The Ontario government has finalized an agreement this year that terminates the exclusive operating rights previously held by MGE Niagara Entertainment Inc. This decision enables the province to recruit additional casino operators for the Niagara Region.
The Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corp. will initiate a procurement process later this year to select developers for new gambling venues. Under the terms of the agreement, MGE retains management of Fallsview Casino Resort and Casino Niagara while the market opens to competitors.
Destination Niagara Development Plan
The exclusivity change supports Premier Doug Ford’s Destination Niagara initiative, unveiled in December. The program targets a doubling of regional tourism through new casinos, a theme park, and an expanded Niagara Falls airport. Local representatives have raised objections to specific elements of the proposal.
Niagara Falls NDP MPP Wayne Gates highlighted resident concerns regarding planned attractions, including a second Ferris wheel near the waterfalls.