The OLG’s gaming modernization strategy includes the development of a provincially regulated online casino, which will allow Ontarians to gamble without leaving their homes. The organization plans to enact the online gambling site by the end of 2013, and announced this week that Spielo G2, a UK based gaming development company, will design the casino games for the aptly named PlayOLG.ca site.
The new site will encompass the majority of gambling options currently regulated by the OLG at offline locations. Lottery players can purchase their tickets online instead of travelling to the closest convenience store. The site will at first include online slots, video poker, and other table games developed by Spielo G2, but OLG President Rod Phillips says other games will transition onto the website over time.
“Subsequent phases will include bingo, sports wagering, online poker and the introduction of other new products.”
The OLG recognizes some people in Ontario worry an online casino will lead to increased cases of problem gambling. As part of the agreement with Spielo G2, there will be daily spending limits upon all the games offered on the site in an effort to reduce the amount of money gamers can spend.
The OLG estimates that Ontarians already spend around $400 million gambling on offshore domains, which takes money away from the provincial economy. The PlayOLG.ca site forecasts the province will generate $375 million in net revenues in the first five years of the site’s operations. Once the site is live, Ontario will join the majority of Canada’s provinces in regulating its own online casino – Saskatchewan and Alberta remain immune.
Phillips congratulated Spielo G2, and stated the OLG looks forward to working with the game developer in the months ahead.
