Ontario on track for OLG Internet casino

In 2010 the chairman of the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corp (“OLG”) said that his organisation would have an online casino up and running by 2012, joining the stampede of other Canadian provinces deciding to launch government run online casin0s.

OLG still wants an Internet casino but 2013 is looking like the more likely launch year.

Last week (December 9) the OLG issued a Request for Proposals (“RFP”) to internet gambling service providers.  The deadline for responses is 3 February and development work is intended to begin at the end of 2012. The RFP description reads:

“The Ontario Government has tasked OLG with launching safe, secure, and responsible Internet gaming. To meet these commitments, OLG is planning a phased launch that will include player education, pre-registration and a full suite of social responsibility measures. It is anticipated that these activities will take several months beginning near the end of 2012. OLG will continuously seek new ways of accelerating the timing of a launch as new information is obtained.”

Once up and running the casino will be regulated by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario and will offer typical casino games like video poker, roulette and slots to Ontario residents only.