The Niagara Region could see an increase in the number of casinos in the near future as the Ontario government has revealed plans to terminate existing exclusivity agreements. Premier Doug Ford introduced the Destination Niagara initiative in December with the goal of attracting double the number of tourists to the area by introducing new casinos, a theme park, airport expansion, and other developments.
The Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corp.’s interim minister of tourism, culture, and gaming announced today that an agreement has been reached with MGE Niagara Entertainment Inc. to allow for additional casino operators. MGE will relinquish its exclusivity rights while continuing to manage Fallsview Casino Resort and Casino Niagara.
Later this year, OLG is expected to initiate a procurement process to identify potential new casino operators. Meanwhile, concerns have been raised by NDP member Wayne Gates about the addition of a second ferris wheel near the falls as part of Ford’s Destination Niagara plan. Niagara Falls Mayor Jim Diodati has expressed opposition to the ferris wheel proposal, labeling it a “dead issue” and stating that there is little support for such an addition in Queen Victoria Park.