A high-tech solution is being tested to help problem gamblers stay away from temptation.

Facial recognition technology is set to launch in Ontario casinos and slot locations in January.

Problem gamblers will volunteer to give their photos and ask to be denied entrance to casinos and slot locations as a part of a self-exclusion program.

In the meantime, a trial run is taking place in the executive offices of the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Commission, with the facial recognition technology being tested on executives at the OLG.

By the time the systems are installed in all slot locations, the program will have cost about $4 million.