Ontario Premier Doug Ford has made it known that his government is in the process of renegotiating the current casino deal in Niagara Falls, with the intention of bringing about a substantial transformation in the region’s gaming industry. The discussions revolve around Mohegan Gaming and Entertainment (MGE) and the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG), as the province looks to move away from what Ford has labeled as the current “monopoly” and instead encourage more competition.
Ford’s government is aiming to modernize casino operations in Niagara Falls, realizing the potential of the region as a tourism hotspot. “There’s a tremendous opportunity with the 11 million tourists coming down to Niagara [each year],” Ford expressed during a press conference in Toronto. He emphasized the desire to not only revamp the region for gambling but to turn it into a destination that attracts families. “It’s not about gambling; it’s about the destination. It’s about bringing families there. It’s an incredible tourist attraction, but we have to clean it up and make it more modern.”
These efforts are part of a larger initiative to enhance Niagara Falls’ appeal and drive economic development in the area. The province is engaged in discussions with MGE, the current operator of the two casinos in the region under a contract that stretches until 2040. The objective of these negotiations, according to Ford, is to create “more opportunities” to draw in tourists and elevate the overall experience of Niagara Falls as a premier tourist destination.
The current debate revolves around the prospect of introducing more casino competition into Niagara Falls, a proposition that Mayor Jim Diodati has been advocating for. Diodati believes that diversifying the gaming landscape in the city would attract high-end visitors, boost over-the-border tourism from the U.S., and stimulate economic growth. He envisions that a varied gaming scene would encourage tourists to stay longer and explore the non-gaming attractions in the region.
Despite the support from local leaders, not everyone is convinced that expanding the casino market should be Niagara’s top priority. Paul Burns, President and CEO of the Canadian Gaming Association, has expressed reservations about the current infrastructure in the region. In his view, improving transit links and transportation infrastructure should take precedence over expanding the casino market. “Infrastructure to get people there would probably be a better investment,” Burns stated, pointing out that Niagara lacks a commercial airport and highlighting the underutilization of the convention center. He believes that there is still plenty of room for tourism growth not connected to gaming.
Discussions between the provincial government, Mohegan, and local stakeholders are ongoing. Ford emphasized that while conversations are happening, significant changes to Niagara’s gaming landscape will not happen overnight. “We’re still in the midst of talking to Mohegan, talking to the mayor, and talking to the region to see exactly what they want,” Ford explained. The ultimate goal is to enhance Niagara Falls as both a tourist destination and an economic catalyst for the province.
