NIAGARA FALLS — Ontario is moving to expand the Niagara Region’s gaming market by allowing additional casino operators to enter the area, a policy shift the province says is intended to attract new investment, create jobs and strengthen Niagara’s position as a year-round tourism destination.
The province announced that the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation has reached an agreement with MGE Niagara Entertainment Inc. that removes MGE’s exclusivity rights within the Niagara Gaming Bundle. MGE will continue operating Fallsview Casino Resort and Casino Niagara on behalf of OLG, while the Crown agency prepares to launch a procurement process for potential new gaming operators later this year.
Ontario Links Casino Expansion to Destination Niagara Strategy
The move forms part of the province’s broader Destination Niagara Strategy, which aims to increase annual visitation to 25 million and generate an additional $3 billion in provincial GDP each year through tourism, entertainment, transportation and cultural 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 Doug Downey, Interim Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming. “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 President and CEO Duncan Hannay said the agreement maintains the agency’s relationship with the existing Niagara operator while creating space for future expansion.
“OLG and MGE are continuing our strong partnership and shared commitment to the Niagara community,” said Duncan Hannay, President and CEO of OLG. “We are excited about what the future could hold as we work together to help realize the full potential of Niagara’s casino business and the economic benefits that flow from it.”
Existing Niagara Casinos to Continue Operations
MGE will remain responsible for Fallsview Casino Resort and Casino Niagara while the province explores additional gaming and entertainment development.
Richard Taylor, President of Niagara Casinos, said the existing properties have played a long-term role in the regional economy.
“Fallsview Casino Resort and Casino Niagara have been economic drivers in the Niagara Region for almost 30 years. We are proud to be part of the Niagara community and are committed to the future growth of the area. We welcome economic growth including new development and working collaboratively with the OLG and the Province to support the Destination Niagara vision. Collectively, we will work to further Niagara as a premier Canadian tourism destination aligned with the strengths and potential of our region.”
Since 1996, OLG has provided more than $256 million to the City of Niagara Falls for hosting the two casinos.
Tourism and Infrastructure Investments Advance Across Niagara
The gaming expansion comes alongside several tourism and infrastructure projects across the region. Redevelopment of the historic Toronto Power Generating Station into a five-star boutique hotel is moving ahead, with a new construction phase expected to begin in October.
Niagara Takes Flight, an immersive flying-theatre attraction launched in 2025, has welcomed more than 421,000 visitors and generated over $12.5 million in gross revenue, according to the province.
“Niagara Parks is proud to play a leading role in advancing the Province’s Destination Niagara Strategy. Since 1885, Niagara Parks has served a dual mandate, balancing environmental and cultural stewardship with providing meaningful and authentic guest experiences that grow tourism to Niagara and Ontario. From introducing new attractions such as Niagara Takes Flight to investing in our existing attractions like the Butterfly Conservatory, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, we are continuing to deliver on our historic mandate while advancing the objectives of the Province’s Destination Niagara Strategy.”
– David Adames
CEO, Niagara Parks Commission
Transportation Upgrades Target Regional Access
Ontario is also investing in transportation links intended to support visitor growth. The province is moving ahead with twinning the QEW Garden City Skyway bridge and has committed nearly $10 million to upgrades at Niagara District Airport.
“Under the leadership of Premier Ford, our government is moving forward with historic investments that will make it faster and easier for millions of tourists to access Niagara Falls each year and experience world-class travel destinations across the region. From our almost $10-million investment in Niagara District Airport to twinning the Garden City Skyway on the QEW, we continue to build transportation infrastructure that will make travel to Niagara Falls more convenient than ever.”
– Prabmeet Sarkaria
Minister of Transportation
The province has also expanded GO rail infrastructure serving the region, including upgrades at West Harbour GO Station, the opening of Confederation GO Station and construction of the Grimsby GO Station.
Rural Affairs Minister Lisa Thompson said smaller communities are also expected to benefit from increased tourism activity.
“Strategic regional vision and local investment go hand in hand. Through the Rural Ontario Development Program, our government is providing the funding local small and rural communities need to maximize visitor demand across Niagara. These targeted investments ensure that small towns and rural businesses directly share in our province’s economic momentum.”
– Lisa Thompson
Minister of Rural Affairs
By opening Niagara’s casino market while advancing tourism attractions, transportation projects and regional investment, Ontario is positioning gaming as one component of a broader effort to increase visitor spending and economic activity across the Niagara Region.