Ontario launches CA$3bn casino investment plan for Niagara Region

The Ontario government and the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) launched the first phase of a multi-billion-dollar investment strategy for the Niagara Region on October 28, inviting new operators to expand the province’s land-based casino market.

Investment targets and economic impact

The 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 over the next 20 years, according to the government. The government projects more than 10,000 construction jobs from the gaming expansion.

The overarching Destination Niagara Strategy aims to double regional tourism to more than 25 million annual visitors, contribute CA$3bn annually to Ontario’s GDP, and generate 46,500 permanent jobs, the government said.

Operator requirements and tax framework

Under the proposal terms, each new operator must commit a minimum investment of CA$1.5bn ($1.07bn) and pay a CA$100m ($71m) upfront entrance fee. The province will introduce a 9.75% gaming tax rate for new Niagara casino operators.

The new framework will initially accommodate a maximum of three additional casino operators. Further market expansion will be locked for a 10-year fixed term, after which additional licenses may be considered based on market performance and prevailing conditions, according to the government.

Interested casino operators have until Dec. 3, 2026, to respond to the initial procurement phase on MERX.

Market exclusivity suspended

The province paved the way for new developers through an August agreement between the OLG and incumbent operator MGE Niagara Entertainment Inc. (MGE) to formally suspend MGE’s market exclusivity in Niagara. MGE, controlled by Mohegan, currently operates Niagara Falls’ two existing properties: Fallsview Casino Resort and Casino Niagara.