Ontario’s lottery agency says it has begun limiting how it identifies winners in public releases, using only first names and last initials in an effort to better protect privacy while maintaining transparency.
Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) spokesperson Tony Bitonti said the change took effect last week and applies to winner news releases, which will now identify recipients as, for example, “John S. of Toronto” instead of using full names.
Bitonti said the move responds to longstanding concerns from winners about having their identities widely circulated online, where information can persist indefinitely.
“We’ve been hearing from our winners for a while about the need to protect their privacy,” he said, adding the agency must balance that with its obligation as a government body to be transparent about payouts.
He said full names of winners will still be published on a list on the agency’s website that includes prize amounts and in which community and business establishment the person bought their winning ticket, ensuring public accountability.
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The agency has long publicized winners through news releases, photos and promotional materials, but Bitonti said the digital age has heightened privacy risks, including scams that impersonate lottery winners online.
He said the organization works with social media platforms like Meta to remove fraudulent posts and wants to reduce the likelihood of winners being targeted.
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Bitonti said transparency remains essential to maintain public trust and deter concerns about corruption, noting the agency has disclosed winner information since its inception in 1975.
“We are still being transparent, but we’re trying to balance that transparency with the concern for their privacy,” the OLG spokesperson told Global News by phone on Monday. “And we always hear from the public that they want to know who our lottery winners are.”
He said the British Columbia Lottery Corporation has adopted a similar approach since January, and other jurisdictions are reviewing their policies.
Despite the change, the agency will continue to share personal stories and photos of winners.
Bitonti said the goal is to ensure winners can enjoy their prize “without dealing with any untoward issues,” while still giving the public confidence in how lottery funds are awarded.
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If you don’t want publicity, don’t play the lotto
There goes transparency and credibility. Out the window.
The name of winner should be public.
As per radio station advertising for oglc back in 2021 and 2022 , there were 50 winners in one year in mississauga and Brampton.
The majority of winners were from one race , that is questionable why one race ?
I suggest the winners name and picture should be published publicly.
Weekly draw should be in public not behind closed door with IT
About time. So dangerous
That still does not protect people privacy. They should never publish the names nor provide photos of the winners
Hiding last names will provide some protection, however if you’re still taking photographs where is the protection
I think winners photos should also be eliminated. Picture of individual not safe. Can be located through social media platforms and other means. First name and initial i think is good enough
Alcohol gaming tobacco cannabis all under same “police” umbrella which none of them are able to advertise except lotteries. Its an addictive scourge just like the rest. To exploit someone for the sake of “maintaining and promoting lottery sales even if you don’t mention their name is wrong.
I actually trust OLG to distribute the prizes and I do not need know the winners personal details for the lottery to have credibility.
Age and photo plus name should not be included. It is dangerous with a big win and puts you at risk. You can have the photo and the name on file
Rob those OGL’s executive’s houses and see how they like it. I had a friend who won the lottery got new RV and was stolen in few days. He was targeted because his name was publicized and look in the phone book for their address. It is easy to find. It was like Walid Pompez of Windsor for example. Look in phone book easy to find his address then check out his place from time to time to see what nice fancy toys he will buy for them to steal.
Are they really reducing privacy if they are still posting full names on the website?
I agree with protecting people’s privacy when they win. I personally feel it should be up to the winner if they even want their picture/ with name and initial posted, it defeats the purpose when the full name is published on the OLG website? I get scammers on facebook but that is not the only way to be scammed. Not to mention possibly all kinds of people coming out of the woodwork looking for a handout or donations , robbed, home invasion, , kidnapped etc. (especially the world we live in today)The winners name should be first and last initial on the OLG website also. It’s still being transparent. People should have a right to privacy and safety.