Ontario’s online gambling website soft-launched
News on 6 Dec 2014
News on 6 Dec 2014
Around 17,000 Ontario online gamblers have been in-spanned to preview and test the Canadian province’s new website as it follows Quebec, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, P.E.I. and British Columbia into the online gambling sector with the soft launch of its new website.
The PlayOLG site is operated by the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation and offers interactive, casino-style entertainment including slots and table games such as blackjack, baccarat, poker and roulette, along with the online sale of lottery tickets.
The OLG is hoping to cash in on the estimated 400 to 500 million dollars Ontarians are estimated to spend annually on unregulated gambling sites, but to do so in a strictly controlled and responsible manner.
John Wisternoff, OLG’s vice president for iGaming said at a press conference in Toronto Friday:
“The player may be requested to provide a copy of government issued ID and this additional information may be requested at any point in time that the player is playing PlayOLG.”
He added that the site will be open fully to Ontario residents aged 18 and older (19 and older in the case of the casino games) early in the new year if the soft-launch and test phase goes to plan
Players will be able to use Visa, MasterCard or Interac to deposit up to a maximum of C$9,999 per week into their betting accounts.
The Corporation has, however, included a drop-down menu that that suggests moderate amounts in four options: C$30, C$50, C$75 or C$100.
Wisternoff emphasised that stringent precautions have been taken to exclude under-aged, problem or criminal elements, and the website has embedded responsible gambling tools that include options for users to take breaks from playing, or to lock themselves out for 6 months, 1 year, or indefinitely through self-exclusion.
Other safety measures include a time limit on casino play, a limit on casino losses and a slogan “know your limit, play within it” that will be stressed in marketing strategies.
