Tom Marinelli, acting CEO of Ontario Lottery and Gaming (OLG) collaborated with the heads of Ontario’s lottery and gaming institutions in forming the Digital Gaming Task Force. Actually, the formation of the task force is a brainchild of the Sault Ste. Marie Economic Development (SSMED) in line with its intent to assist in promoting the advancement of Internet-based real money gaming in Ontario, as this will make the city of Sault Ste. Marie viable to new entrepreneurial investments that will create high-tech jobs.

Together with the Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre, the SSMED will spearhead the Digital Gaming Task Force in providing strategic guidance to further the growth and modernization of Ontario’s lottery and gaming industry. Aside from the funding opportunities afforded by Sault Ste. Marie through the North Ontario Heritage Fund Corp. (NOHFC) and the FedNor, the city is also home to Algoma University and Sault College. These educational institutions have been proven as reputable sources of talents for the local labor market and are likewise willing to assist in such collaborative projects. Algoma University has designated Vice-President of Academic and Research David Schantz, while Sault College has named VP of Academic Leo Tiberi, as their respective representative-member in the Digital Gaming Task Force.

The other industry experts comprising the newly-formed work group include Anup Kumar, the Executive Director- Charitable Gaming of the Canadian Banknote Company, Doug Pollard, Co-CEO of Pollard Banknote Ltd and Terry DeBono of The Debono Group Inc. .