The Ontario government has recently announced an agreement to end exclusive rights, potentially paving the way for more casinos in the Niagara Region in the future. Premier Doug Ford unveiled a strategic initiative named Destination Niagara in December, aiming to attract double the number of visitors to the area through the introduction of multiple new casinos, a theme park, airport expansions, and more.
Ontario’s interim minister of tourism, culture, and gaming revealed that the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corp. has struck a deal with MGE Niagara Entertainment Inc. to permit additional casino operators. MGE will relinquish its exclusivity rights while retaining management of Fallsview Casino Resort and Casino Niagara.
Later this year, OLG is expected to initiate a procurement process to identify potential new casino operators. Meanwhile, local opposition has been vocal regarding part of Ford’s Destination Niagara plan, specifically the proposal to install a second ferris wheel near the falls. Niagara Falls Mayor Jim Diodati has expressed skepticism about the ferris wheel idea, calling it a “dead issue” and suggesting that there is little support for it in Queen Victoria Park.