TORONTO, ON – Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) is advising the public of a telephone lottery prize scam that is apparently operating across North American, including in Ontario.

Scammers are identifying themselves as calling from fictitious yet legitimate-sounding organizations such as “The Canadian Gaming and Lottery Commission” or the “International Lottery Commission”. These institutions do not exist.

The scam involves members of the public being told they have been selected as winners of major lottery prizes which can be claimed by paying a fee over the phone.

OLG does not conduct such phone calls, make such offers or ask for money over the phone.

Anyone receiving such a call should report the incident to police by calling the Canadian  Anti-Fraud Centre (formerly known as PHONEBUSTERS) at 1-888-495-8501 or at http://www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca

OLG lottery tickets and products can only be purchased at authorized OLG lottery retailers or on PlayOLG.ca.

Legitimate lottery tickets can be checked using the Ticket Checkers at authorized lottery retailers, select OLG Slots & Casino facilities or the Toronto Prize Centre. If you have won a prize, there are a variety of ways to claim your prize. For further details, please check OLG.ca – How to claim a Lottery Prize.

For any further questions, please contact the OLG Support Centre at 1-800-387-0098.

OLG is a provincial agency responsible for gaming facilities, the sale of province-wide lottery games, the PlayOLG Internet gaming website and the delivery of bingo and other electronic gaming products at Charitable Gaming Centres across the province. Since 1975, OLG has provided nearly $42 billion to the Province and the people of Ontario. OLG’s annual payments to the province have helped support the operation of hospitals; prevention, treatment and research of problem gambling; amateur sport through the Quest for Gold program; and local and provincial charities. OLG was a Premier Sponsor of the TORONTO 2015 Pan Am / Parapan Am Games.

All for Here – 100 per cent of OLG’s proceeds are invested in Ontario
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THE ONTARIO PROBLEM GAMBLING HELPLINE 1-888-230-3505

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TORONTO – Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation’s (OLG) Internet gaming website, PlayOLG.ca has received global recognition for its Responsible Gaming (RG) Program. PlayOLG has been certified with the RG Check certification, the most rigorous RG accreditation program in the world.

Administered by the Responsible Gambling Council (RGC), the RG Check accreditation program is based on an RG Index comprising a set of standards developed independent of the gaming industry. Informed by international best practices, this Index evaluates seven core standards: corporate policies, self-exclusion, advertising and promotion, informed decision making, assisting customers who may have problems with gambling, gaming environment and game features, and employee training.

PlayOLG launched to legal-aged Ontarians in January 2015 as the only Internet gaming site regulated by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario. PlayOLG is built with RG measures in place to encourage healthy player behaviour, to respond to changes in play that may lead to risky gambling and to direct players to information on where to seek help, if needed.

OLG consulted broadly with a range of stakeholders, researchers and addiction specialists in addition to reviewing available industry and academic research, to develop and implement RG best practices for PlayOLG.

PlayOLG’s Responsible Gambling

PlayOLG has embedded RG tools which draw on Canadian and global best practices after consulting broadly with a range of stakeholders, researchers and addiction specialists.

OLG’s RG program continues to receive international recognition. In 2015, the World Lottery Association (WLA) awarded OLG the WLA Best Overall Responsible Gambling Program Award. This award recognizes excellence in Responsible Gambling among more than 140 member organizations from around the world.

“PlayOLG’s RG safeguards and analytics offer a direct insight into the gambling habits or our customers,” said Paul Pellizzari, OLG’s Executive Director of Social Responsibility. “The RG features enable us to promote healthy playing habits and how to seek help and support for problem gamblers.”

PlayOLG’s RG features include:

• No anonymous play
• Registration includes age and identity verifications
• Mandatory weekly deposit limits
• Casino loss limits
• Time limits for casino game play
• Lottery ticket purchase limits
• Customized RG messaging based on play levels
• Seven day cooling-off period before increasing limits
• Player self-assessments and risk profiles
• Breaks from play on PlayOLG (one day to three months)
• Self-Exclusion
• Full account history available to every player
• Tips for parents about password protection, how to use tools to restrict access to websites, and how to monitor their children’s Internet access and usage

Please visit PlayOLG.ca for more information

OLG is a provincial agency responsible for gaming facilities, the sale of province-wide lottery games, the PlayOLG Internet gaming website and the delivery of bingo and other electronic gaming products at Charitable Gaming Centres across the province. Since 1975, OLG has provided nearly $42 billion to the Province and the people of Ontario. OLG’s annual payments to the province have helped support the operation of hospitals; prevention, treatment and research of problem gambling; amateur sport through the Quest for Gold program; and local and provincial charities. OLG was a Premier Sponsor of the TORONTO 2015 Pan Am / Parapan Am Games.

All for Here – 100 per cent of OLG’s proceeds are invested in Ontario
olg.ca
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PlaySmart.ca
“Know your limit. Play within it.”
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THE ONTARIO PROBLEM GAMBLING HELPLINE 1-888-230-3505

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CONTACT:
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TORONTO, ON – Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) is proud to announce OLG Casino Brantford has received Silver Certification in Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) from the Canada Green Building Council. This recognition is a significant achievement for OLG’s Bet on Green program, and overall sustainability efforts.

LEED is the most widely used and globally recognized green building rating system. The certification process includes independent, third-party verification that a building was designed, built and is operating using strategies aimed at achieving high performance in key areas of human and environmental health such as sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection and indoor environmental quality.

“OLG is taking steps to reduce our environmental footprint and, in many ways, Casino Brantford is leading the way for the organization,” said Stephen Rigby, OLG’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “This is a strong example of our efforts to reduce our environmental impact and demonstrates OLG’s commitment to strengthening the communities in which we operate.”

Several green building strategies were incorporated in the overall design and construction of OLG Casino Brantford to achieve the LEED Silver Certification including:

• 49% reduction in water consumption
• 3% reduction in lighting power use
• 90% of all appliances are energy star rated
• 3% of construction materials contain recycled content
• 9% of materials used in the construction are from rapidly renewable resources.

LEED Silver Certification also takes into account how the operation of the business impacts green initiatives. For example, OLG Casino Brantford aims to encourage the ongoing reduction of carbon emissions by ensuring:

• easy access to public transportation for customers and employees as it is located on two local bus lines
• customers with electric vehicles have access to two charging stations in the parking lot
• employees who wish to bike to work have access to bicycle storage and change rooms complete with showers
• an extensive recycling program is maintained and practiced within the gaming facility.

“Achieving LEED Silver Certification is a very important milestone,” said Edward Day, General Manager, OLG Casino Brantford. “However, to maintain this certification it requires an extensive team effort. We at Casino Brantford are all committed to this effort.”

OLG has driven environmental improvements through our Bet on Green program.  For example, greenhouse gas emissions at OLG have decreased almost 16-thousand tonnes in the last four years. OLG has reduced paper use by making our lottery tickets 25 per cent smaller. Also, OLG supports various green initiatives in the communities where we operate such as sponsoring and participating in the Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup.

OLG is a provincial agency responsible for gaming facilities, the sale of province-wide lottery games, the PlayOLG Internet gaming website and the delivery of bingo and other electronic gaming products at Charitable Gaming Centres across the province. Since 1975, OLG has provided nearly $42 billion to the Province and the people of Ontario. OLG’s annual payments to the province have helped support the operation of hospitals; prevention, treatment and research of problem gambling; amateur sport through the Quest for Gold program; and local and provincial charities. OLG was a Premier Sponsor of the TORONTO 2015 Pan Am / Parapan Am Games.

All for Here – 100 per cent of OLG’s proceeds are invested in Ontario
olg.ca
Follow on Twitter @OLGtoday

PlaySmart.ca
“Know your limit. Play within it.”
Follow on Twitter @PlaySmartOLG

THE ONTARIO PROBLEM GAMBLING HELPLINE 1-888-230-3505

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CONTACT:
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TORONTO – The Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) is continuing its procurement process for land-based gaming by issuing Request for Proposal (RFP) documents to pre-qualified proponents selected to bid on the GTA Gaming Bundle.

The RFP will enable OLG to select one service provider to run certain day-to-day gaming operations for the two gaming sites in the Gaming Bundle — OLG Slots at Woodbine Racetrack and OLG Slots at Ajax Downs. In addition, OLG continues to have discussions with the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation regarding the possible inclusion of the Great Blue Heron Casino within the GTA Gaming Bundle. Some draft agreements have been developed and will be put forward for required approvals by the Provincial government, the OLG Board of Directors and others as necessary. If and when applicable, further details will be provided by OLG to proponents during the RFP process.

The GTA RFP follows the selection of a service provider for the East Gaming Bundle and release of RFPs for the North and Southwest Gaming Bundles.

To OLG, the integrity of the procurement process is of the utmost importance. Public procurements involve information of a commercially sensitive nature. As a result, details of the RFP documents and names of pre-qualified proponents will not be released by OLG while the process is ongoing.

Additionally, there will be no further communication by OLG about the RFP for this bundle until the selected service provider is announced. OLG expects to announce the successful service provider in late summer 2017.

OLG expects to release the RFPs for remaining Gaming Bundles in the coming months.

At approximately $2 billion annually, OLG provides the Ontario government with its largest source of non-tax revenue. Modernization will help OLG provide more money to Ontario for key government services, including health care and education.

OLG is a provincial agency responsible for gaming facilities, the sale of province-wide lottery games, the PlayOLG Internet gaming website and the delivery of bingo and other electronic gaming products at Charitable Gaming Centres across the province. Since 1975, OLG has provided nearly $42 billion to the Province and the people of Ontario. OLG’s annual payments to the province have helped support the operation of hospitals; prevention, treatment and research of problem gambling; amateur sport through the Quest for Gold program; and local and provincial charities. OLG was a Premier Sponsor of the TORONTO 2015 Pan Am / Parapan Am Games.

All for Here – 100 per cent of OLG’s proceeds are invested in Ontario
olg.ca
Follow on Twitter @OLGtoday

PlaySmart.ca
“Know your limit. Play within it.”
Follow on Twitter @PlaySmartOLG

THE ONTARIO PROBLEM GAMBLING HELPLINE 1-888-230-3505

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Gaming Zone	Current OLG Gaming Site	Host Community
C2	OLG Slots at Woodbine Racetrack	Toronto
C3	OLG Slots at Ajax Downs	Ajax

For more details on OLG’s procurement process for the modernization of lottery and gaming, including Gaming Zone maps, visit: http://about.olg.ca/modernization-project-status-rfp/

OLG’s Modernization

In July 2010, OLG was asked by the Ontario government to complete a comprehensive, strategic review of the lottery distribution network and land-based gaming sites. The review resulted in a report to government called Modernizing Lottery and Gaming in Ontario. In March 2012, OLG announced its modernization plan.

OLG is engaging the private sector to help build a new model for lottery and gaming in Ontario. OLG’s modernization will expand private sector participation in the industry, which will ensure greater efficiencies because:

• Service providers will be able to focus on delivering certain day-to-day operations, while OLG maintains control and accountability
• Most capital costs of expanding, improving and maintaining gaming facilities will be taken on by the private sector, not the government

Through modernization, OLG will:

• Become more customer focused
• Expand the regulated role of the private sector in the day-to-day operations of lottery and gaming
• Renew its role in the conduct and management of lottery and gaming

Under section 207 (1) (a) of the Criminal Code of Canada, only OLG (as an agent of the Province) is permitted to conduct and manage gaming in Ontario. That is why OLG will continue its conduct and manage role and will remain the operating mind behind the delivery of gaming and lottery in Ontario.

As service providers take over certain day-to-day operations of lottery and gaming, OLG will continue to:

• Conduct and manage lottery and gaming
• Require compliance with applicable regulations set out by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO)
• Be the owner of key player information
• Uphold the standards of its Responsible Gambling program through service providers, including the self-exclusion program
• Distribute Municipality Contribution Agreement payments to host communities

Once modernization is fully implemented, it will provide additional revenue to the Province to support vital services Ontarians rely on, like health care and education. At the same time, Ontario will continue to be a North American leader in responsible gambling, supporting the research, prevention and treatment of problem gambling.

OLG’s Gaming Procurement Process

Modernization is a significant transformation of a government agency. The plan is ambitious and complex.

OLG’s modernization procurement process will lead to long-term contracts with service providers. OLG needs to ensure proper due diligence in order to select service providers from among the best and most qualified proponents.

Since its initial launch, modernization has evolved in response to further consultation with industry experts through the Request for Information (RFI) and Request for Pre-Qualification (RFPQ) processes, collaboration with municipalities across Ontario and public policy adjustments.

OLG has made significant progress by:

• Completing an RFI process for lottery and land-based gaming
• Issuing RFPQs and receiving submissions for lottery and land-based Gaming Bundles
• Successfully procuring a service provider for iGaming and launching the PlayOLG online gaming platform
• Launching the revitalization of charitable gaming
• Working with the horse racing industry and government to build the foundation for a more sustainable horse racing industry in Ontario
• Completing the RFP process for the East Gaming Bundle and launching the RFP process for Lottery, the North, Southwest and GTA Gaming Bundles

On September 9, 2015, OLG announced it had selected Ontario Gaming East LP as the service provider for the East Gaming Bundle. Ontario Gaming East LP took over certain day-to-day operations of OLG Casino Thousand Islands and OLG Slots at Kawartha Downs on January 11, 2016.

What is a Request for Pre-Qualification (RFPQ)?

RFPQs help OLG determine the skills and abilities of potential service providers.

Through a public tendering system (MERX^TM), interested proponents are asked to submit information on their financial and technical attributes and capabilities, including proof of successful experience with similar projects. In addition, the proponents must provide information on business and other relationships that they have had with First Nations and First Nations communities.

Interested proponents must also be registered with the AGCO or have submitted an application for registration.

The RFPQ process results in OLG identifying qualified proponents eligible to receive the RFP documents—the next step in OLG’s procurement process.

What is a Request for Proposal (RFP)?

In the RFP stage, pre-qualified proponents are invited to bid on a specific opportunity through a competitive and transparent procurement process. RFPs are only distributed to the proponents that are pre-qualified during the RFPQ stage.

The RFP process will result in OLG selecting a service provider for each Gaming Bundle, subject to customary closing conditions and pending the execution of the Casino Operating and Services Agreement (COSA).

What are Gaming Zones?

In order to effectively manage the gaming market in Ontario, OLG identified Gaming Zones where existing or new gaming facilities would be permitted, subject to municipal and provincial government approvals.

Gaming Zones are geographic areas where a single gaming facility may be located. The location and design of these Gaming Zones is intended to ensure a sustainable and efficient gaming market in Ontario.

The boundaries of Gaming Zones across the province were determined by a gravity model—a business tool commonly used for modeling supply and demand within a given geographic area. The model looked at a number of factors to determine where there is customer demand for a gaming facility, including:

• Proximity of a Gaming Zone relative to other Gaming Zones and gaming facilities
• Proximity of a Gaming Zone to current and potential customers
• Distance a customer is willing to travel to reach a gaming site

Within each Gaming Zone, service providers will be permitted to assume certain day-to-day operations for an existing facility and possibly expand the site, establish a new facility if one does not currently exist, or relocate the existing facility within the boundaries of the Gaming Zone, all subject to approvals.

Only one gaming facility is permitted within each Gaming Zone.

What are Gaming Bundles?

To enable OLG to more effectively manage the gaming market in Ontario, OLG grouped some Gaming Zones into Gaming Bundles—each representing a separate bidding opportunity.

As a result, for some gaming RFPQs, potential proponents have been asked to demonstrate their ability to operate multiple facilities in a given region or geographic area of the province.

Gaming Bundles are intended to create opportunities for service providers to be more efficient by operating multiple facilities in a given region.

OLG is currently modernizing seven Gaming Bundles: Ottawa Area Gaming Bundle, East Gaming Bundle, North Gaming Bundle, Southwest Gaming Bundle, West GTA Gaming Bundle, Central Gaming Bundle and GTA Gaming Bundle.

What are the next steps for the remaining Gaming Bundles?

OLG expects to release procurement documents for additional Gaming Bundles in the coming months.

Interested proponents who pre-qualify through the RFPQ process will be invited to participate in the RFP stage of the procurement process. The successful service provider for the applicable Gaming Bundle will be selected from this group.

Communities and OLG’s Modernization

Municipal and community choice is an important element of OLG’s modernization. OLG will only locate gaming facilities where there is support to do so from the municipal council or the council of the band of a First Nation. OLG has always been clear that it will respect the decision of a municipality or council of the band regarding hosting a new gaming site, or relocating or expanding an existing one.

When it comes to gaming facilities, OLG’s approach to potential and current host municipalities and host reserves across Ontario has been consistent.

The municipal council or council of the band must pass a resolution confirming their interest in hosting a gaming facility.

Where a municipal council or council of the band has included conditions as part of its resolution for gaming in its community, such as restrictions on the movement or expansion of a gaming site, OLG will ensure service providers are aware of such conditions during the RFP phase of the procurement process.

OLG then works with the municipal council or the council of the band and the selected service provider to determine the location of a new gaming site, if one is proposed and permitted.

As has always been the case, adding table games at a gaming site that currently has none, relocating a current gaming site or building a new gaming site can only occur where there is municipal or band council consent and a viable business case put forth by a service provider, which is subsequently approved by OLG.

Any new gaming site, introduction of table games at a gaming site that currently has none, or the proposed relocation of an existing gaming site, is subject to final approval from the Ontario government.

Horse Racing Integration

OLG is working with the horse racing industry and the Ontario government to build the foundation for a more sustainable horse racing industry in Ontario.

Horse racing integration is part of modernization and is included in OLG’s mandate from the Ontario government.

OLG is working with the horse racing industry to:

• Create a business model for integration that is focused on stability
• Provide advice to the government and support legislative changes
• Partner with the industry to optimize branding and build public awareness about horse racing
• Develop new horse-themed lottery and gaming products

OLG is also providing provincial support by sharing its expertise and helping to direct the industry to adopt a Responsible Gambling program and has hired a senior vice president to lead horse racing integration.

Ensuring a strong future for horse racing is a priority for OLG and a key part of modernization. Representatives from the horse racing industry, the Government of Ontario and Crown agencies are working together in support of a more sustainable industry.

Future of OLG Gaming Sites at Racetracks

OLG continues to work closely with racetracks to finalize lease agreements.

OLG has recently finalized leases with Woodbine Entertainment Group for Woodbine Racetrack. Woodbine is the largest racetrack in Ontario with the busiest gaming floor in the province.

OLG’s Conduct and Manage Role

OLG will continue its role in the conduct and management of gaming in Ontario.

To fulfill this role, OLG will retain control over lottery and gaming, but will expect service providers to deliver many of the services related to the day-to-day operation of lottery and gaming.

World’s Best Responsible Gambling Program

OLG will continue to work within the Province’s overall problem gambling strategy to contribute to the prevention and mitigation of problem gambling through its Responsible Gambling program, which was ranked number one in the world by the World Lottery Association in 2014.

OLG will also require service providers to follow the Responsible Gambling Standards that OLG has developed.

Ensuring a Competitive Procurement Process

OLG is following the Ontario government’s procurement guidelines to ensure that its procurement process is fair and competitive.

OLG has engaged an impartial Fairness Monitor throughout the process to provide oversight on the integrity and fairness of its procurement process.

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For more information contact:
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TORONTO, ON – The Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) has posted an addendum on the procurement website, MERX^TM, which extends the submission deadline for the Niagara Falls Entertainment Centre Request for Pre-Qualification (RFPQ).

The previous deadline for the RFPQ was February 25, 2016. Applicants will now have until March 23, 2016 to provide OLG with RFPQ submissions.

The RFPQ outlines an opportunity to design, build, finance and maintain a new large-scale, high-quality entertainment centre in the City of Niagara Falls.

Through the RFPQ, OLG will pre-qualify proponents that have the required experience, skills and abilities to receive the Request for Proposal (RFP) for the opportunity to build the facility.

OLG is ensuring a fair and competitive procurement process that is conducted within the guidelines mandated by the Government of Ontario. Following the close of the RFPQ, OLG will undertake its due diligence in evaluating the submissions.

OLG expects to release the RFP to pre-qualified proponents in spring 2016.

OLG is a provincial agency responsible for gaming facilities, the sale of province-wide lottery games, the PlayOLG Internet gaming website and the delivery of bingo and other electronic gaming products at Charitable Gaming Centres across the province. Since 1975, OLG has provided nearly $42 billion to the Province and the people of Ontario. OLG’s annual payments to the province have helped support the operation of hospitals; prevention, treatment and research of problem gambling; amateur sport through the Quest for Gold program; and local and provincial charities. OLG was a Premier Sponsor of the TORONTO 2015 Pan Am / Parapan Am Games.

All for Here – 100 per cent of OLG’s proceeds are invested in Ontario
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“Know your limit. Play within it.”
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PLAYSMART IS A COMPREHENSIVE GAMBLING EDUCATION RESOURCE 

TORONTO – Does buying more lottery tickets for a big jackpot help your chances of winning? Is there such a thing as a “hot” slot machine?  The answer to these questions and more can now be found by using a new program from Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) called PlaySmart. 

PlaySmart is a suite of innovative resources providing our customers with tools, advice and information to help them play smart.

As global leader in Responsible Gambling (RG), OLG has designed PlaySmart to become Ontario’s most relevant and comprehensive gambling education resource.

PlaySmart’s goal is to help gamblers, new and seasoned, to better understand key gambling concepts, to know how the games work, and to base their play budgets on informed choices. In the coming years, OLG will expand PlaySmart by adding more resources it currently provides directly to players.

“PlaySmart builds on OLG’s years of experience developing and managing Responsible Gambling programs,” says Paul Pellizzari, OLG’s Executive Director Policy & Social Responsibility. “It’s important to realize that all players can benefit from understanding the games they play. We want to provide the right information to the right players at the right time. We want you to play smart to keep gambling fun.”

Examples of PlaySmart tools and resources include:

• PlaySmart.ca: An online resource, providing Ontarians with comprehensive gambling education about how games work.
• My PlaySmart Tools: Slots outfitted with technology to allow the player to set spending and time thresholds on their play.
• ATM Messaging: ATM screens at pilot gaming sites updated with useful tips from Credit Canada to encourage players to reflect on gambling spend.
• Educational print and digital messages: Customers can access PlaySmart at all OLG’s lines of business – Slots and Casinos, lottery retailers, PlayOLG.ca and at 31 Charitable Gaming Centres across the province.

Also, other existing RG programs, such as the Responsible Gambling Resource Centres at 53 slot, casino and charitable gaming centres in Ontario will be redeveloped as PlaySmart centres.

“While PlaySmart helps people make better informed decisions about gambling, for players who have more serious issues with gambling, OLG provides information, assistance and referrals to free support services across the province,” said Mr. Pellizzari.

In 2015, OLG’s RG program was acknowledged by the World Lottery Association (WLA) as the Best Overall Responsible Gaming Program in the world. In addition, all OLG Slots and Casinos have earned RG Check accreditation by the Responsible Gambling Council. RG Check is recognized as the most rigorous Responsible Gambling (RG) accreditation program in the world.

More information is available on PlaySmart.ca, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

OLG is a provincial agency responsible for gaming facilities, the sale of province-wide lottery games, the PlayOLG Internet gaming website and the delivery of bingo and other electronic gaming products at Charitable Gaming Centres across the province. Since 1975, OLG has provided nearly $42 billion to the Province and the people of Ontario. OLG’s annual payments to the province have helped support the operation of hospitals; prevention, treatment and research of problem gambling; amateur sport through the Quest for Gold program; and local and provincial charities. OLG was a Premier Sponsor of the TORONTO 2015 Pan Am / Parapan Am Games.

All for Here – 100 per cent of OLG’s proceeds are invested in Ontario
olg.ca
Follow on Twitter @OLGtoday

PlaySmart.ca
“Know your limit. Play within it.”
Follow on Twitter @PlaySmartOLG

THE ONTARIO PROBLEM GAMBLING HELPLINE 1-888-230-3505

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Myths and Truths

While 74 per cent of frequent gamblers consider themselves very knowledgeable about playing slots and games[1], there are still common misunderstandings and long-held myths that exist about gambling. PlaySmart, Ontario’s new comprehensive gambling education resource, is designed to take away the myths about gambling, not the fun.

 

Gambling

Myth: The longer you play, the more likely you are to win.

Truth: Slots machines, roulette wheels and card tables are based on randomness and chance. The outcome of any play cannot be predicted, nor can your chances of winning, no matter how long you play.

Myth: Staff at casinos and slot facilities can change game outcome.

Truth: Every play on a slot machine has a random outcome which means the outcome of any play cannot be predicted or controlled by casino staff.

Myth: Winning comes in streaks, so if you are on a winning streak, you should continue to play.

Truth: There’s no such thing as a winning streak. Games are based on randomness and the independence of events. Just because you’ve experienced a few wins, doesn’t mean you are going to win future plays.

Myth: If a slot machine hasn’t had a recent win, it’s due for one.

Truth: Every slot machine has a Random Number Generator. It’s a computer chip that is constantly running so every win or loss is entirely random. As such, slots have no predictable patterns and there’s no such thing as a machine that’s due to win.

Myth: Machines go on ‘hot’ and ‘cold’ streaks.

Truth: Every slot machine has a Random Number Generator. It’s a computer chip that is constantly running so every win or loss is entirely random. As such, each play is separate from the last and what happens in future plays is not related to what happened in past plays.

Myth: Hitting the stop button on a slot at just the right moment will cause a winning combination.

Truth: There is no strategy to improve your chances of winning because wins and losses are random events and every spin is independent of other spins. Slot machines use computers that randomly pick numbers to determine where the reels will stop. There is nothing you can do to the machine that will affect its outcome.

Myth: When playing roulette, if red has come up 14 times in a row, then betting black next will result in a win.

Truth: Roulette is based on randomness and the independence of events. Each play is separate from the last and what happens in future plays is not related to what happened in past plays.

Myth: The chances of winning are better at some times of the day than others, such as between 3 a.m. and 5 a.m. for slot machines.

Truth: The outcome of any game play cannot be predicted, regardless of the time of day you choose to play.

Myth: If you’re smart, you can beat the odds playing table games.

Truth: Although most forms of gambling require no skill, skill can be applied to card games such as Blackjack and Poker. In these games, players have some room to apply their skill or knowledge, but the gambling operator will always have the house advantage. Advanced players may learn how to reduce their cost of play, but in the long run they too will almost always lose money.

 

Lottery

Myth: Choosing the same lottery numbers every week or choosing certain numbers will improve the chances of winning.

Truth: Every number combination has the same chance of being picked. The winning number selection is random and independent from previous draws. You cannot influence the outcome, so betting the same weekly numbers or choosing certain numbers won’t help you win.

Myth: Buying a lottery ticket when the jackpot is higher will help your odds.

Truth: Lottery numbers are drawn at random and are unrelated to any other factors.

Myth: Some lottery numbers are drawn more often than others.

Truth: Lottery numbers are drawn randomly. Any number is just as likely to be drawn as any other number.

Myth: If a store advertises they sold a winning lottery ticket, they will likely sell another.

Truth: The selection of winning lottery numbers is random and independent from previous draws.

Myth: Your chances of winning a lottery are better depending on where you purchase your ticket.

Truth: Lottery numbers are drawn randomly and are not impacted by where a ticket is purchased.

More information is available at PlaySmart.ca

For more information contact:
OLG Media Relations
1.888.946.6716

THE ONTARIO PROBLEM GAMBLING HELPLINE 1-888-230-3505

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[1] OLG Responsible gaming lottery and gaming research – May 2015

PlaySmart’s goal is to help OLG’s players, new and seasoned, better understand key gambling concepts, how the games work, base their play budgets on informed choices and how to enjoy the experience responsibly.

PlaySmart has developed the following categories to help players assess what type of player they are.

Player Categories

1. New Players – “I’m just looking for a new experience”

Those who’ve recently had their first experience with gambling or playing the Lottery. They may not consider Lottery a form of gambling.

• Exploring a new form of entertainment
• Driven by a desire to join in on the fun and dream big
• Forming ideas about what gambling is
• May have been exposed to online gambling sites
• May not understand or may have preconceived notions of how Lottery or gambling odds work

2. Casual Players – “Let’s have some fun, but I’m still learning”

Infrequent gamblers or Lottery players with minimal experience or knowledge. They may not consider Lottery a form of gambling.

• Occasionally buy a raffle or Lottery ticket
• Make planned visits to slots and/or casinos with friends or if there’s a special occasion
• May be playing Lottery looking for a brief escape (Instants), have practical dreams (playing Ontario-only Lotteries), have big aspiration dreams (playing National Lotteries) or a desire to apply their sports knowledge and strategy in a fun way
• Gambling or playing Lottery is a novelty

3. Serious Social Players – “I know how to play and am in control”

Casual gamblers and Lottery players with moderate play and knowledge of gambling. They may not consider Lottery a form of gambling.

• Started playing when they were younger
• Gambling at slots and/or casinos is a main form of entertainment
• It has become a part of their daily routine
• Don’t always plan visits to slots and/or casinos and impromptu visits may be driven by “feeling lucky”
• Gambling does not come before work or family, but is an important part of their lives
• They likely have control over their gambling and Lottery activities

4. Possible Harm – “This used to be more fun, but if I stop I’ll never win”

Frequent and intense gamblers and Lottery players.

• Started playing when they were younger
• It’s likely gone beyond entertainment
• They may be unaware they are starting to lose control
• Their gambling and Lottery play may now be causing problems at work, home and/or with relationships
• They may be feeling regretful about the money and time they are spending

5. Possible Uncontrolled – “I need to play!”

High-risk, problem gamblers who make frequent visits to Slots and/or Casinos or Lottery retailers.

• Gambling and Lottery play may have taken over their lives
• May be unable to control the urge to gamble or play Lottery, despite the harm
• May use gambling and Lottery play to escape problems and relieve anxiety

More information is available at PlaySmart.ca

For more information contact:
OLG Media Relations
1.888.946.6716

THE ONTARIO PROBLEM GAMBLING HELPLINE 1-888-230-3505

Disponible en français

TORONTO, ON – Ontario’s Charitable Bingo and Gaming Revitalization initiative is marking an incredible milestone. More than $100 million has been raised and has benefited local charities in communities across the province as a result of the revitalization of charitable bingo and gaming.

This program, which began a decade ago, is delivered through a partnership between Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG), the Ontario Charitable Gaming Association (OCGA) and the Commercial Gaming Association of Ontario (CGAO).

Boardwalk Gaming Centre in Barrie hosted the official celebration for the $100 million milestone, as this location served as part of a pilot project for the province -wide revitalization initiative.

Helping to commemorate this milestone was Ann Hoggarth, MPP for Barrie, who was representing the province of Ontario, Jeff Lehman, the Mayor of the City of Barrie, Greg McKenzie, OLG’s Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Lynn Cassidy, Executive Director of the OCGA and Peter McMahon, the CEO of the CGAO.

“OLG is proud to have raised more than $100 million with Ontario charities through the Charitable Bingo and Gaming Revitalization initiative,” said Greg McKenzie, OLG’s Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, “OLG’s contributions help create stronger communities by supporting charities like local children’s groups, food banks and the arts in addition to support for healthcare and community services across the province.”

“I am proud to be part of the celebration honouring the great work charities are doing across the province,” said Ann Hoggarth, MPP for Barrie. “Improving the way local charities raise the funds required to deliver essential programs is a priority.”

“We’ve been focused on modernizing Ontario’s Charitable Bingo and Gaming industry for more than a decade now and we’re excited to achieve this important milestone,” said Lynn Cassidy, Executive Director of the OCGA. “By introducing new and innovative games and improving the overall player experience, we are strengthening Charitable Gaming and helping raise more money for local charities.”

Background on Charitable Gaming in Ontario

In the past 10 years, OLG has been working with the CGAO and the OCGA to revitalize the province’s Charitable Bingo and Gaming industry. By developing and introducing new products and technologies that have invigorated the traditional charitable gaming experience, more money has been generated for thousands of local charities across the province. The revitalization initiative is preserving and enhancing funding for charities across Ontario while creating economic benefits, including employment opportunities at local charitable gaming centres.

A pilot program was started in 2005 to test electronic versions of existing paper-based bingo games with six charity bingo centres in five communities in Ontario.

Following the success of this pilot project, a phased rollout of a new suite of electronic games was introduced to other charitable gaming sites in the province. This started in 2012.  The new charitable games offer customers more choice and complements existing paper bingo games:

• Electronic Bingo: Charitable Gaming Centres offer terminals with touch screens that allow players to touch the screen to dab the numbers and play along.
• Play On Demand (POD): A collection of electronic games that can be played anytime, with great prizes to be won.
• Tap Tix: The evolution of the classic Break Open Ticket features an interactive display screen on a ticket dispenser.

The new games allow Charitable Gaming Centres to offer more customer choice and appeal to a broader demographic, while providing a different gaming entertainment experience from traditional bingo.

In total, 31 Charitable Gaming Centres have raised more than $100 million in additional money for local charities and their communities.

As part of the revitalization, OLG assisted in introducing Responsible Gambling Resource Centres (RGRC’s) at all of the 31 Charitable Gaming Centres.  The RGRC’s, managed by the Responsible Gambling Council of Ontario, offer effective educational tools and resources to build awareness and understanding of the risks associated with, and strategies to prevent, problem gambling.

Each RGRC has information available on the following topics:

• Safer play strategies
• Gambling myths and facts
• Community agencies that support people with gambling concerns

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
OLG Media Relations
1-888-946-6716

Ontario Charitable Gaming Association (OCGA)
905-824-5478