The Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) has expanded its PlaySmart responsible gambling program with the relaunch of its My PlayBreak self-exclusion scheme.
Consumers in the Canadian province can use My PlayBreak to bar themselves from playing at an Ontario casino, Charitable Gaming Centre, or on OLG.ca.
My PlayBreak offers several new features, including defined, renewable term lengths of three months, six months, and incrementally from one year to five years. My PlayBreak has also introduced a simplified Return to Play process, which provides steps for individuals to return to play or renew their participation when their self-selected term ends.
The scheme also offers optional check-in calls from Responsible Gambling Council (RGC) staff to allow for more timely referrals to treatment and support services.
“OLG prioritizes player health and is focused on continuous improvement of its RG programming,” said Alexandra Aguzzi, OLG’s senior vice-president of brand, communications and sustainability.
“My PlayBreak is just one of the RG tools in OLG’s sophisticated and unmatched PlaySmart portfolio that is integrated across multiple product lines to help customers create and maintain healthy habits that enable a lifetime of sustainable play.”
OLG said it is making changes to its policies related to term breach violations in a move to a more supportive approach that aligns to the voluntary focus of the new program.
“RGC commends OLG on its launch of My PlayBreak as part of its globally recognized responsible gambling program — PlaySmart,” said Shelley White, chief executive of RGC.
“This new program offers a more person-centred approach that is not only more accessible but will also support positive outcomes for those participating. RGC is proud to provide services to OLG in the day-to-day operations of PlaySmart Centres on-site at 29 casinos in Ontario which also support 37 charitable gaming centres.
“We look forward to continuing to work with OLG and gaming operators to maximize player uptake of OLG’s leading responsible gambling program.”
Ontario’s igaming revenue for the quarter ending 30 June came to CA$162m (£106.1m/€123.9m), the first quarter on record after the market opened in April this year.