British Columbia Implements Stronger Responsible Gaming Protocols

British Columbia Lottery Corporation Implements Measures to Safeguard Responsible Gaming and Prevent Unauthorized Access to Provincial Casinos.

Effective immediately (June 26), the British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC) has introduced new requirements in its casinos across the Canadian province, as part of their commitment to promoting responsible gaming. The updated protocols mandate that all visitors to British Columbia gaming establishments must present identification upon entry. The primary objective is to prevent individuals who have voluntarily excluded themselves from gambling, known as self-excluded individuals, from accessing the casinos.

To enforce this measure, identification cards will be scanned and cross-referenced against the Game Break database, which stores information about self-excluded players. It is important to note that no personal information will be retained or stored during this process, ensuring the privacy and security of individuals.

British Columbia’s Game Break program enables players to voluntarily exclude themselves from gambling activities, including both in-person retail venues and online platforms like PlayNow, the province’s digital gaming offering. Through Game Break, players can take a defined break from gambling for a specified period.

Pat Davis, the President and CEO of BCLC, expressed the significance of these changes in promoting player well-being. Davis stated,

“BCLC has been actively raising awareness among our players about the new entry requirements and their importance in supporting individuals who seek our assistance. We believe that British Columbia is setting an example by becoming the first jurisdiction in North America to implement mandatory ID checks at casino entrances, demonstrating BCLC’s ongoing efforts to foster the healthiest players worldwide.”