What is the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation?
The Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) is an official non-profit government agency that manages gaming facilities, lottery games, bingo, its own PlayOGL iGaming, and other gaming products in Ontario.
It was founded in 1975 and has since been providing lottery and other gaming entertainment to Ontario. The OLG is currently managed by a board of directors made up of seven individuals, including a chair and six board members, who report directly to the government of Ontario, specifically the Ministry of Finance.
There is also an executive leadership team in place, which focuses directly on the management of OLG operations, as well as specific sectors like lottery and land-based gaming operations.
What does the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation do?
The Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation delivers and manages a range of gaming-based activities in Ontario, most notably lottery. Its overall operations can be briefly described through its official mission and purpose: “To generate revenue for the Province; stimulate and enhance economic development; and promote high standards of responsible gambling—all in the best interests of the Province of Ontario.” And “We contribute to a better Ontario by delivering great entertainment experiences for our customers.”
The OLG also operates based on a set of five principles, also known as truths, which are highlighted on their website. These outline the way the agency operates, including things like promoting diversity, reinvesting 100% of profits back into Ontario, and much more.
These are the ‘truths’ that the OLG follows:
We care for Ontario.
We’re here to do good. We help build communities, create jobs, and support our partners. 100% of our profits are reinvested in Ontario.
Giving back is at the heart of all we do. This defines us. Motivates us. Inspires us.
We play as one team.
We Play. We Share. We challenge. We respect, support, and value each other and our partners. Only together can we compete and win.
We are player-obsessed.
Knowing our players allows us to deliver the excitement they crave, in a safe and responsible way. That’s what keeps them coming back.
Their loyalty makes our business stronger and our ability to give back even greater.
We dream big & champion change.
We think big, move fast, and welcome change. We are bold, curious, open, and always taking our game to the next level.
We celebrate our differences.
We all bring value to the team. And our different perspectives, backgrounds, and orientations, make OLG a great place to work.
Together we are more creative, innovative, and inclusive.
In addition to this, the OLG also focuses on player protection. This includes both protecting users from fraud, as well as offering self-exclusion, allowing users to control or stop their gambling.
Players are able to contact OLG to choose to exclude themselves from gaming for a set amount of time. This applies only to official OLG products, including the iGaming platform, all Ontario casinos, and Ontario gaming centers. The website also offers advice, both on personal gambling concerns, as well as how to spot fraud and scams.
Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation And iGaming
In an attempt to modernize and further protect players, the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation expanded into the iGaming market. It launched its own iGaming platform (PlayOLG) as well as a mobile app to offer players a secure gaming space, rather than having to resort to offshore internet gaming sites.
Currently, it offers many forms of online gaming, including lottery, slots, table games, and poker. However, it has not yet revealed much information on changes going forward, when considering the passing of C-218 and the removal of the prohibition of single-game betting in the province.
How do the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation and the Canadian Gaming Association collaborate?
The Canadian Gaming Association (CGA) is a national non-profit organization that represents Canadian gaming operators and suppliers. The CGA works with government, regulators and other stakeholders to ensure that gaming is fair, responsible and benefits all Canadians. The Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) is a Crown corporation that is responsible for regulating casino gaming, lotteries and charitable gaming in the province of Ontario. The OLG is also a member of the CGA. As such, the two organizations work together to ensure that Canadian gaming is conducted in a responsible and transparent manner. In addition, the CGA and OLG work together to promote Canadian gaming as an economic driver and source of jobs, investment and tourism. Together, the CGA and OLG are committed to ensuring that Canadian gaming is a positive force in communities across the country.
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