Ontario Ends Casino Exclusivity in Niagara, Opening the Market to New Operators

The Ontario government has reached an agreement ending the casino exclusivity held by MGE Niagara Entertainment, clearing the way for new operators to enter the Niagara market.

Under the deal, MGE surrenders its exclusivity rights but continues to operate Niagara Fallsview Casino Resort and Casino Niagara. The Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation will launch a procurement process later this year to identify potential additional operators.

Niagara Falls Mayor Jim Diodati welcomed the change, saying it could draw new operators and fresh investment into the region. He said some of the world's largest gaming companies have visited Niagara Falls over the past year to discuss investment and partnerships with local tourism and hospitality businesses.

Diodati's argument is that competition would broaden what the destination offers beyond gaming, pointing to performance venues, restaurants, spas and hotels. "We're going to get more spas. We're going to get more restaurants. Some nicer hotels," he said, noting the region has not seen a new hotel built in 18 years.

Land-based operators elsewhere in North America are expanding too, with Penn Entertainment committing $195 million to move its New Orleans riverboat ashore.