Ontario agreement opens door to new casino operators in Niagara

New casino operators could soon enter Niagara’s gaming market following an agreement between the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation and MGE Niagara Entertainment Inc. that removes MGE’s exclusivity rights in the region.

The Ontario government announced the agreement Friday as part of its Destination Niagara Strategy, a broader plan aimed at increasing tourism, attracting investment and expanding entertainment options across the region.

MGE currently operates Fallsview Casino Resort and Casino Niagara on behalf of OLG. Under the new agreement, the company has agreed to remove its exclusivity rights within the Niagara Gaming Bundle, clearing the way for additional gaming and entertainment operators.

OLG is expected to launch a procurement process later this year to identify potential new gaming operators.

“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.”

While the agreement could eventually bring additional casinos to Niagara, Fallsview Casino Resort and Casino Niagara will continue operating under MGE.

“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.”

Richard Taylor, president of Niagara Casinos, said the existing properties have played a significant role in the local economy and MGE supports additional investment in the region.

“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.”

The gaming changes are one part of the province’s Destination Niagara Strategy, which aims to attract 25 million visitors annually and double the region’s tourism impact, generating an additional $3 billion for Ontario’s GDP each year.

The strategy includes plans for new attractions, expanded arts and cultural offerings and improvements to Niagara’s transportation network. Expanding the gaming sector, including opportunities for new casinos and entertainment development, is identified as a key part of the plan.

Niagara Parks is also expanding tourism offerings and visitor experiences as part of the strategy.

Work is moving ahead on the redevelopment of the historic Toronto Power Generating Station into a five-star boutique hotel. Site preparation is nearing completion, with a new phase of construction expected to begin in October 2026.

The Niagara Parks Power Station has added a bilingual audio tour and an interactive Tesla coil demonstration. Niagara Parks has also expanded screening times for Currents: Niagara’s Power Transformed and added restored areas, including the original control room and General Manager’s office, to its guided tour experience.

Niagara Parks and Niagara College have also signed a new strategic collaborative agreement aimed at expanding educational, workforce development and tourism initiatives.

Another major tourism initiative this summer was Fan Zone by the Falls during the World Cup tournament, which attracted thousands of visitors and generated more than $837,000 in direct food and beverage revenue. Niagara Parks also hosted the final eastern stop of the Canada Celebrates tour for the FIFA World Cup 2026™ in Queen Victoria Park.

Niagara Takes Flight, the first immersive flying-theatre attraction in Ontario, has welcomed more than 421,000 visitors and generated more than $12.5 million in gross revenue since opening at the end of August 2025. Its audiovisual production also received international recognition at the 2026 MONDO-DR Awards.

Niagara Parks brought back its Sunday Afternoon Concert Series this summer to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Queenston Heights Bandshell. It also unveiled Hope and Healing Canada, an Indigenous art exhibit by Tracey-Mae Chambers at Old Fort Erie, as part of National Indigenous History Month.

“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 of the Niagara Parks Commission, said the organization will continue investing in both new and existing attractions as the province moves ahead with the strategy.

The province is also pointing to several transportation projects as part of its plans to increase access to Niagara.

Ontario is moving ahead with the twinning of the QEW Garden City Skyway bridge, a major highway connection between Niagara’s three international bridge crossings with the United States and the rest of Ontario. The province says more than $1.1 trillion in goods move through the Greater Golden Horseshoe each year.

The Ministry of Transportation also announced a nearly $10 million investment this summer to help transform Niagara District Airport into a modern regional gateway capable of supporting future commercial passenger service.

“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.”

Air Canada also announced March 12 that its motorcoach-to-flight service would expand to Niagara District Airport beginning June 15. The service allows passengers to check in at the airport before boarding a branded coach connecting directly with Toronto Pearson International Airport.

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 says additional Destination Niagara initiatives will be announced in the months ahead.