TORONTO, ON – Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG), like many Ontarians at this time of year, has holiday traditions. The most important of them – to remind parents and adults that all lottery products, including INSTANT tickets, are a form of gambling and are not suitable gifts for children and minors.

Lottery products may be great stocking stuffers, but not for children and youth. It is important that parents and adults understand the proven risks and impacts associated with underage gambling. Please only buy lottery gifts for friends and family who are 18 years of age and older.

There is extensive free information and resources available concerning youth and gambling:

• The YMCA Youth Gambling Awareness Program (YGAP) is a free service funded by Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care offering educational prevention programs to youth and adults involved in young people’s lives on gambling awareness including potential risks, making informed decisions and healthy and active living.
• The Problem Gambling Institute of Ontario, run by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) offers information and resources for parents who are concerned about their own gambling, and the effects of problem gambling on children.

Also, OLG’s PlaySmart.ca features important information and opportunities to learn more about the comprehensive programs in place to help players make informed choices about gambling.

OLG has supported the National Council of Problem Gambling and McGill University’s Holiday Campaign for many years, which encourages lotteries in Canada, the United States and around the world to promote the important message that lottery is not for kids.

OLG is a crown agency that develops world-class gaming entertainment for the Province of Ontario. Acting in a socially responsible way, OLG conducts and manages land-based gaming facilities; the sale of province-wide lottery games; PlayOLG Internet gaming; and the delivery of bingo and other electronic gaming products at Charitable Gaming Centres. OLG is also helping to build a more sustainable horse racing industry in Ontario. Since 1975, OLG has provided more than $52 billion to the people and Province of Ontario to support key government priorities like health care; the treatment and prevention of problem gambling; and support for amateur athletes. Each year, proceeds from OLG’s operations also support host communities, Ontario First Nations, lottery retailers and local charities across the province.

All for Here – 100 per cent of OLG’s proceeds are invested in Ontario
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PlaySmart.ca
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ConnexOntario – Problem Gambling Support: 1-866-531-2600

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CONTACT:
OLG MEDIA RELATIONS
1-888-946-6716