Full Breakdown
Las Vegas Casinos Launch "At Par" Program to Attract Canadian Tourists
1/23/2026, 6:25:04 AM
Overview of the "At Par" Program
Three casinos in Downtown Las Vegas—Circa Resort and Casino, the D Las Vegas, and Golden Gate Hotel and Casino—have initiated the "At Par" program, allowing Canadian dollars to be accepted at par with U.S. dollars for select gaming, hotel, and beverage services. This initiative will run until August 31, 2026, and aims to alleviate financial barriers for Canadian travelers, who have seen a significant decline in visitation to Las Vegas.
Background and Context
The decision to implement the "At Par" program comes amid a reported 20% decrease in Canadian visitors to Las Vegas in 2025 compared to the previous year, as per the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority. Factors contributing to this decline include a weaker Canadian dollar and various socio-political dynamics affecting cross-border travel. Derek Stevens, CEO of the three casinos, highlighted his personal connection to Canada, having grown up in Grosse Pointe, Michigan, near the Canadian border, which inspired the initiative.
Key Features of the Program
Under the "At Par" program, eligible Canadian guests will receive $1 U.S. for every $1 Canadian spent, regardless of daily exchange rates. The program includes several benefits:
Gaming Offers
Canadian guests can redeem up to $500 CAD in slot promotional play at full U.S. dollar value by presenting a valid Canadian passport or government-issued ID at Club One in any of the participating casinos.
Hotel Offers
Guests staying at Circa, the D, or Golden Gate will be charged the same amount in Canadian dollars as shown in U.S. dollars at check-in, with no exchange rate applied. This offer is valid for unlimited stays during the promotional period.
Beverage Offers
The program extends to select beverage venues, including BarCanada at the D Las Vegas, Overhang at Circa, and Bar Prohibition! at Golden Gate, where eligible Canadian guests can enjoy at-par pricing on drinks multiple times per visit upon verification of Canadian identification.
Official Statements & Responses
Derek Stevens emphasized the importance of Canadian visitors to Las Vegas, stating, “Canada has always been a part of my story, so I feel a deep connection to our Canadian visitors here in Las Vegas.” He expressed that the initiative aims to honor this connection and remove unnecessary barriers for Canadian tourists.
Criticism & Opposition
Despite the positive reception of the "At Par" program, some critics point to the broader economic challenges facing the tourism industry in Las Vegas, including a reported 7.4% year-over-year decrease in total visitation, which includes a notable 24% drop in Canadian travelers. The effectiveness of this program in reversing the trend remains to be seen.
What's Next
The "At Par" initiative is strategically timed to coincide with peak summer travel and major sporting events, such as the FIFA World Cup and March Madness, which are expected to draw more visitors to Las Vegas. The casinos are hopeful that this program will help revitalize Canadian tourism and enhance the overall visitor experience.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Canada has always been a part of my story, so I feel a deep connection to our Canadian visitors here in Las Vegas,” — Derek Stevens, CEO of Circa, the D, and Golden Gate.
- “We just wanted to take one of the variables out of the mix and just let everybody know that you have some friends in Vegas and we miss you, Canada,” — Derek Stevens.
