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 50 years of OLG milestones that celebrate all we’ve achieved.
1975
1975
February
Ontario Provincial Government creates the Ontario Lottery Corporation (OLC).
1975
April
OLC launches its first lottery game, WINTARIO. Game proceeds are dedicated through the Ministry of Culture and Recreation to promote physical fitness, sports, cultural and recreational activities. WINTARIO remains a flagship product until 1996.
1975
August
First lottery profits of $6 million are paid to the province.
1975
October
First regular broadcast of live WINTARIO television show airs with hosts Faye Dance and Fred Davis.
1976
1976
March
Lottery profits for the first year of OLC operations are $43 million.
1978
1978
November
LOTTARIO, Ontario’s first on-line terminal lotto game, launches.
1979
1979
December
Total lottery sales pass the $1 billion mark.
1982
1982
June
The Interprovincial Lottery Corporation launches LOTTO 6/49, Canada’s first nation-wide online terminal lottery game.
1982
September
The Ontario Trillium Foundation is created to distribute lottery proceeds through the Ministry of Tourism and Recreation.
1984
1984
OLC tops $1 billion in profits paid to the province.
1984
March
SHOOT TO SCORE, the first $2 Instant game, launches.
1985
1985
September
LOTTO 6/49 becomes a biweekly lottery game with draws on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
1986
1986
July
The government announces OLC’s relocation from Toronto to Sault Ste. Marie.
1989
1989
January
PICK-3, Ontario’s daily lottery, launches.
1989
November
ENCORE, a lottery played in conjunction with LOTTO 6/49, launches.
1989
December
Ontario government extends use of lottery profits to include medical operations in hospitals.
