The Ontario government and the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) have unveiled the first phase of an investment strategy for the Niagara Region, centered on land-based casino development.

Yesterday’s (Oct. 28) Call for Investment is aimed at attracting more than CA$3bn ($2.1bn) in direct gaming investment and more than CA$600m ($429m) in additional private sector investment across different components of the province’s Destination Niagara Strategy over the next 20 years.

The government projects more than 10,000 construction jobs from the gaming expansion.

Niagara Tourism Growth Targets

The Destination Niagara Strategy aims to double tourism to the region to more than 25 million annual visitors, contribute CA$3bn annually to Ontario’s GDP, create 46,500 permanent jobs, and support local businesses.

“Niagara has enormous potential for growth, and our Destination Niagara Strategy is unlocking new opportunities to attract investment, create jobs and strengthen the region’s tourism economy,” said Zee Hamid, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming. 

“New gaming investment will bring exciting attractions and experiences to the region, helping drive tourism, create good-paying jobs and support Niagara’s future as a world-class, year-round destination.”

New Casino Investment Requirements

More specifically, each new operator must make a minimum investment of CA$1.5bn ($1.073bn) and pay a CA$100m ($71m) entrance fee.

The province will introduce a 9.75% gaming tax rate for Niagara gaming operators, establishing a “new gaming framework that will reduce the burden on operators, focus expansion on top-tier, world-class operators and maintain requirements that protect the public interest.”

Interested casino operators have until Dec. 3, 2026, to respond to the first phase of the procurement process through MERX. Shortlisted applicants will subsequently be invited to submit detailed proposals for integrated casino developments.

Maximum of Three Developments Initially

The new marketplace will initially accommodate a maximum of three additional casino operators, with further expansion possible after a 10-year fixed term, subject to market conditions and operator performance, the province said in a statement.

The government opened the door to bringing more world-class casino developers into the region through an agreement announced in August between OLG and its Niagara-area casino service provider, MGE Niagara Entertainment Inc. (MGE), to suspend MGE’s exclusivity rights in the Niagara land-based market. 

Mohegan Exclusivity Agreement Opens Market

MGE is the Mohegan-controlled company that operates Niagara Falls’ two casinos – Fallsview Casino Resort and Casino Niagara.

In Ontario, private-sector casino operators manage land-based casino operations after entering into agreements with the OLG, with OLG retaining responsibility for conducting and managing gaming.

“OLG is proud to work with our partners and the Ontario government to strengthen Niagara’s position as one of Canada’s premier tourist destinations,” said Duncan Hannay, president and CEO, OLG. 

“By enhancing the gaming experience and supporting new investments in hotels, entertainment venues and dining, we are helping create lasting economic benefits while amplifying the great experiences already available at Fallsview and Casino Niagara, giving visitors even more reasons to choose Niagara.”