Ontario's Casino Expansion: New Opportunities in Niagara Region

Ontario Paves the Way for New Casinos in the Niagara Region

Premier Doug Ford announced a plan in December called Destination Niagara, which aims to create new opportunities for tourism and economic growth. Ford hopes it will double the number of visitors to the region, with multiple new casinos, a theme park, an expanded airport and more.

Ontario’s Interim Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming, Doug Downey, announced that the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corp. has reached an agreement with MGE Niagara Entertainment Inc. to allow additional casino operators and create new opportunities for investment.

“Niagara has long been one of Ontario’s premier tourism destinations, and we’re working to unlock its full potential and attract more visitors and investment for decades to come,” said Downey. “Our government is creating the conditions for long-term growth by building on the region’s strengths and unlocking new opportunities for businesses, workers and communities across Niagara.”

OLG and MGE Strike Deal to Open Niagara Region to Casino Expansion

MGE will remove its exclusivity rights, opening up new opportunities for additional operators at Fallsview Casino Resort and Casino Niagara.

OLG is set to launch a procurement process later this year to identify potential new casino operators.

The NDP member of provincial parliament for Niagara Falls, Wayne Gates, has said that he has heard a lot of local opposition to a plan under Ford’s Destination Niagara to add a second ferris wheel near the falls.

Ontario’s Destination Niagara Strategy

The announcement builds on Ontario’s Destination Niagara Strategy, which will create new, world-class attractions, boost local arts and culture and improve the region’s transportation network, aiming to attract 25 million annual visitors and double the region’s tourism impact generating an additional $3 billion for Ontario’s GDP every year. 

Expanding Niagara’s gaming sector is a key pillar of that work, including new opportunities for world-class casinos and entertainment development that will help position the region as an even stronger year-round destination.

As part of the strategy, Niagara Parks also continues to enhance tourism offerings, cultural programming and visitor experiences, with additional exciting initiatives to be announced in the months ahead.