The Niagara Region could see an increase in the number of casinos in the future following the Ontario government’s decision to end exclusive rights. Premier Doug Ford introduced the Destination Niagara plan in December, aiming to attract more visitors to the area by introducing new casinos, a theme park, expanding the airport, and more.
The interim minister of tourism, culture, and gaming in Ontario announced that the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corp. (OLG) has finalized an agreement with MGE Niagara Entertainment Inc. to permit additional casino operators. MGE will relinquish its exclusivity rights while retaining operation of Fallsview Casino Resort and Casino Niagara.
In the upcoming months, OLG plans to initiate a procurement process to identify potential new casino operators. Meanwhile, Wayne Gates, the NDP member of provincial parliament for Niagara Falls, has noted widespread local opposition to Premier Ford’s proposal under Destination Niagara to install a second ferris wheel near the falls.
Niagara Falls Mayor Jim Diodati expressed his disagreement with Ford’s ferris wheel concept, stating that it is an unpopular idea in Queen Victoria Park. He mentioned that the proposal lacks support among the community.
