Pilot project to enhance 50/50 raffle draws will raise more money for Ontario charities

Updated 50/50 draw program to feature larger prizes for customers, more funds for charities, greater security, accuracy and accountability

TORONTO, March 12, 2014 /CNW/ - Traditional 50/50 raffle draws in Ontario will be going high-tech later this year. Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) is launching two pilot programs to enhance existing manual 50/50 raffle draws with electronic hand-held mobile devices to help Ontario charities to raise more money and to provide larger prizes for raffle players.

The two pilot programs will operate with Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment (MLSE) Foundation and the Ottawa Senators Foundation. Charity volunteers will use electronic hand-held mobile devices to sell and record each 50/50 transaction at Toronto Maple Leafs, Toronto Raptors and Ottawa Senators home games. The pilot programs will begin in fall/winter 2014.

Under the Criminal Code of Canada, only OLG can conduct and manage electronic games of chance in the province, which will now include electronic 50/50 raffle draws.  OLG's oversight of these pilot programs will leverage its expertise with improved efficiency, integrity and accuracy around these draws.

Similar enhancements to 50/50 raffles have occurred in other provinces including British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. The technology has enabled charities in these provinces to significantly increase the amount of money raised. In addition to enhanced revenue opportunities for charities, enhancements to the 50/50 program will offer:

• More excitement for players: Enhanced 50/50 will feature real-time displays of total prize money available and larger jackpots.
• Greater integrity and accuracy: Enhanced 50/50 systems will register and record all transactions and tickets.
• Greater speed and improved access: Enhanced 50/50 will offer the opportunity for more sellers to reach more patrons.
• Improved security and accountability: With enhanced 50/50, each and every dollar is tracked in real-time. Sellers can be messaged in real-time to deposit money.

Following the successful pilot programs, further expansion of the electronic 50/50 raffle draws to other charitable organizations in suitable venues across Ontario will be considered.

OLG is a provincial agency responsible for province-wide lottery games and gaming facilities. Since 1975, OLG has provided nearly $38 billion to the Province and the people of Ontario. OLG's annual payments to the Province have helped support health care; education, research, prevention and treatment of problem gambling; amateur sport through the Quest for Gold program; and local and provincial charities.

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Image with caption: "Ottawa Senators Foundation and OLG launch 50/50 Raffle Pilot Program. (L-R) Yasir Naqvi, MPP Ottawa Centre, Larry Flynn, OLG Senior Vice President, Gaming, Bob Chiarelli, MPP Ottawa West--Nepean, David Rattray, Board Member, Ottawa Senators Foundation, Danielle Robinson, President and CEO, Ottawa Senators Foundation, Spartacat. (CNW/Jana Chytilova) (CNW Group/OLG)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20140312_C4766_PHOTO_EN_37837.jpg

Image with caption: "The Ontario Government along with MLSE Foundation and OLG launch electronic 50/50 draws pilot program in Toronto today. >From L to R: Mike Bartlett, Executive Director, MLSE Foundation, Charles Sousa, Ontario Minister of Finance, Steven Pinnock, Executive Director, Best Buddies and Tom Marinelli, OLG Acting P&CEO. (CNW Group/OLG)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20140312_C4766_PHOTO_EN_37854.jpg

SOURCE: OLG

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