The lottery agency has been troubled in recent years as provincial watchdogs issued scathing reports on insider wins and expenses in the millions of dollars.

OLG's troubles culminated in August 2009, when Finance Minister Dwight Duncan cleaned house by firing then-CEO Kelly McDougald and replaced its board of directors.

That same day, he released thousands of pages of what he called "unacceptable" expense claims filed by lottery executives, which included expensive dinners, gym and golf clubs memberships — even a $1.12 grocery bag.

Phillips said Thursday he is looking forward to working with the OLG board and management.

"My first priority will be to learn as much as I can by listening to our customers, patrons, stakeholders and employees," he said.

[via: The Canadian Press]