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Ontario Premier Doug Ford Discusses Desire for More Casino Gaming in Niagara
Premier Doug Ford laid out his plans for boosting tourism in Niagara, including calling for casino operators to work with the provincial government.
Ontario could get at least one more brick-and-mortar casino, or the current casinos could expand significantly, if the province's premier, Doug Ford, is able to accomplish his agenda. Ford laid out his plan to increase commercial enterprise around Niagara Falls on Monday, including a desire to attract more land-based gaming to the area.
Ford discusses Niagara economic growth agenda
On Dec. 15, Ford participated in a press conference with Niagara Falls Mayor Jim Diodati, according to Isaac Callan and Colin D'Mello of Global News. The meeting's purpose was to announce Ford's agenda, the Destination Niagara Strategy, for increasing visitations to the city and the surrounding area.
Callan and D'Mello report that Ford mentioned "more casinos," and specifically "big, large casinos," among elements of his plan.
"All the big casinos in Niagara, I'm making a clear message to you: you're welcome to Niagara," Ford explained.
"One of the options being explored is the potential development of multiple new, world-class casinos to provide more options for visits and encourage the development of new hotels, entertainment venues, and restaurants," Ford added.
Ford also shared that he would like to do business with gaming companies operating elsewhere in North America currently.
"All the big casinos in Las Vegas, we're serious," Ford said. "It's happening. Get on board. Come and put a proposal in. Come and tell us how you're going to build a billion-dollar hotel with attractions, with cinemas inside, with live theatre. That's what we're looking for."
Land-based gaming already exists in the Niagara area. However, Ford characterized those facilities as inadequate to accomplish his agenda.
Mohegan Gaming's future in Niagara uncertain
Brick-and-mortar gaming in the Niagara area in Ontario is currently offered by Mohegan Gaming and Entertainment via the Casino Niagara and Fallsview Casino Resort Hotel properties. Mohegan has a licensing deal with the province that runs through 2040.
Despite the presence of those facilities, Ford emphasized that his plans call for immediate action.
"We need to do better, 100%," Ford commented. "Mohegan is dragging the puck. You have to make a decision. You're either on board or you're out. It's simple. I'm tired of screwing around. I apologize for the language. We have to build Niagara. We have to invite other casinos in. They [Mohegan] better come to the table. We're working with them. We have been doing everything we can for two years now. Enough is enough. We're moving with you or without you. I would prefer to move with you, but if you don't move, we're going, simple as that."
However, Mohegan's contract with the province provides the company with exclusivity for the properties in the Niagara area through the term of the deal. Before Ontario can court offers from competitors, alterations to that agreement are necessary.
Other than physical casino gaming, Ontario is also one of the few Canadian provinces that license several of the best online casinos to provide residents with iGaming opportunities. US residents cannot redeem offers like the Fanatics Casino promo code there, though, due to the province's residency requirements for online casino play.
Ford wants to see Niagara become the "Vegas of the North." At present, any expansion of gaming will involve Mohegan to some degree.
