The province of Ontario is looking to expand gaming’s footprint in its most prominent tourism hub.
Key Takeaways
- Ontario, OLG, and MGE have agreed to end MGE’s casino exclusivity rights, opening the door for new gaming operators in Niagara Region.
- The province says the move could attract new investment, strengthen Niagara’s tourism industry, and create jobs.
- MGE will continue operating Fallsview Casino Resort and Casino Niagara while OLG explores opportunities to bring additional operators to market.
The Government of Ontario unveiled Thursday a new partnership alongside the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) and MGE Niagara Entertainment Inc. (MGE) to permit more casino operators to enter the Niagara Region.
“Niagara has long been one of Ontario’s premier tourism destinations, and we’re working to unlock its full potential and attract more visitors and investment for decades to come,” said Doug Downey, Interim Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming. “Our government is creating the conditions for long-term growth by building on the region’s strengths and unlocking new opportunities for businesses, workers and communities across Niagara.”
The new partnership is set to provide expanded economic opportunity into the region, with possible windfall of additional investment entering the region, as well as the creation of “good-paying jobs.”
“OLG and MGE are continuing our strong partnership and shared commitment to the Niagara community,” said Duncan Hannay, president and CEO of OLG. “We are excited about what the future could hold as we work together to help realize the full potential of Niagara's casino business and the economic benefits that flow from it.”
The agreement will see MGE, which operates Fallsview Casino Resort and Casino Niagara on behalf of OLG, move off its exclusivity rights within the region. The move comes as part of a broader push from Ontario provincial leader Doug Ford and his Destination Niagara initiative announced back in December.
MGE will continue to operate both local casinos with OLG set to begin the process of procuring new operators into the region in the months to come.
“Fallsview Casino Resort and Casino Niagara have been economic drivers in the Niagara Region for almost 30 years,” said Niagara Casinos president Richard Taylor. “We are proud to be part of the Niagara community and are committed to the future growth of the area. We welcome economic growth including new development and working collaboratively with the OLG and the Province to support the Destination Niagara vision.”
