The Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) has broken new ground as it claims to have developed the first-ever inclusive slot, designed to be accessible for players with disabilities. 

Titled Red Panda Tails of Wealth, the game mirrors the appearance and gameplay of traditional slot games, however, it is designed with key features that make it inclusive for those suffering from disabilities. 

In particular, the title is compatible with assistive technologies, such as screen readers and keyboard navigation, has a high-contrast colour palette for enhanced visibility and has an accessible heads-up display engineered to integrate into future games.

Dave Pridmore, OLG’s Chief Gaming Officer, commented: “We are excited to launch Red Panda Tails of Wealth on olg.ca, which is the result of a focused effort to put accessibility at the forefront of game design.

“The game is a proof of concept that shows how removing barriers to play can move us towards a more inclusive future in the gaming industry.”

According to OLG, almost one-third of Ontario’s 16 million population reports suffering from a disability. Therefore, by developing Red Panda Tails of Wealth, OLG can provide more equitable access for “an often-overlooked audience” that could number as many as 4.5 million new players.

The title was developed in collaboration with Pixiu Gaming and Light & Wonder Spark, as well as Fable – a Toronto-based company that connects organisations with people with disabilities for digital accessibility insights.

“We’re thrilled to partner with OLG, who recognise the importance of embedding the voices and experiences of people with disabilities throughout the development of their new game,” said Kate Kalcevich, Head of Innovation at Fable.

Currently, Ontario remains the only regulated iGaming jurisdiction within Canada, however, the province could soon be joined by Alberta.

Earlier this month, the iGaming Alberta Act was passed by the province’s legislature’s Committee of the Whole and subsequently by the full Assembly at third reading without any amendments.

Therefore, the act now just needs Royal Assent before it is officially brought into law. 

Source