Government Business

Our governments are hyper-hypocritical. The social ills that we acquire through the use of tobacco, alcohol and gambling are well enough known, as addictions to all three are a problem for society, and not the least for susceptible individuals and their families. These social ills are not illegal. They are recreational in nature, and when used and indulged in in moderation they may do little harm (with the exception of tobacco).

While being recognized by the medical fraternity as a source, along with recreational drugs, of personal instability when over-indulged, our health care system is geared to cope with the fall-out and aftermath of addictions and failing health. We pay, through our taxes, for universal health care to help patch up the dismal failures in physical and psychological health that ensues with addiction.

We are not always successful, since the fall-out from various addictions leads to criminal activity as addicts become desperate to be able to pay for their drugs of choice. Which brings the police and the justice system into the picture alongside the medical community. Homelessness, prostitution, break-and-enters and gang activities all result from addictions.

But the sale of tobacco, alcohol and gambling enriches the coffers of government. The Government of Ontario, through its Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation arm, has announced its intention to build a few more casinos. Daily, weekly and monthly lotteries draw people to buy tickets in the hope that they will strike it rich.

And people addicted to gambling find themselves losing their bank accounts, their self-respect, their families and their possessions as a result of their inability to cope with the irresistible urge to gamble. While building new casinos, and launching new lotteries, the province extolls its humane side through advertising the work OLG is doing to help counsel addicts.

Know your limit. Play within it.

Welcome to KnowYourLimit.ca, your source for information about how gambling works in Ontario, myths and facts, game odds, and helpful tips to keep gambling fun.

At OLG, Responsible Gambling (RG) is a central pillar of our business. The logic is simple: we don’t want problem gamblers playing our games; we want healthy players who can manage their play over the long-term. To do this, we’ve developed a robust and innovative RG program, comprised of prevention-based initiatives designed to educate players and encourage healthy play habits. For players who are concerned about their gambling, or exhibit signs of potential gambling problems, our staff is trained to refer them to third-party support services.

Isn't it all, just so precious?