NEW BUSINESS MODEL FOR CHARITABLE GAMING INDUSTRY WILL INCREASE REVENUES FOR ONTARIO CHARITIES
TORONTO – Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) is pleased to announce the implementation of a new and more sustainable business model for Ontario’s charitable gaming industry. Developed in partnership with the Commercial Gaming Association of Ontario (CGAO) and the Ontario Charitable Gaming Association (OCGA), the new model will be reflected in a revised contract with Ontario’s electronic charitable (cGaming) bingo hall operators. “We’re pleased that meaningful discussions with the charitable gaming industry has resulted in a new business model that will increase both revenues for charities and the number of charities that can benefit from the program across the province,” said Rick Gray, OLG’s Vice President of Charitable Gaming. “As of March 31, 2019, $225 million in proceeds from cGaming halls have supported approximately 1,900 local charity and non-profit groups in Ontario.” OLG’s cGaming program currently generates approximately $40 million annually for charities in Ontario. This amount is anticipated to increase significantly once cGaming facilities deploy new games, within their established growth limits. “We are in this business to support charities. The revised business model will help drive a more vibrant and sustainable charitable gaming sector in Ontario,” said Peter McMahon, CEO of the CGAO. The new model will allow cGaming halls to better meet customer expectations while generating more money for community charities. Among other things, the revised contract provides hall operators with more autonomy to purchase new games, sets a list of approved games, and applies a rigorous compliance framework. “Charitable gaming helps provide essential revenue to thousands of charities, non-profits and service clubs across Ontario,” said Lynn Cassidy, Executive Director of OCGA. “This new business model will increase revenues for charities and help to strengthen and revitalize the communities these charities support.” The revised contract with cGaming halls will also result in a strengthened Responsible Gambling program that includes PlaySmart Centres in all halls, enhanced customer education, and obligations on behalf of all hall operators that commits them to building a culture of responsible gambling at all sites.
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 nearly $50 billion to the people and Province of Ontario to support key government priorities like health care; the treatment, prevention and research 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 OLG.ca Follow on Twitter @OLGtoday
PlaySmart.ca Knowledge you can bet on. Follow on Twitter @PlaySmartOLG
THE ONTARIO PROBLEM GAMBLING HELPLINE 1-888-230-3505
Disponible en français
CONTACT: OLG MEDIA RELATIONS 1-888-946-6716