The Ontario government wants to make Niagara Falls “the Las Vegas of the North” by attracting large, big-brand casinos to the border resort city.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford formally announced the government’s plan to invest billions of dollars into Niagara Falls to unlock the region’s “full potential as a world-renowned tourism destination.” The Destination Niagara Strategy proposes expanding existing casinos in the area and potentially opening new, larger ones.
“We want more casinos, large casinos, to come here,” said Ford during a press conference on Dec. 15.
Not a new topic of discussion in Niagara Falls
Expanding existing casinos and potentially opening new ones would affect Mohegan. The Connecticut tribal gaming company operates the two existing land-based casinos in the city, Fallsview Casino and Casino Niagara, under a revenue-share agreement with Ontario Lottery and Gaming that expires in 2040. It also runs the PlayFallsview online casino platform in the region.
For the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, Mohegan’s net revenues from international land-based resorts were $288.1 million, up $3.3 million compared with the prior-year period. Adjusted EBITDA was $20.7 million, a $7.3 million increase.
Mohegan’s presence in Niagara Falls has been under discussion with government officials since 2024. The Ontario government is assessing potential changes in the region to improve its viability as a tourism destination amid Mohegan monopoly concerns that have deterred major tourism investment in the region.
Now, Ford is running out of patience amid a lack of progress in casino expansion plans.
“We need to do better, 100%,” he said during the press conference. “[Mohegan] have got to make a decision. You’re either on board or you’re out, simple. I’m tired of screwing around. We have to build Niagara, we have to invite other casinos in, and they’d better come to the table.”
Ford wants Las Vegas casinos to consider Ontario
Ford and Ontario’s government want to double the number of annual visitors to Niagara Falls from 13 million to 25 million, and they also project the expansion plans to generate an additional $3 billion for Ontario’s GDP annually.
“We want to double the number of visitors who come to Niagara every year, and we want to double the amount of time they spend in Niagara,” continued Ford.
Niagara Falls could present a promising opportunity for gaming giants that have already established a brick-and-mortar casino presence in Ontario. Thosee companies include Caesars, which operates Caesars Windsor Hotel & Casino, and Hard Rock. In July, Hard Rock celebrated the grand opening of the $350 million Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa.
“All the big casinos in Las Vegas: We’re serious, it’s happening,” added Ontario’s Premier. “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.”
Ontario’s plan to turn Niagara Falls into a Vegas-style hub comes as Canadian visitation to Vegas has declined amid tariff concerns between America and the Great White North. According to data provided by the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority in November, there was roughly a 11% year-over-year decline in Canadians visiting Las Vegas in 2025.
The Destination Niagara Strategy also includes plans to build a new theme park, improve infrastructure, build a five-star hotel and expand the area’s regional airport.
“Niagara has the potential to be a true tourism powerhouse, a world-class destination that drives Ontario’s economy and keeps tens of thousands of Ontario workers on the job,” said Ford. “We’re doing everything we can to unlock that potential.”
