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 at the Blue Jays’ home opener, the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) is launching the use of electronic handheld devices for the 50/50 raffle benefiting the Jays Care Foundation.

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.

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

QUICK FACTS

• Game day 50/50 fundraisers will carry the mobile devices to promote and enable 50/50 ticket sales during Blue Jays’ home games.
• Expansion and full delivery of electronic 50/50 raffles across Ontario could generate more than $10 million in additional ticket revenues.
• Electronic 50/50 raffles are also available at Toronto Maple Leafs, Raptors and Ottawa Senators home games.
• In 2014, the first year of the pilot program, 50/50 ticket sales for Toronto Maple Leafs, Raptors and Ottawa Senators games increased by an average of 41 per cent.