The OCGA's main business priority is to work aggressively and effectively on behalf of gaming charities and non-profit organizations to create a strong, viable future for charitable gaming in Ontario. We do this through:
consultation with our members on the issues that are of concern to them;
working with governments and other industry stakeholders to develop new approaches and new options to address outstanding issues; and
advocating on behalf of our members with government officials and policy makers.
The specific business priorities identified below represent current issues that are of concern to our members and that we are focusing on this year:
Modernization of Charitable Gaming: The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) is currently conducting the first ever comprehensive review of all aspects of charitable gaming with a view to moving towards modernization of the industry. OCGA carried out a major cross-province consultation with our charities and non-profits and have provided recommendations to the AGCO. We will be working closely with the AGCO to address the many priorities for change.
Break Open Ticket Development Fund Initiatives: OCGA oversees the administration of this fund on behalf of charities The Executive Director charities the Development Fund Management Committee that has representatives from the private sector associations and manufacturers. Over the last year the Committee has carried out a branding of the product - now known as Pocket Slots, conducted comprehensive consumer and industry research, launch a website (www.pocket-slots.com) to promote the product and supply Point of Sales materials to the industry, conducted geo-demographic mapping, developed resource kits and support materials for distributers, suppliers and charities. Over the coming year the plans include further development of POS and promotions, expansion of geo-demographic mapping, evaluation and research and business analysis
Revitalization of Charitable Bingo: This initiative with the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation is one of our most exciting undertakings. Through the previous strategic plan for the charitable bingo industry we identified the need for the introduction of technology. This year finally brought government approval to test out the introduction of Electronic Bingo in up to five sites across the province. OCGA has played a lead role in developing and shaping the roles and responsibilities for charities under this new model. We have been given the responsibility to develop and manage the contracts with the participating charities and to provide training and support for them in their new roles. We will be working with charities throughout the pilot period and assisting the OLGC in the evaluation and recommendation to the government next year. We are hopeful that this new model will become an option for all interested charities and members of the private sector in the future
