The Ontario Government has decided to initiate a $9m three-year investment plan through the Responsible Internet Gambling Fund (RIGF). The local Government made the announcement during the Responsible Gambling Council’s annual Discovery Conference.
The additional funding will pave the way for the Responsible Gaming Council to “to further enhance its consumer education campaigns, expand community outreach programming, and build partnerships with local community groups to deliver its message to more Ontarians.”
Part of the RIGF funding plan is designed to “help ensure a holistic consumer education and prevention strategy is in place and that information and resources are available to better support all those at risk of experiencing harm through gambling.”
Responsible Gambling Council CEO Shelley White commented, “Ontario has long been a champion for responsible gambling and this investment into prevention education and programming and today’s announcement is a game-changer.
“This clearly demonstrates Ontario is the Canadian leader in promoting responsible play, minimizing harm and creating a strong, sustainable online gambling market.”
White went on to commend the local Government for its commitment to responsible gambling.
She said, “We applaud and thank the Ontario government for this welcome and historic investment into responsible play.
“We know online gambling comes with unique risks and this funding will have a positive and meaningful impact on the lives of so many Ontarians by providing them with the resources and programming to help keep them safe and build a culture of responsible play in this new environment.”
The Ontario commercial market went live two years ago and is the first Canadian province to offer iGaming to its residents. Up to now, local lotteries have traditionally dominated Canada’s gambling sector.
