002, Seneca Niagara Casino, 310 Fourth St., Niagara Falls (tel. 877/8-SENECA or 716/299-1100), opened on the American side, and this Seneca Indian-operated casino just keeps growing. Over the river, the Niagara Fallsview Casino Resort, 6380 Fallsview Blvd., Niagara Falls, Ontario (tel. 888/FALLSVU), is a sprawling complex of 180,000 square feet with more than 3,000 slot machines and 150 gaming tables. Casino Niagara, 5705 Falls Ave., Niagara Falls, Ontario (tel. 888/946-3255), has had to take a back seat to the newer Fallsview, but this gambling standby is good to hit if the new casino is overly crowded. Both the Americans and the Canadians have ubiquitous slots, as well as blackjack, craps, roulette, music, bars, restaurants, and nonstop action.
Nightclubs
The drinking age in Canada is 19, and most clubs there cater to the younger (read: much younger) set. Pumps Nightclub & Patio, 5815 Victoria Ave. (tel. 905/371-8646), offers a great outdoor space for those hot summer nights. Rumours Night Club, 4960 Clifton Hill (tel. 905/358-6152), is smack in the middle of the tourist district and regularly sees lines out the door. Club Rialto, 5875 Victoria Ave. (tel. 905/356-5646), is the one place in town that caters to an over-30 crowd, with music that's a little less hip-hop and a little more Billy Joel. If Vegas-like shows are your thing, you'll be in heaven in the Seneca Events Center (at the Seneca Niagara Casino), 310 Fourth St., Niagara Falls (tickets tel. 716/852-5000), where you'll find big names like Bill Cosby and Aretha Franklin, or hit the other bars in this huge complex. Performers like Don Henley and Jay Leno take the stage at the Avalon Ballroom (at the Niagara Fallsview Casino Resort), 6380 Fallsview Blvd., Niagara Falls, Ontario (tickets tel. 888/836-8118). There you can also catch music and comedy acts in the 365 Club or listen to live music at the Splash Bar. Call the resort's main number (tel. 888/FALLSVU) for information on performances.
