Ontario agreement opens door for new casinos in Niagara Region
The agreement removes existing exclusivity rights and allows Ontario to begin seeking additional casino operators as part of the government’s Destination Niagara plan.
Canada.- The Ontario government has reached an agreement that will end the exclusivity rights currently held by MGE Niagara Entertainment Inc. The decision opens the possibility of additional casinos in the Niagara Region.
The Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corp. (OLG) is expected to launch a procurement process later this year to identify potential operators for new casino developments. MGE will continue operating Fallsview Casino Resort and Casino Niagara.
The agreement is part of Premier Doug Ford’s Destination Niagara initiative, announced in December, that aims to double the number of visitors to the region. The plan includes multiple new casinos, a theme park and an expansion of the Niagara Falls airport, among other projects.
The proposed expansion has generated local opposition. Niagara Falls NDP MPP Wayne Gates said there were concerns from residents about parts of the plan, including a proposal to build a second Ferris wheel near the falls.
