The Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch (GPEB) of the provincial Ministry of Attorney General regulates all gaming in British Columbia, ensures the integrity of companies in the gaming industry, their employees and equipment, and investigates allegations of wrongdoing. This mandate includes regulatory oversight of British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC). GPEB carries out its mandate under the provincial Gaming Control Act, Gaming Control Regulations and the Criminal Code of Canada.

British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC) is a provincial Crown corporation with a mandate to conduct and manage gambling in BC. BCLC offers socially responsible gambling entertainment while generating revenue to benefit health care, education and community groups across BC. It is responsible for the integrity and security of every game and put policies and procedures in place so that standards are met and maintained.

Gaming operators have operational service agreements with BCLC. They own or lease gambling facilities like casinos and community gaming centres and maintain the facility operations on a day-to-day basis. They hire the staff you see at facilities, provide surveillance and security behind the scenes and operate to the standards set out by BCLC and GPEB.

Private corporations operate casinos, racetracks, community gaming centres, bingo halls, hospitality locations with food and beverage and entertainment. One gaming operator may own and operate multiple locations. Currently, BCLC has agreements in place with more than 20 operators at over 40 locations in British Columbia.

The model for the gaming industry in the province is a positive one for British Columbians primarily because it is one of the most profitable for a provincial government in Canada. The Province of British Columbia receives approximately 53% of gross gaming revenue after deducting BCLC’s operating costs and payments to private sector gaming operators. Ontario receives about 39% and Quebec receives about 25%. BC is able to receive such a high percentage of gross gaming revenue largely by paying private sector gaming operators some of the lowest operating commissions in North America.

The 53% figure for BC is only surpassed by Alberta where the provincial government permits video lottery terminals (VLT’s) – similar to slot machines – in restaurants, bars and lounges across that province.

BC also employs a unique capital reimbursement program that provides an incentive for gaming operators to invest further in their facilities to ensure they reflect the tastes and expectations of the modern consumer and entertainment seeker.

Over the last 39 years, BCLC has generated more than $20 billion in net income to fund provincial, municipal and charitable programs in BC.

Gaming revenue is a more significant source of income for the provincial budget than the fuel tax, BC Hydro, the Liquor Distribution Branch, and royalties from forestry and natural gas.

The Province shares gaming revenue with local governments that host casinos and community gaming centres in BC

The calculations for these payments are done in accordance with the Host Financial Assistance Agreement between the Province of BC and each local government

$94.4 million was disbursed among 32 Host Local Governments (HLG) in 2023/24. Each host government decides how to allocate their share

Municipalities that host gaming facilities receive a 10% share of net gaming income after commissions and BCLC operating expenses are deducted. HLG payments can fluctuate based on local market conditions, variations in operating
costs and accounting

In 2023/24, the province distributed $140 million to charitable and community organizations

Gaming grants are delivered to non-profit organizations throughout BC to support arts and culture, sports for youth and people with a disability, public safety, human and social services, parent advisory councils, and district parent advisory councils

The members of the BC Gaming Industry Association are committed to providing socially responsible gaming entertainment. Private sector gaming operators in BC play an active role in the delivery of responsible gambling programs in partnership with BC Lottery Corporation and the Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch.

RESPONSIBLE GAMBLING PROGRAMS:

GameSense Centres and Advisors
GameSense Centres are interactive information kiosks located within the casino which provide information on responsible play, odds of winning, gambling myths and facts, risk factors and where to find help for problem gambling. They are staffed by GameSense Advisors who are able to share valuable information and connect with guests on the gaming floor. It is important to note that the GameSense Advisors are contracted through and managed by BC Lottery Corporation. To learn more about GameSense, please visit http://gamesense.bclc.com/.

Responsible Gambling Literature
Gaming Operators showcase responsible gambling literature and brochures in various high traffic areas throughout their properties. The goal is to make responsible gambling information easily available for customers who want to learn about responsible gambling tips, odds of the games and other related information. To learn more about how gambling works, please visit http://gamesense.bclc.com/how-gambling-works.html.

No Minors Policy
No minors are allowed in casinos. The 19+ rule is strictly enforced at all BC casino locations. Gaming facilities are equipped with state-of-the-art ID scanning devices and require all individuals appearing under 30 to submit to an ID scan to ensure validity.

Responsible Gambling Marketing Standards
Gaming operators are committed to high ethical marketing standards that do not target minors or portray extravagant or misleading wins. Compliance with provincial gaming marketing standards is required. For a detailed description of the standards, please visit https://www.gaming.gov.bc.ca/legislation-policies/docs/stds-advertising-marketing.pdf.

Employee Training
Educating staff on responsible gambling practices is a key contributor to ensuring players stay informed and on top of their game. With appropriate training, casino employees have enhanced knowledge, awareness, and skills in the identification of possible gambling related issues and make every attempt to respond appropriately to guests who may be experiencing problems.

RG Check Accreditation
All gaming operators in BC have taken part in the RG Check certification process. RG Check is an accreditation program created by the Responsible Gambling Council (RGC) and is based on the RGC’s Responsible Gambling Index Standards. The standards are designed to provide objective and independent benchmarks for the content, quality, and breadth of responsible gambling programs designed and delivered by gaming companies. They represent the RGC’s view of efforts by gaming operators to reduce the risk of problem gambling among patrons. To learn more about the RG Check accreditation process, please visit http://rgcheck.com/.

PROGRAMS TO HELP PROBLEM GAMBLERS:

Problem Gambling Help Line
In BC, the Problem Gambling Help Line Number is 1-888-795-6111. The Help Line can be a primary source of assistance for individuals who choose that type of support in dealing with their gambling activity. For more details regarding the BC Problem Gambling Help Line, please visit https://www.bcresponsiblegambling.ca/.

Voluntary Self-Exclusion Program
The Voluntary Self-Exclusion Program is one of the most important tools that can assist in supporting individuals in taking a break from gambling. This program allows an individual to voluntarily exclude him or herself from all casino properties in the province for a set period of time and offers counselling support. To learn more about the Voluntary Self-Exclusion program that is offered in BC, please visit http://gamesense.bclc.com/voluntary-self-exclusion.html.

Counseling and Treatment
For those who need additional support, the Province of British Columbia offers counseling and treatment for individuals or their families free of charge.

Private sector gaming operators employ over 10,000 people in casinos, community gaming centres, bingo centres and horse race tracks across BC.

These private sector gaming operators generated $1.87 billion of revenue to BC Lottery Corporation (BCLC) in 2023/24.

In 2023/24, 32 Host Local Governments with a casino or community gaming centre in their municipality received a total of $94.4 million in gaming revenue to fund local programs and projects such as civic buildings and upgrades to parks.

The Community Gaming Grant program of the provincial government distributed $140 million of gaming revenue to approximately 5,000 charities and community organizations in BC in 2023/24.

In addition to community gaming grants, private sector gaming operators directly donate to hundreds charitable and community organizations across the province. They also provided the use of their facilities to community groups for events and their employees volunteered countless hours to support local charities.

The members of the BC Gaming Industry Association are proud to support and be an active part of the local communities where they live and work.