Blog

May 25 2024

OLG's self-service kiosks use ID swipe or scan

The Ontario Lottery and Gaming Company says new self-service lottery terminals across Ontario will use a swipe or scan system to verify their identification. But in order for it to become a reality and for retailers to not have to check users' IDs, the state will need to revise some of the game management laws.

OLG is a state-run organization that implements and provides legal gambling and lottery products to local residents of Ontario. Its activities are used to fund the local economy while also using revenue to provide responsible games for the province. By changing the law, crown agencies will be able to use swipe or scan technology to check your age.

In an interview on Friday, April 21, 2023, Crown Corporation spokesman Tony Vuitty noted that the new self-service lottery kiosk resembles a vending machine. He also explained that the new kiosk will include all of the fans' favorite lottery games, such as Lotto 6/49, Lotto Max, etc. They will also provide instant tickets to players.

According to Crown Corporation, the new and automated handsets will allow players to swipe or scan driver's licenses, passports, or other identification conditions to ensure they are older than the legal age they need. That's why Bitonti assured that their information would not be stored in the machine's memory or uploaded somewhere on OLG's system.

It will also be deployed in areas with heavy traffic, such as gas stations, where customers usually have to wait in a long line to check their tickets, a spokesman said. Other places can be convenience stores and small stores. OLG said it would train retailers for expansion, including imposing controls to ease access to minors.

Finally, Mr Bitenty said such terminals were already included in Maritimes and British Columbia also planned to launch similar programs in 2023. Regulatory changes to the Game Regulation Act were publicly posted this month. Locals can now provide comments by 29 April, at which point the amendment will be returned to the Government for further review.

Last week, the Ontario Lottery and Game Company also informed the host municipality that it had sent casino revenue payments. Niagara Falls has been one of the beneficiaries since Q4 as it received C$3.93 million in return for hosting OLG's Fallsview Casino Resort and Casino Niagara.

The city of Windsor has also cashed in as an important venue for premium amenities. Caesars Windsor Casino hosts Caesars Windsor Casino, which grossed just over C$2 million for the quarter ending March 31, 2023. For the entire fiscal year of OLG from April 1, 2022 to March 31, 2023, the city earned about C$9.4 million