Lottery Corp. announces resignation of Ron Barbaro

Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corp. has tonight announced the resignation of Ron Barbaro (shown) as chair and chief executive officer.

No reason was provided for Barbaro's departure.

The announcement was made by Ontario Attorney General Norm Sterling, who simultaneously announced the appointment of Kingston lawyer Stanley Sadinsky as the new chair, subject to approval by the Standing Committee on Government Agencies.

As a transitional measure, Barbaro is to continue as chair and CEO until the end of July.

Meanwhile, the OLGC board of directors has appointed current chief operating officer Brian Wood as acting CEO effective August 1, until a permanent replacement is approved.

The following is the full text of a news release issued by OLGC at 6:14 p.m.

**************************************************************** New chair appointed to Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation

TORONTO, June 25 - Attorney General Norman Sterling today announced the resignation of Ron Barbaro as Chair and CEO of the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLGC) and the appointment of Stanley Sadinsky as the new Chair.

"Mr. Barbaro's record of achievement as Chair and CEO has been outstanding, balancing economic achievement with a responsible approach to gaming," said Sterling.

"I would like to thank him for his years of service and wish him well in his future endeavours."

Barbaro was appointed Chair of the Ontario Casino Corporation and Ontario Lottery Corporation in 1998, and oversaw the merger of the two organizations in April 2000.

He was appointed Chair and CEO of the OLGC in April 2000 and oversaw the successful expansion of Ontario's gaming industry, which has become a leader in responsible gaming. Sterling also announced the selection of Stanley Sadinsky as the new Chair of the OLGC, pending review by the Standing Committee on Government Agencies.

Called to the bar in 1965, Sadinsky has been practising law in Kingston, Ontario since 1971 and is considered an expert on gaming law.

Sadinsky has served as Chair of the Ontario Racing Commission for the past nine years during which time it has become recognized as the leading regulatory body for horse racing in North America.

"I am very pleased that Mr. Sadinsky has agreed to serve as the new Chair of the OLGC," said Sterling.

"The expertise he has shown throughout his distinguished career and his breadth of experience make him an ideal candidate for this very important and challenging position." Barbaro will stay on as Chair and CEO of the OLGC until the end of July to provide a period of transition for the new Chair.

The Board of Directors has appointed current Chief Operating Officer Brian Wood as acting CEO effective August 1, 2003, until a competitive process is completed and a permanent replacement found.

The OLGC is an operational enterprise agency of the Ontario government, which is responsible for managing Ontario's lotteries, charity casinos, commercial casinos and slots at racetracks.

The OLGC reports to the Ministry of the Attorney General.

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