'Business as usual' at Sault headquarters

NEWS RELEASE

OLG

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TORONTO — The Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) has cancelled the current Request for Proposals (RFP) for Lottery in favour of a revised modernization approach. Through the Lottery modernization, OLG has been seeking a way, in partnership with the private sector, to unlock the opportunity to create greater value for Ontario.

After a period of due diligence and consultation with globally-experienced proponents, OLG has determined that the selection of a single service provider would not provide sufficient value for the Province.

"Today, OLG's Lottery business performs well; 2015-16 sales were a record $3.8 billion," said Stephen Rigby, OLG's President and Chief Executive Officer. "However, in order to unlock the full potential of the business, our approach to Lottery modernization is evolving. Under a revised approach, we will seek to enhance our capabilities in technology and innovation through partnerships with the private sector. This approach will leverage our skilled Lottery operations, headquartered in Sault Ste. Marie."

The investments in research, due diligence and market capacity that OLG has made to date will inform OLG's approach going forward.

"OLG's mandate is to continually improve the business," said Rigby. "Our research reveals there is untapped revenue potential in the market. We are now adjusting our approach and remain committed to providing increased revenue to the Province."

In the meantime, it is business as usual. OLG will continue to operate the Lottery business. Customers and retailers will see no disruption in service and the modernization of land-based gaming continues.

At more than $2.2 billion annually, OLG provides the Ontario government with its largest source of non-tax revenue. Modernization helps OLG provide more money to Ontario for key government services.

OLG is the Ontario government agency that delivers gaming entertainment in a socially responsible manner. OLG conducts and manages gaming facilities, the sale of province-wide lottery games, PlayOLG Internet gaming, the delivery of bingo and other electronic gaming products at Charitable Gaming Centres and is leading the integration of horse racing into the provincial gaming strategy. Since 1975, OLG has provided nearly $42 billion to the Province and the people of Ontario. These payments to the province support the operation of hospitals, amateur sport through the Quest for Gold program, local and provincial charities and problem gambling prevention, treatment and research.

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