Windsor - Breakaway Gaming Centre opened its doors to the public today, adding electronic bingo through computer terminals to traditional bingo card playing at a newly upgraded facility. The Windsor site is part of Ontario Lottery and Gaming’s Bingo Revitalization Program, which is aimed at supporting the charity bingo industry across Ontario.

“The McGuinty government is always looking for ways to achieve long-term sustainability and support the thousands of community organizations assisted by charity bingos. New technologies such as eBingo can invigorate the gaming industry and keep it competitive, strengthening the economy and creating jobs in Windsor and across Ontario.” said Ontario Finance Minister Dwight Duncan.

“OLG is thrilled to have partnered with the charity organizations, industry partners and City of Windsor to bring e-Bingo to the Breakaway Centre,” said Ron Ko, Director of Bingo Gaming for OLG.

“The government of Ontario clearly recognizes the important role charity bingos play in our community,” said Windsor Mayor Eddie Francis. ”We are very pleased to be able to host the eBingo pilot in Windsor, the largest Bingo market in North America. The new bingo facilities at the Breakaway Centre are set to help support more than 70 local charities provide important services to the community.”

The Bingo Revitalization Project was announced in January 2005 as part of the provincial governments gaming strategy that focuses on the development of a sustainable and responsible gaming industry. The Windsor pilot is one of five taking place at various locations across Ontario with sites opened previously in Sudbury, Barrie, Kingston, and Peterborough.

ABOUT OLG
OLG is the provincial agency responsible for province-wide lottery games and gaming facilities. Since 1975, OLG lotteries, casinos, slots, and resort casinos have generated more than $28 billion for the benefit of the Province of Ontario. Gaming proceeds support Ontarios hospitals, amateur sport, recreational and cultural activities, communities, provincial priority programs such as health care and education, and local and provincial charities and non-profit organizations through the Ontario Trillium Foundation.

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