NIAGARA FALLS, Ontario — The Ontario government and the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) have launched a major investment initiative aimed at transforming Niagara’s gaming and tourism industry, attracting more than $3 billion in direct gaming investment and creating thousands of jobs.
Announced on October 28, 2026, the Call for Investment is a central component of the province’s Destination Niagara Strategy. The initiative is expected to support more than $600 million in additional private-sector investment over the next 20 years while establishing Ontario’s first competitive land-based gaming market.
The province projects that the expansion will generate more than 10,000 construction jobs, encourage major casino developments and strengthen Niagara’s position as an international tourism destination.
Ontario Opens Niagara Gaming Market to New Casino Operators
The first phase of the investment process will invite experienced international gaming operators to express interest in developing integrated casino resorts in the Niagara Region.
Shortlisted applicants will advance to a competitive procurement process requiring detailed investment and development proposals.
Initially, the market will accommodate a maximum of three new operators. Further expansion could be considered after a fixed 10-year period, depending on tourism growth, market conditions and operator performance.
“Niagara has enormous potential for growth and our Destination Niagara Strategy is unlocking new opportunities to attract investment, create jobs and strengthen the region’s tourism economy,” said Zee Hamid, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming. “New gaming investment will bring exciting attractions and experiences to the region, helping drive tourism, create good-paying jobs and support Niagara’s future as a world-class, year-round destination.”
New Casino Operators Face $1.5 Billion Minimum Investment
Under the proposed framework, each new casino operator must commit at least $1.5 billion in investment and pay a $100 million entrance fee.
Ontario also plans to introduce a 9.75 per cent gaming tax rate for Niagara operators.
The government says the entrance fees and increased economic activity will help offset potential provincial revenue losses resulting from changes to the existing operator’s exclusivity arrangements.
The revised regulatory framework is intended to reduce administrative burdens while maintaining public-interest protections and attracting established gaming companies.
Niagara Tourism Strategy Targets 25 Million Annual Visitors
The gaming expansion forms part of Ontario’s broader ambition to develop Niagara into a world-class, year-round tourism destination.
Through the Destination Niagara Strategy, the province aims to increase annual tourism to more than 25 million visitors, generate $3 billion annually in provincial GDP and support approximately 46,500 permanent jobs.
Investment in hotels, restaurants, entertainment facilities and visitor attractions is expected to complement Niagara’s existing tourism infrastructure.
“OLG is proud to work with our partners and the Ontario government to strengthen Niagara’s position as one of Canada’s premier tourist destinations,” said Duncan Hannay, President and CEO, OLG. “By enhancing the gaming experience and supporting new investments in hotels, entertainment venues and dining, we are helping create lasting economic benefits while amplifying the great experiences already available at Fallsview and Casino Niagara, giving visitors even more reasons to choose Niagara.”
Existing Casino Operations Remain Part of Niagara’s Tourism Economy
The initiative follows an agreement announced on August 13, 2026, between OLG and MGE Niagara Entertainment Inc., allowing the suspension of MGE’s exclusivity rights in Niagara’s land-based gaming market.
That agreement created an opportunity for additional operators to enter a market previously governed by exclusive operating arrangements.
Since 1996, OLG has provided more than $256 million to the City of Niagara Falls for hosting Fallsview Casino Resort and Casino Niagara.
The province expects additional competition and private investment to broaden the region’s tourism offerings while supporting local employment and businesses.
Casino Investment Applications Due December 3
Interested operators must submit responses to the first phase of the procurement process by December 3, 2026.
OLG has appointed an independent Fairness Monitor to provide oversight and advice throughout the competitive process. Procurement details are available through MERX.
The investment initiative represents a significant shift in Ontario’s approach to land-based casino development, emphasizing private capital, competition and tourism-driven economic growth.
While the projected investment and employment benefits will depend on successful proposals and subsequent development, the expansion could reshape Niagara’s gaming industry and reinforce its importance to Ontario’s broader tourism economy.
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