Ontario has launched PlayOLG.ca, an online gambling site offering casino games and also lottery ticket sales.
Ontario Lottery and Gaming estimates that Ontario residents spend about $500,000 a year on off-shore gambling sites and hopes to recoup some of that amount for the province.
Registration is open for the site. Registrants must set a mandatory weekly maximum on the amount they wish to gamble. They can also play free games on the site.
The launch has brought some complaints from users who say the sign-up process—which seeks to ensure only Ontario residents are approved—takes too long.
“Demand for PlayOLG customer service is very high at this time, especially being the first weekend since Thursday’s launch.” The OLG said in a press release. “We appreciate everyone’s patience at this time. The PlayOLG registration and verification process is very robust.”
Revenue from the site will be paid into the Consolidated Revenue Fund of Ontario and provide support to hospitals, cultural activities, non-profit corporations and other charitable organizations.
Ontario is now the seventh Canadian province of 10 that offers regulated online gambling. The other six are British Columbia, Quebec, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island.
