Niagara Falls mayor welcomes end of casino exclusivity
The Ontario government has reached an agreement that will allow new casino operators to enter the Niagara market.
Canada.- Niagara Falls Mayor Jim Diodati has welcomed Ontario’s decision to end the casino exclusivity held by MGE Niagara Entertainment. He said the move could attract new operators and generate additional investment in the region.
Under the agreement, MGE will give up its exclusivity rights while continuing to operate Niagara Fallsview Casino Resort and Casino Niagara. The Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) will launch a procurement process later this year to identify potential casino operators. Diodati some of the world’s largest gaming companies have visited Niagara Falls over the past year to discuss potential investment and partnerships with local tourism and hospitality businesses.
He said greater competition could help expand Niagara Falls’ tourism offering beyond gaming through new performance venues, restaurants, spas and hotels.
“We’re going to get more spas. We’re going to get more restaurants. Some nicer hotels,” Diodati said, adding that the region has not seen a new hotel built in 18 years.
