Ontario is partnering with Jays Care Foundation to make it easier for Blue Jays fans to buy 50/50 tickets and support charitable revenues.
Starting tomorrow at the Blue Jays' home opener, the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) is launching the use of electronic handheld devices for 50/50 raffle. Fans will have more opportunities to purchase tickets and ticket sales will be tracked electronically with draw values updated in real-time.
Modernizing 50/50 raffle draws helps charities raise more funds, increases prizes for customers and also enhances the security, accuracy and accountability of raffles. Ticket sales are tracked electronically and draw values can be updated real-time to enhance excitement for fans at the game.
Proceeds from 50/50 draws at Blue Jays home games fund local charities, via Jays Care Foundation, that focus on using baseball to create lasting social change.
Supporting provincial charities is part of the government's economic plan to build Ontario up and deliver on its number-one priority to grow the economy and create jobs. The four-part plan includes investing in talent and skills, including helping more people get and create the jobs of the future by expanding access to high-quality college and university education. The plan is making the largest investment in public infrastructure in Ontario's history and investing in a low-carbon economy driven by innovative, high-growth, export-oriented businesses. The plan is also helping working Ontarians achieve a more secure retirement.
"Ontario and OLG are proud to partner with Jays Care Foundation to help increase its revenue opportunities, just in time for the Blue Jays' opening day. Introducing electronic 50/50 draws will help raise more money for youth to benefit from the key programs Jays Care supports in Ontario and across Canada."
- Charles Sousa, Minister of Finance
"The importance of this opportunity cannot be overstated. The additional funds that we will raise with the support of the best fans in all of baseball will help us go 'Beyond the Ballpark' for even more children and youth across Ontario."
- Robert Witchel, Executive Director, Jays Care Foundation