The Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) has introduced Group Play, a new feature that makes it easier to play the lottery with others.

Group Play, available on OLG.ca and the OLG app, allows players to form online groups that can purchase lottery tickets together and track prizes electronically. Nominated captains of groups can build group packs of tickets and group members can choose to purchase the pack.

OLG products available with Group Play include Lotto Max, Lotto 649, Ontario 49, and Lottario.

“Playing the lottery as a group is a longstanding tradition in Ontario. Now Group Play is available online, making it easier to manage and completely transparent when playing with your crew,” said OLG Vice President, iCasino & iLottery Andrew Darley.

“Group Play is one way OLG is adapting our products and services to meet the changing preferences of Ontarians. And as with all lottery group play options, whether online or in-store, it’s always a great feeling to share the excitement of playing the lottery together.”

If a group wins under $1000 using Group Play, OLG’s system will automatically split the prize equally between all group members. To participate in Group Play, all members must register for an OLG account online.

OLG reinvests in the community

As part of an agreement, OLG makes payments to the communities that host gaming facilities. According to the operator, it contributed $2.5 billion to Ontario in the last reported fiscal year.

The payments from OLG to host communities are allocated to a range of programs and services, contributing to the region’s overall economic health and well-being.

The Ontario municipalities of Windsor and Chatham-Kent received third-quarter payments of $2.1 million and just over $435,000 respectively from casinos located in their districts.

OLG also makes contributions to Ottawa. It donates $5.5 million annually to community projects in the city, including the renovation of the Jim Durrell Recreation Centre.