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Published: October 28, 2026

Ontario Unlocking Billions in Investment and Thousands of Jobs Through Niagara Gaming Expansion

Call for Investment will attract more than $3 billion in direct gaming investment and create thousands of jobs as part of the Destination Niagara Strategy

NIAGARA FALLS — The Ontario government and the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) have launched a Call for Investment that will enable more than $3 billion in direct gaming investment in the Niagara Region and support more than $600 million in additional private-sector investment across different components of the province’s Destination Niagara Strategy over the next 20 years. A key milestone in the strategy, this expansion will help create over 10,000 construction jobs, establish Ontario’s first competitive land-based gaming market and generate additional taxpayer revenue through entrance fees and private-sector investment.

“Niagara has enormous potential for growth and our Destination Niagara Strategy is unlocking new opportunities to attract investment, create jobs and strengthen the region’s tourism economy,” said Zee Hamid, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming. “New gaming investment will bring exciting attractions and experiences to the region, helping drive tourism, create good-paying jobs and support Niagara’s future as a world-class, year-round destination.”

The first phase will invite experienced, world-class gaming operators to express interest in investing in the Niagara market, with shortlisted proponents advancing to a competitive process to submit detailed proposals for new integrated casino developments. The new marketplace will initially be open to a maximum of three new operators, with the potential for further expansion after a 10-year fixed term, subject to market maturity indicators, including tourism indicators and overall operator performance.

As part of this initiative, the province will introduce a gaming tax rate of 9.75 per cent for Niagara gaming operators and establish a new gaming framework that will reduce the burden on operators, focus expansion on top-tier, world-class operators and maintain requirements that protect the public interest. Each new operator will be required to make a minimum investment of $1.5 billion. To protect taxpayer dollars, the province will require a $100 million entrance fee from each new casino operator, which together with increased economic activity, will offset any provincial revenue loss from changes to MGE’s exclusivity rights under the Niagara Gaming Bundle.

“OLG is proud to work with our partners and the Ontario government to strengthen Niagara’s position as one of Canada’s premier tourist destinations,” said Duncan Hannay, President and CEO, OLG. “By enhancing the gaming experience and supporting new investments in hotels, entertainment venues and dining, we are helping create lasting economic benefits while amplifying the great experiences already available at Fallsview and Casino Niagara, giving visitors even more reasons to choose Niagara.”

The Call for Investment will play a critical role in advancing the Destination Niagara Strategy, the province’s plan to build Niagara into a world-class tourism destination by doubling tourism to more than 25 million annual visitors, generating $3 billion annually for Ontario’s GDP and creating approximately 46,500 permanent jobs, supporting local businesses and strengthening the region’s tourism economy. It builds on the strategy’s gaming pillar that focuses on attracting major private-sector investment and developing new experiences that complement Niagara’s existing tourism offerings without relying on government funding.

The Call for Investment follows an agreement reached earlier this year between OLG and MGE Niagara Entertainment Inc. (MGE) that allows additional casino operators to enter the Niagara gaming market. Together with other Destination Niagara initiatives, the process will bring new investment to the region, create more good-paying jobs and grow Ontario’s economy.

Quick Facts

  • On August 13, 2026, the government announced an agreement between OLG and its Niagara-area service provider, MGE, to suspend MGE’s current exclusivity rights to the Niagara land-based gaming market.
  • Respondents interested in the opportunity must respond to phase one of the procurement by December 3, 2026.
  • OLG has engaged the services of a Fairness Monitor to provide oversight and advice throughout the procurement process.
  • For interested operators, information on this Call for Investment can be found on MERX.

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https://news.ontario.ca/en/release/1008211/ontario-unlocking-billions-in-investment-and-thousands-of-jobs-through-niagara-gaming-expansion