New OLG, Pollard Banknote deal will create local full-time jobs: OLG

It was announced today that the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) and Pollard Banknote will continue its partnership with a new 10-year instant lottery ticket printing contract.

A news release issued today by OLG states that more than two billion tickets will be ordered through the term of the 10-year agreement, which may be extended an additional five years to 2037, and create more full-time jobs in Sault Ste. Marie.

"OLG’s previous contract with Pollard resulted in the establishment of a ticket finishing plant in Sault Ste. Marie with a commitment of 100 full-time employees," the release states. "Since then, Pollard has been able to hire nearly 20 additional employees in the Sault due to the productivity of the plant. This new agreement will see that complement increased to a total of 140 full-time employees, providing significant benefit to the local economy."

Full text of the OLG news release follows:

SAULT STE. MARIE - Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) has recommitted to its long-standing and valuable partnership with Pollard Banknote Limited (Pollard Banknote), signing a 10-year contract to print instant lottery tickets. The agreement, which includes an additional five-year option to extend through 2037, will see OLG order more than two billion tickets over the term and will create new jobs in Ontario.

OLG’s previous contract with Pollard resulted in the establishment of a ticket finishing plant in Sault Ste. Marie with a commitment of 100 full-time employees. Since then, Pollard has been able to hire nearly 20 additional employees in the Sault due to the productivity of the plant. This new agreement will see that complement increased to a total of 140 full-time employees, providing significant benefit to the local economy.

“OLG is pleased to be furthering our strong partnership with Pollard Banknote, securing the continuity and sustained growth and development of our instant lottery business. For well over a decade we’ve worked together to find ways to deliver value for money for the people of Ontario while creating world class product for our players,” said Duncan Hannay, president and CEO of OLG. “We’re happy to be working with a partner like Pollard to create employment opportunities in this province. The new positions at the Sault Ste. Marie plant demonstrate our shared commitment to supporting economic recovery in the communities where we operate our businesses.”

“Pollard Banknote is very proud of our long-standing partnership with OLG which has been productive and mutually beneficial. We have worked hard to help OLG increase sales and offer an expanding selection of innovative products and services to meet the players’ evolving preferences,” said Doug Pollard, Co-Chief Executive Officer, Pollard Banknote. “Additionally, we are thrilled that the leadership and hard work of our dedicated staff at our Sault Ste. Marie plant are being rewarded with this contract extension.”

“I am so happy to highlight the collaboration between OLG and Pollard Banknote. As I always say, we work better when we work together," said Ross Romano, MPP for Sault Ste. Marie. "Partnerships like this are critical to our community’s economic recovery and prosperity. Partnerships such as this are not only bringing more business into our community and growing our economy but are also providing significant employment to Sault Ste. Marie.”

The services provided by Pollard Banknote have enabled OLG to nearly double the revenue of the instant business since becoming its primary printer in 2007. Pollard also supplies innovative product solutions like OLG’s QuickTicket, available in select retail locations across Ontario.

OLG’s instant lottery business, led by the popular Bingo, Crossword and Cash For Life games as well as the exciting The Big/Bigger Spin products, achieved sales of $1.4 billion in Fiscal 2020.