Today, OLG began the process of pre-qualifying service providers for the day-to-day operations of lottery in Ontario. This is the next step forward in modernizing the province’s lottery industry.

Through a Request for Pre-Qualification (RFPQ), potential service providers are being asked to demonstrate their experience as it relates to the lottery business. This includes:

• Success in developing customer driven growth strategies;
• Ability to operate complex and dynamic businesses;
• Access to the resources, tools and technology needed to operate a sustainable lottery business; and
• Capacity to lead the transition of customers, retailers, employees, along with technology, to a new operating model.

“By modernizing our lottery business, we will increase efficiencies, expand options for lottery sales, and introduce new games and innovation to the system,” said Rod Phillips, OLG President and Chief Executive Officer. “We want to make playing the lottery more convenient and engaging for our customers.”

Eight million adults in Ontario played the lottery each year. But while the Ontario adult population has grown by 11 per cent over the past 10 years, the number of Ontarians playing lottery games on a regular basis has remained static.

By introducing new technologies and sales channels, OLG will enhance convenience and make the lottery experience more entertaining. This includes making it easier for customers to buy lottery tickets at grocery and drug store checkouts. Around 90 per cent of adult Ontarians shop monthly at grocery and drug stores yet only 9 per cent and 7 per cent, respectively, of OLG lottery revenue is generated at these locations.

In the future, OLG will continue its role in the conduct, management and oversight of lottery. This includes setting the overall strategy for lottery and managing the market by approving channel strategies and products.

OLG will also continue to prevent and mitigate the effects of problem gambling through its Responsible Gambling program, which is recognized internationally by the World Lottery Association’s certification program.

For more information on today’s RFPQ launch, read the backgrounder.