Olg casino
Olg casino
Official responsible gaming framework for OLG casino operations in Ontario.

OLG Casino Responsible Gaming Policy

This document sets out the responsible gaming framework operated by the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) across all casino properties, charitable gaming centres, and the OLG.ca online gaming platform in Ontario, Canada. The framework integrates prevention, education, player protection tools, and support resources intended to minimize gambling-related harm.

1. Policy Scope and Application

This policy applies to all individuals accessing OLG-operated casinos, charitable gaming centres, and OLG.ca. It covers land-based facilities, including Casino Niagara and Fallsview Casino Resort, as well as digital gaming services.

Responsible gaming obligations are mandated by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) and are integrated into operational controls and staff training programs.

Most players gamble recreationally, and a smaller proportion may experience gambling-related harm. This policy records the priority given to informed choice, harm prevention, and player health within OLG operations.

2. Age Restrictions and Verification

Access to OLG casino gaming is restricted to individuals aged 19 years or older. Lottery ticket purchases require a minimum age of 18 years. Age verification is enforced at entry points to facilities and at relevant transaction stages.

Violations involving underage access may result in penalties of up to 200,000 Canadian dollars under Ontario law.

Staff are trained to request identification and to refuse service to any individual who cannot provide valid proof of age or appears to be underage.

3. PlaySmart Program

PlaySmart is the primary responsible gambling initiative associated with OLG, developed in partnership with the Responsible Gambling Council (RGC). The program has received international recognition, including designation as Best Overall Responsible Gambling Program by the World Lotteries Association in 2015.

3.1. PlaySmart Centres

PlaySmart Centres operate at every OLG casino and charitable gaming centre in Ontario. These facilities provide:

  • Interactive kiosks with educational content
  • Video resources explaining game mechanics and risk factors
  • Printed materials on gambling harm prevention
  • Direct telephone access to RGC professionals
  • Information on self-exclusion and temporary break options

PlaySmart Centres are accessible during operating hours and are staffed to respond to questions regarding responsible gaming tools.

3.2. Certification and Standards

All Ontario slots and casino sites operated by OLG have maintained RG Check certification since 2018. This accreditation confirms adherence to responsible gambling standards established by the RGC.

OLG received Socially Responsible Operator of the Year recognition from the SBC North America Awards in 2023.

4. Self-Exclusion and My PlayBreak

4.1. Self-Exclusion Procedures

Players may request self-exclusion from OLG casinos and charitable gaming centres. Self-exclusion initiated at any Ontario casino location applies across all OLG-operated land-based facilities and OLG.ca.

Available exclusion period options are:

  • 3 months
  • 6 months
  • 1 year
  • 2 years
  • 3 years
  • 5 years

During the exclusion period, the individual is prohibited from entering any OLG casino property or accessing OLG.ca. Self-excluded individuals are removed from promotional contact lists and marketing communications.

Attempts to enter facilities during an active exclusion period may result in removal from the premises and trespass enforcement.

Following reinstatement after a self-exclusion period, a two-year restriction on casino credit applies.

4.2. My PlayBreak for OLG.ca

Players using OLG.ca may activate My PlayBreak, a temporary suspension tool that provides break periods ranging from 1 day to 5 years. During a PlayBreak:

  • Account access is suspended
  • No gaming activity is permitted

Players select the duration at activation and cannot reduce or cancel the break once it has been confirmed.

4.3. Enforcement

Enforcement measures include facial recognition technology, staff training, and identification checks intended to prevent self-excluded individuals from accessing facilities.

The company does not assume a legal obligation to control player behavior outside OLG premises and does not guarantee detection or prevention of all breaches of self-exclusion in every circumstance.

5. Player Responsibilities

Players are responsible for:

  • Providing accurate age and identity information
  • Monitoring their own gambling behavior and spending
  • Using available tools, including deposit limits, time reminders, and self-exclusion, when needed
  • Seeking external support if gambling becomes problematic
  • Submitting any self-exclusion or break requests in writing or through designated channels

Tools and information are provided to support informed decisions, but players retain primary responsibility for their gambling decisions and activity.

6. Staff Training and Operational Integration

AGCO regulations require integration of responsible gambling policies into all control activities at OLG-operated sites and platforms. Staff training includes:

  • Recognition of potential indicators of problem gambling
  • Procedures for assisting players seeking help
  • Enforcement of self-exclusion and age restrictions
  • Referral protocols to the RGC and external support services

Training programs are updated periodically to reflect regulatory changes and recognized best practices in responsible gambling.

7. Investment and Reporting

OLG invests over 20 million Canadian dollars annually in responsible gambling programs. This funding supports:

  • PlaySmart operations
  • Research activities
  • Community partnerships
  • Harm prevention initiatives

Annual PlaySmart reports are published, detailing program effectiveness, allocation of investment, and progress against stated objectives. Reports are available on the official OLG website.

8. External Support Resources

Players seeking assistance beyond services available through OLG may contact:

  • Responsible Gambling Council helpline (available via PlaySmart Centre phones)
  • ConnexOntario for mental health and addiction services
  • Problem Gambling Institute of Ontario
  • Local community support organizations

The company provides information and referrals but does not operate clinical treatment programs.

9. Policy Review and Updates

This policy is reviewed at least annually and updated to reflect:

  • Regulatory changes
  • Best practices in responsible gambling
  • Findings from program evaluations

Material changes are communicated through the official OLG website and at PlaySmart Centres. Players are encouraged to review this document periodically.

10. Contact and Inquiries

Questions regarding this responsible gaming policy, self-exclusion procedures, My PlayBreak, or PlaySmart resources may be directed to staff at any PlaySmart Centre or through the responsible gambling section of the official website at olg.ca.

This policy is effective across all OLG operations in Ontario and supersedes prior versions of the OLG responsible gaming policy.