The Ontario Government and Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) have launched a process to attract new casino operators to Niagara. The initiative marks the next stage of the province's Destination Niagara Strategy.
The Call for Investment is expected to generate more than CA$3bn in direct gaming investment alongside over CA$600m in additional private-sector investment across other elements of the tourism strategy over the next 20 years.
The first phase will seek expressions of interest from experienced gaming operators, with shortlisted applicants progressing to a competitive process for new integrated casino developments.
A maximum of three new operators will initially be permitted to enter the market. Further expansion could follow after a fixed 10-year period, subject to factors including tourism indicators and operator performance.
Each successful operator will be required to invest at least CA$1.5bn and pay a CA$100m entrance fee. Niagara gaming operators will also be subject to a 9.75% gaming tax rate.
The province expects the gaming expansion to support more than 10,000 construction jobs while establishing what it describes as Ontario's first competitive land-based gaming market.
The process follows an agreement between OLG and MGE Niagara Entertainment earlier this year to suspend MGE's exclusivity rights in the Niagara land-based gaming market, allowing additional operators to enter.
Existing properties Fallsview Casino Resort and Casino Niagara will continue to form part of the region's gaming and tourism offering.
The broader Destination Niagara Strategy aims to more than double annual tourism to over 25 million visitors, generate CA$3bn annually for Ontario's GDP and support approximately 46,500 permanent jobs.
OLG has appointed a Fairness Monitor to oversee the procurement process. Since 1996, it has provided more than CA$256m to the City of Niagara Falls for hosting Fallsview Casino Resort and Casino Niagara.
Phase-one responses are due by 3 December 2026
