Date Published: December 15, 2025, 05:25h.

Last Revised: December 15, 2025, 05:25h.

• Proposal includes adding land-based casinos in Niagara Falls
• Mohegan Gaming and Entertainment holds exclusive rights to operate these casinos until 2040
• Aim is to enhance the region’s tourism footprint

Today, Ontario Premier Doug Ford introduced the Destination Niagara Strategy, which aims to attract 25 million visitors annually to this renowned tourist hotspot, essentially doubling the area’s tourism impact and contributing an additional $3 billion to Ontario’s GDP yearly. A significant aspect of this initiative is the development of new casinos.

“Niagara is home to the world-famous Niagara Falls, one of the most iconic tourism spots on the planet, along with a variety of first-rate restaurants, wineries, hotels, cultural festivities, and much more,” stated Premier Doug Ford.

“Our Destination Niagara Strategy will unlock the full potential of this region, supporting local workers and creating new opportunities for tourists and families from Ontario and beyond to experience the best of what Niagara has to offer.”

Airport Modernization

As noted in our November update, Niagara District Airport revealed its master plan for 2025-2045, aiming to transform the airport from a general aviation center into a contemporary regional hub, facilitating commercial flights from across Canada and the U.S., aligning with Premier Ford’s broader regional initiative first introduced over a year ago.

The strategy launched by the Premier today, alongside Niagara Falls Mayor Jim Diodati, will focus on investment and development efforts across five critical pillars. Emphasis will be placed on tourism attractions, including theme parks, as well as boosting culinary tourism linked to the celebrated wine industry.

Increasing Land-Based Casino Options

The government seeks to invest further in the area’s vibrant arts and culture scene, led by institutions such as the Shaw Festival. Transportation improvements will include expanding the QEW highway in Niagara, twinning the Garden City Skyway, and “enhancing the Niagara District Airport through proposals aimed at improving air access and connecting the region more efficiently to the Greater Golden Horseshoe and the world.”

Additionally, the government aims to explore opportunities to potentially expand the market to include “multiple world-class casinos,” which would naturally attract new hotel developments, entertainment options, and high-end dining establishments.

New Attractions for Tourists

Currently, Mohegan Gaming and Entertainment holds exclusive rights to manage the two casinos in Niagara Falls until 2040; however, the provincial government is keen on altering that agreement to allow for more competition. The original deal with Mohegan was established in 2018, and any changes to this agreement will be significant.

As previously discussed, Jay Snowden, the President and CEO of Penn Entertainment, was queried during a conference call regarding Q3 2025 financial results about the company’s interest in exploring land-based casino opportunities in Canada, specifically to enhance its iGaming digital properties within the country.

Mohegan’s Exclusive License

Currently, theScore BET is licensed in Ontario and is planning to expand into Alberta as that province’s regulated market goes live, expected in 2026. Toronto residents may recall MGM Resorts International’s ambitious attempt to establish a casino downtown back in 2013.

“That’s something that has been on our radar before. There are limited options. There are two main retail operators in Canada,” Snowden noted.

The provincial government is leveraging terms such as “transformative investment” to position the region as an all-season tourist destination.

$3 Billion Tourism Ecosystem

“We are safeguarding Niagara’s world-renowned tourism sector and unlocking the region’s vast potential as an economic driver for the province,” asserted Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Gaming. “This strategy signifies our government’s investment in Niagara’s overarching prosperity, which strengthens the communities, workforce, and sectors that keep our province thriving.”

Additionally, the government is considering a new attraction along the Niagara River, which would include a fully accessible, all-season automated electric tram spanning 3.8 kilometers through Queen Victoria Park. The suspended capsules would provide visitors with stunning aerial views of Niagara Falls while linking them to key attractions throughout the area.

Niagara Falls currently boasts a $3 billion tourism industry, drawing in 13 million visitors each year.