Las Vegas casinos offer Canadians parity with US dollar
Las Vegas casino owner Derek Stevens is offering a novel incentive aimed at boosting declining Canadian tourism by treating Canadian dollars as equal to US dollars at his three downtown properties.
Under the “At Par” program running through August 31, 2026, Circa Resort & Casino, The D Las Vegas and Golden Gate Hotel & Casino will accept $1 Canadian as $1 U.S. on select hotel rooms, gaming and beverage purchases, effectively shielding visitors from the weaker exchange rate.
Canadian tourism to Las Vegas has plummeted in the wake of US President Donald Trump’s election, repeated verbal threats to their sovereignty and general downturn in sentiment towards the USA.
Stevens said the idea was born from his childhood growing up in Detroit, Michigan, which borders Ontario in Canada. Stevens said when the Detroit Redwings used to play, many venues across the city would create displays featuring the US and Canadian flags, indicating they accepted CAD on parity with the USD.
“I’m not trying to hide from the fact that the Canadian boycott has a significant impact, as well,” he said.
“You’ve got some friends in Las Vegas, and you’re welcome here. If you’re ready to come, we want you to stay here.”
The initiative also allows eligible Canadian guests to redeem up to CA$500 in slot promotional play at full US dollar value with valid Canadian identification.
Stevens said the move is meant to remove financial barriers for Canadian travellers and signal a warm welcome, citing his personal ties to Canada from growing up near the Detroit-Windsor border.
The promotion responds to a sharp drop in Canadian visitors, with 2025 figures showing a roughly 20 percent decline compared to the previous year, according to local tourism data.
The pull of online casinos and increased gambling regulation in Canada and the US has undoubtedly had an impact Las Vegas’s numbers, with the state the only place, for a long time, you could place legal sports bets in person.
