The Ontario government has received a report from the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) that proposes modernization of the system, an increase in its revenues by more than $1 billion a year, and the creation of 2,300 net new jobs in the gaming industry and nearly 4,000 additional jobs in the hospitality and retail sectors by 2017-18.
With internet-based gaming growing, a higher Canadian dollar and U.S. border communities building their own gaming sites, our gaming system has to change. These reforms will modernize gaming in Ontario by allowing safe, responsible access to gaming opportunities.
The government has directed the OLG to implement a number of the proposals:
• Reconfigure the number of gaming sites and tailor the types of gaming activities made available at each site
• Launch multi-lane sales of lottery tickets at major retail outlets, including grocery stores
• Increase operational efficiencies by expanding the role of the private sector
• Stop annual payments to the horse racing industry by ending the Slots at Racetracks program on March 31, 2013, and allowing slot facilities to be located more strategically
• Implement a new fee model for municipalities hosting gaming sites; and
• Allow one new casino in the GTA, subject to an OLG business case and municipal approval.
The government will also enhance its responsible gambling programming.
These initiatives will allow OLG to meet the demands of a changing gaming marketplace.
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