Following the release of Ontario Ombudsman, Andre Marin's enquiry on alleged corruption within the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation, the Ontario government has sought out none other than their very own police force to read over Marin's report and pursue a formal investigation if necessary. So far, this seems very likely considering the allegations raised by Marin essentially amount to an indictment.

According to Marin's report, the corporation ignored accusations of fraud, "coddled" ticket retailers and "played games" with customers who had filed complaints of being cheated by retailers. Ontario Province Culture Minister, David Caplan, whom many think should be held accountable for the foibles of the Ontario Lottery, is the one responsible for passing the probe into the hands of police. Caplan said that if Marin is accusing the Lottery of fraud, then the case should be taken up by the police. Caplan says he has already directed the Lottery Corp. to hand over all relevant files to the police, which Marin had at his own disposal for preparing the report.

Marin did not go so far to say that the Lottery Corp. should not be permitted to sell lottery tickets to retailers, but did say there was certainly too comfortable of a relationship between the Ontario Lottery and ticket retailers, who just so happen to be the lottery's best customers. Indeed, between 1999 and 2006, lottery ticket retailers claimed approximately $100 million in cash prizes, which is a highly disproportionate ratio.

Marin cited that five cases, in which $15 million was fraudulently claimed and collected, have already been identified. Marin went on to say that it is very likely the amount of illegitimate claims is much higher due to the fact that the lottery does not keep track of winning tickets by retailers. This would make it quite easy for internal fraud to go unnoticed.

The Ontario Province has pledged to follow up with Marin's recommendations, while giving lottery ticket regulatory powers to the Alcohol and Gaming Commission. Caplan also said an attempt to find and reimburse those ticket buyers who were swindled by retailers would be undertaken. While Caplan's gesture seems to be that of a purveyor of justice - and it very well may be - some believe that Caplan is trying to buy time. A police investigation will certainly take months to complete, thereby warding off any possible criminal actions until after voters go to the polls. NDP Leader, Howard Hampton is calling for Caplan's resignation, stating it was his job to oversee the Ontario Lottery, and that Mr. Caplan has no credibility in the matter.

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