OUR HISTORY
A lot has changed since OLG was founded in 1975 – but our commitment to making a difference for the people of Ontario has remained the same. Explore our history to learn more about our past, and to get excited about our future.
OUR HISTORY
A lot has changed since OLG was founded in 1975 – but our commitment to making a difference for the people of Ontario has remained the same. Explore our history to learn more about our past, and to get excited about our future.
RICH HISTORY, VIBRANT FUTURE
OLG has proudly given back to the people and Province of Ontario since we launched the first lottery in Ontario in 1975. As we evolve, we’re continuing to support communities while creating the future of gaming entertainment. Through product growth and expansion, we are innovating Ontario’s gaming industry while building deep relationships with our customers and partners to drive ongoing success. We can’t wait to see what tomorrow will bring.
OLG Through the Years
Explore over 40 years of OLG milestones that celebrate all we’ve achieved.
2000
2000
January
OLC introduces CASH FOR LIFE, the first lottery in Canada to offer a top prize in the form of an annuity. The new CASH FOR LIFE lottery game gives players a chance to win $1,000 a week.
2000
February
Slots at Rideau Carleton Raceway opens.
2000
March
Slots at Woodbine Racetrack opens.
2000
April
The Government of Ontario merges the mandates and operations of the Ontario Lottery Corporation (OLC) and the Ontario Casino Corporation (OCC) to form the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLGC).
2000
May
The slot facility at Great Blue Heron Charity Casino, an aboriginal charity casino, opens.
2000
June
SUPERSTAR BINGO awards $835,503.76, the largest bingo prize in Canadian history.
2000
August
Slots at Clinton Raceway and Thunder Bay Charity Casino open.
2000
October
Slots at Flamboro Downs opens.
2001
2001
February
Slots at Hanover Raceway opens.
2001
March
OLGC announces that a charity casino will be located in eastern Ontario on a parcel of land straddling the two communities of Leeds and Thousand Islands and Gananoque.
2001
April
Slots at Dresden Raceway opens.
2001
May
ENCORE becomes a nightly lottery game available with all OLGC online games (excluding Sports Lotteries), and allows for purchase of up to ten ENCORE selections for any one draw. The advance play feature allows purchases of up to ten draws in advance for all OLGC online games (excluding Sports Lotteries).
2001
June
Slots at Woodstock Raceway opens.
2001
July
The Casino Rama Entertainment Centre opens.
2001
August
Design plans are unveiled for the Thousand Islands Charity Casino, and construction begins.
2002
2002
June
Thousand Islands Charity Casino opens.
2002
September
Grand opening of Casino Rama Resort Hotel.
2002
November
LOTTO 6/49 celebrates its 20th Anniversary with a bonus $6.49 million draw at a Canadian Football Grey Cup game.
2003
2003
July
Mega Bucks Wide Area Progressive Slot machines are introduced to OLGC’s Charity Casinos.
2003
August
Launch of new responsible gambling awareness message “Know your limit, play within it!”
Name of the new Niagara Falls casino announced – Niagara Fallsview Casino Resort.
2003
December
Slots at Grand River Raceway opens.
2004
2004
May
LOTTO 6/49 is redesigned to offer bigger jackpots more often.
2004
June
Niagara Fallsview Casino Resort, a $1 billion entertainment complex, opens to the public.
OLGC’s Ex-M Lottery Terminal Program receives prestigious 2004 Canadian Project Excellence Award (CPEX) for Best Practices in project management.
2004
August
$29.14 million won in Ontario, the largest-ever LOTTO 6/49 jackpot to date.
2004
September
OLGC introduces PICKS, PROPS and POOLS, new ways to play Ontario’s sport wagering game PRO*PICKS.
2004
October
OLGC introduces changes to ENCORE, its Ontario-only game played in conjunction with other on-line lotteries (except Sports), with top prize of $1 million and a new prize category.
1990 – 1999