Ontario’s first lottery launched in May 1975. Since then, OLG has been giving back to the province, communities and people of Ontario — it’s the reason we exist.
Through our operations, we are making Ontario stronger by providing billions of dollars in revenue to support government priorities. OLG also shares revenue with the municipalities that host our casinos, which they invest in priorities that help strengthen their communities. In addition, since the launch of OLG’s modernization, which saw private service providers take over the operation of casinos, hundreds of millions of dollars in new capital investments have been made by the private sector in gaming sites across the province, which has created hundreds of new gaming and non-gaming jobs.
OLG supports many local festivals and events across Ontario each year through our Community Sponsorship Program and since 2006, the Ontario government and the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation have worked together to support high-performance amateur athletes through the Quest for Gold program. We also promote Ontario’s Quest for Gold athletes through community outreach programs and the OLG Quest for Gold lottery ticket, highlighting stories and achievements of athletes in amateur sport.
What We’ve Achieved
Here’s a snapshot of our economic impact in fiscal 2020-21:
$359
million
Net profit to the province
These funds are directed by the Government of Ontario to provincial priorities.
$636
million
In support for local economies
This includes $118 million in direct funding to Ontario’s horse racing industry and $149 million in payments to the Ontario First Nations.
$29
million
For corporate responsibility
This includes $23 million in Charitable Gaming proceeds for participating local charities and $1 million in corporate sponsorships including festivals and events.
Plus: More than $2.5 billion in lottery prizes to players.