The Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation has announced it is boosting funding to the Community Investment Program (CIP), which supports community projects that aim to prevent and reduce gambling harm in vulnerable populations.
OLG provided initial funding last year for the CIP and this year is increasing its contribution, bringing the two-year total investment to CA$760,000 (US$559,000).
According to their fiscal 2022-23 documentation, OLG directed CA$22 million (US$16 million) to responsible-gambling programming and resources. That includes PlaySmart Centres, capital costs for self-exclusion technology like facial recognition technology, education, and program delivery.
“March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month, an important time dedicated to increasing public awareness of problem gambling and related prevention, treatment, and recovery services,” said Catherine Meade, OLG’s Vice-President of Community, Sustainability & Social Responsibility.
“At OLG, player health is our priority all year round. We have an unwavering focus on engaging players and preventing gambling harm across all our offerings and products — and we will never stop pursuing the highest standard for RG and investing in our globally recognized PlaySmart program.”
Greo Evidence Insights independently awards funding and oversees the CIP program on behalf of OLG.
OLG is also renovating PlaySmart Centres at casinos and charitable gaming centers across the province.
OLG is a sponsor of the RGC Discovery conference, taking place Tuesday and Wednesday in Toronto, bringing together industry leaders for discussions, research, and knowledge sharing about responsible gambling.
All casinos in the province are certified through the RGC’s rigorous RG Check program.
