Ontario has opened a competition for up to three new casino operators in Niagara. The first deadline is December 3, 2026. The province projects more than C$3 billion in direct gaming investment, but no operator has been selected and no new casino is open.

This is a procurement, not a casino launch. Companies must compete for the opportunity, and the investment figures remain projections.

What bidders must offer

The Ontario government and the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation launched the process on October 28, 2026. Companies must first express interest. Those shortlisted could then submit detailed proposals for integrated casino developments.

  • Up to three operators may be selected in the first phase.
  • Each selected operator must invest at least C$1.5 billion and pay a C$100 million entrance fee.
  • Ontario says Niagara operators will face a 9.75 per cent gaming tax rate.
  • The first responses are due December 3, 2026.

These are terms of the opportunity, not money already received by the province.

More competition, existing casinos remain

Ontario could consider further expansion after a fixed 10-year term. The province says any decision would depend on measures that include tourism and operator performance. It has not named successful bidders or set an opening date.

The process follows an August agreement between the province’s lottery corporation and MGE Niagara Entertainment Inc. The agreement removed MGE’s exclusivity rights in Niagara’s land-based gaming market. MGE will continue operating Fallsview Casino Resort and Casino Niagara; the new competition does not replace those venues.

Billions are still a forecast

Ontario’s projection of more than C$3 billion in direct gaming investment is part of a broader tourism strategy. The province also projects more than C$600 million in additional private-sector investment across other parts of that strategy over 20 years. Neither figure represents money already delivered.

The next concrete measure is how many companies respond by December 3 and which proposals advance. Until the process moves through those stages, Niagara’s expanded casino market remains a plan under competition, not a set of new resorts ready to welcome visitors.