- Quick Facts
- 340 million lottery tickets were sold in B.C. last year.
- Last year, 53 million winning lottery tickets were validated in B.C.
- An average of 932,000 lottery tickets were sold per day by lottery retailers in B.C. last year.
- $496 million was paid out in prizes to lottery winners last year.
- 9 people became millionaires or multi-millionaires from BCLC lottery games last year.
- There were about 4,100 lottery retail outlets last year.
- There are about 30,000 lottery retailers selling BCLC products throughout the province.
- None of the audits carried out on B.C.’s lottery system, including the B.C. Ombudsman’s report, has found evidence that prizes were paid to anyone but the rightful ticket holder.
- In June 2002, BCLC was one of the first lottery jurisdictions in Canada to implement an audible signal when a winning ticket is validated at a lottery terminal.
- In late 2006, one of the new player protection layers BCLC added was setting the volume of the winning jingle on our lottery terminals to its maximum level and extending its playing time.
- As part of our Player First program, we conduct regular, independent research into lottery retailer play activity and report the results to the public.
- Lottery retailers are restricted from purchasing, playing or validating personal lottery tickets at their location of employment.
- Customer Display Monitors with purchase and validation information are now located in a fixed position at each lottery retail location, clearly visible to players.
- Now, when a prize of $10,000 or more is validated, the lottery terminal freezes until it is unlocked by BCLC. The player is alerted of the win and a BCLC representative contacts the store immediately, ask to speak to the player to obtain important information about their ticket and explain to the player what to do next.
- Check-A-Ticket terminals are now available at every lottery retail outlet. Players can check their own tickets on the terminals which display the prize amount of any win.
- What is Player First?
Player First is a program of major initiatives that puts the interests of our players at the forefront of everything we do. Some of these initiatives have already been implemented while others will be implemented over the longer term. BCLC is on track to have all Player First initiatives implemented by summer 2009.
On an aided basis, 75* per cent of British Columbians polled could recall at least one action taken by BCLC to improve the lottery system. As well, 36* per cent of British Columbians said they sign the back of their ticket always or most of the time and 60 per cent use Check-A-Ticket terminals to check if their ticket is a winner.
*Ipsos Reid Public Affairs’ BC Lottery Poll, October 2007 - What is BCLC doing to put players first?
Our system today is among the best in North America. With our Player First program, we are making it even better, and British Columbians are taking notice; 62* per cent of British Columbians said they trust BCLC to manage lottery games in B.C. (up 20 per cent from May 2007); 64* percent said they trust BCLC to ensure the right prizes are paid to the rightful owner of the ticket (up 27 per cent from May 2007).
Here are some of the steps we have taken or are undertaking to improve our system:- Lottery Retailers have agreed to a new Code of Conduct that includes a No Play at Work Policy which prohibits them from purchasing, playing or validating personal lottery tickets at their place of employment
- Retailers have also implemented new validations procedures whereby all winning and non-winning tickets to players. Winning tickets paid out by lottery retailers are now stamped “PAID By Lottery Retailer”
- Check-A-Ticket terminals are now in all lottery retail locations
- Customer Display Monitors now face players at all times
- Lowered the validation limit at lottery retail locations from $3,000 to $999.99
- Set the “We’re in the money” win tune at the highest volume
- Made tamper-proof improvements to our equipment
- Improved monitoring and reporting of lottery retailer play and win rates
- Made immediate improvements to BCLC’s customer complaint tracking investigation and resolution processes, including introducing a Lottery Player Complaint Centre
- Implemented a formal advertising campaign to educate players about player protection measures
- Improved training and formally certifying all lottery retailers and their employees who operate lottery terminals
*Ipsos Reid Public Affairs’ BC Lottery Poll, October 2007 - Where can I obtain a copy of the Ombudsman’s report?
The B.C. Ombudsman’s report is available here.
Copies may also be obtained by calling the Ombudsman’s office at 1-800-567-3247 or write to:
Ombudsman of British Columbia
PO Box 9039 STN PROV GOVT
Victoria, B.C.
V8W 9A5 - Who is the B.C. Ombudsman and what is the B.C. Ombudsman's role?
B.C.’s Ombudsman is Kim Carter. The B.C. Ombudsman is an office of the provincial legislature and is independent of government and political parties. The Ombudsman is responsible for ensuring that the administrative practices and services of public agencies, including Crown corporations, are fair, reasonable, appropriate and equitable.
- What were the Ombudsman’s findings in her report?
The Ombudsman made 23 recommendations to improve BCLC’s processes, particularly in the areas of:
- validation and prize payout,
- customer complaint tracking,
- monitoring retailer play and win rates,
- collection of information, and
- retailer compliance and training.
In addition, the Ombudsman made four more recommendations pertaining to Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch processes.
The Ombudsman’s Report and BCLC’s response, including announcement of our Player First program is available on www.bclc.com. Does BCLC agree with the findings of the Ombudsman’s report? BCLC supports all of the Ombudsman’s recommendations. - Does BCLC agree with the findings of the Ombudsman’s report?
BCLC supports all of the Ombudsman’s recommendations.
- Will BCLC be implementing all of the Ombudsman’s recommendations?
Yes. BCLC has initiated a program called "Player First" which incorporates the Ombudsman’s recommendations and additional actions that go beyond the Ombudsman’s report.
“Player First” is setting new standards in North America for player service and protection. - Will BCLC track retailer play rates?
We are conducting independent research into retailer play, spend and win rates and will make those results public.
General
- How old do I have to be to purchase lottery products, visit a casino or play bingo in B.C.?
You must be 19 years of age or older to purchase a lottery ticket, enter a casino or participate in bingo in B.C.
- When did BCLC become responsible for casinos and bingo in B.C.?
Casinos have operated in B.C. since 1987. BCLC was given responsibility to conduct and manage slot machines when they were introduced in 1997 as part of government's change in gaming policy.
June 1, 1998, BCLC assumed responsibility to conduct and manage table games.
Jan. 15, 2002, BCLC assumed responsibility to conduct and manage commercial bingo gaming in B.C. - How is gaming regulated in B.C.?
The Ministry of Housing and Social Development's Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch regulates all gaming in British Columbia, including the operations of BCLC, which conducts and manages commercial gaming in the province.
Technical
- What are the minimum system requirements for viewing www.bclc.com?
For optimal viewing and game play experience, your system should have the following:
Internet Explorer® 6.0 or 7.0
Flash® 9.0
Some pages may not display as intended in other browsers.
Windows XP
Highspeed Internet access
Cookies and JavaScript must be enabled.
In order to view or download some documents, you must have Adobe® Reader®. We recommend version 5.0 or higher.
Newer versions of the following software is downloadable from the following sites:
Internet Explorer®
Adobe Flash Player®
Adobe Reader®
For information on cookies, visit http://www.microsoft.com/info/cookies.htm for Internet Explorer. - What are cookies and how does BCLC.com use them?
A cookie is a small text file that a web site stores on your computer. At BCLC.com, we use cookies to save your user name when you login to a registered user section of the site. Using a cookie to store your user name enables bclc.com to remember who you are as you browse the web site. Without cookies, you would need to login each time you accessed a different registered user-only page on the web site. The cookie is destroyed once you end your session on BCLC.com.
To learn more about cookies, visit http://www.microsoft.com/info/cookies.htm for Internet Explorer and http://wp.netscape.com/legal_notices/cookies.html for Netscape.
- What if B.C. Lottery Corporation's Consumer Services Help Desk does not resolve the problem?
The Consumer Services Help Desk does not guarantee resolution of technical issues in accessing and navigating www.bclc.com. In many instances, the issue originates outside of www.bclc.com and customers will be advised to contact their computer vendor, their computer technician or their ISP. In no event shall BCLC be liable for any damages whatsoever including special, indirect or consequential damages resulting from loss of use, loss of data or loss of chance, whether in an action of contract, negligence or tort, arising out of or connected to consultation with the Consumer Services Help Desk or access to www.bclc.com.
To contact Consumer Services, click here.
Careers
- I cannot login with my user name or password that I have used in the past, what should I do?
We have recently switched our applicant tracking system to create efficiencies for our recruitment process. Unfortunately this means that we were unable to transfer your account information over. You will need to create a new account and upload your resume in order to apply for available jobs (If you have recently applied for an open posting, please do not submit your application again; we have your application on file). We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience.
- I don’t see any of the jobs that I have recently applied for, what should I do?
Due to the recent switch of our applicant tracking system, you will not see any of the jobs you have applied for in the past. We have, however, created a record of all applicants and their resumes to ensure that we match the best qualified candidate to each job opportunity. If you have recently applied for an open position, please do not submit your application again. If we wish to move forward with your application we will be in contact with you in the near future.
- What if I have a criminal record and want to apply at BCLC?
You are able to apply at BCLC if you have a criminal record. If we wish to move forward with your application, you will be required to disclose your criminal record on the Gaming Policy Enforcement Branch (GPEB) form. GPEB will assess the nature of your record and will arrange for an interview with you. After the interview, the Registrar makes a decision based on your suitability for the position and BCLC.
- Does BCLC hire applicants who are not Canadian citizens or permanent residents?
Yes as long as you are legally able to work in Canada.
- What type of education or skills do I need?
All of our opportunities specifically state the required education and qualifications. You can determine what each job requires by clicking on the position title.
- How old do I need to be to work at BCLC?
Since BCLC is in the gaming industry, you must be 19 years of age or older to work here.
- Why should I create an online profile?
A profile is like an online resume that you can use to apply on BCLC job opportunities. You only have to create a profile once and can access your profile at any time to update your resume or apply for jobs.
- How do I create a profile?
You can create a profile by either clicking on register with us on the Welcome page or the login now button. Once you have clicked on either button, you will be redirected to our registration page where you can enter your contact information and submit a resume. Once you have entered all of the required data, simply press submit and your profile has been created.
- What happens if I do not have time to fully complete my profile in one sitting?
As long as you have submitted your email address and password, you can log out at any time and your account information will be saved. It is important to remember to log back into your account at your earliest convenience to ensure that your account information is accurate so that you can begin to apply for job opportunities.
- How do I update/change my profile?
To update/change your profile you will have to log into your account. Once logged in you can click on the ‘Update your Information’ tab. From here you can edit your profile to better suit your current needs. We strongly encourage you to update your profile on a regular basis so that we can ensure that you are matched with the right opportunities.
- What if I forget my password?
If you forget your password, you can click on the ‘Password Reset’ button, and you will be redirected to a new page where you will have to enter your email address. A new secure password will be sent to you via email within seconds. If you do not receive an email, please check your junk mail folder as your spam filter may have sent it there.
- How do I apply for available positions?
All positions with BCLC are filled through a job posting process. Applications or resumes can only be submitted via www.bclc.com/careers. You will have to create a user account prior to applying for a job.
- Do I need an application form to apply on a posting?
You do not need a separate application form to apply for a posting. However, when applying for a job you may be required to complete a pre-qualifying questionnaire that will be linked to your profile.
- How do I apply for a position?
You can apply for a position by clicking on the job title that you are interested in and then click the ‘Apply Now’ button. You will be required to log into your account or create a new account if you haven’t already done so. You will be asked to review your contact information and resume details prior to submitting your application.
- What are the closing times for a position?
The closing times for a position are listed under the ‘Job Opportunities’ tab. Closing dates are specific to each job and can be found at the bottom of each job posting. Please ensure that you apply for the position prior to the closing date.
- What else should I submit with my resume?
You are able to submit a cover letter or any other documentation that you feel is relevant to your application. (ie: education transcripts, certifications, diploma, proof of degree, etc)
- How often do postings change?
Career opportunities vary throughout the year. You should check back every few days to ensure that you do not miss an opportunity to apply for a posting.
- If there aren’t any postings, does BCLC accept general resumes?
Yes, we keep resumes on file for one year. However, to be considered for a specific job opportunity, you will still need to apply for the posting.
- Do you accept late applications for jobs?
Late applications will not be accepted. Please apply for job opportunities prior to their closing dates.
- Do I need to submit a resume for every job I wish to apply for?
Your resume is saved in your profile which means that you do not have to submit a resume every time that you apply for a job. You are however encouraged to update your resume for each job opportunity that you apply for; this will allow our recruiter to ensure that you are matched with the position that best suits your skills and abilities.
- How do I know if I have been short-listed?
You will receive an email notification that indicates that you are being considered for the position that you have applied for. A member from our recruitment team will be in contact with you to inform you if we wish to move forward with your application or pursue other options.
- What is the selection process?
An applicant’s resume and/or pre-qualification questionnaire are reviewed and compared to the required levels of education and experience for every job opportunity. Resumes of those applicants who meet the required qualifications are forwarded to a hiring manager for their review. From this stage, the top candidates will be shortlisted and proceed to an interview.
- If selected for an interview, when will I be contacted?
If you have been shortlisted, you will be contacted up to 7 days after the posting has closed.
- What will my job interview be like?
Interviews are conducted by a panel of 2-3 individuals. The interview itself consists of behavioural and situational questions.
- Do you do any testing of job applicants?
We conduct either pre-qualifying assessments and/or skills testing when relevant.
- When can I expect to hear back from BCLC?
If there is a potential match between your career interests and qualifications, BCLC will contact you directly within approximately 7 days after the posting has closed.
- How do I check the status of my resume?
If you received an acknowledgement message via email, you know that we have received your resume. Our recruitment team will contact you if your skills and qualifications are a match to the position for which you applied.
- Will I have to have a criminal record check?
Yes, all employees are required to be registered with the Gaming Policy Enforcement Branch (GPEB). Upon registration, you will be required to disclose any criminal charge or record on their application form. GPEB will then conduct a thorough criminal record check to determine your suitability for the position and BCLC.
- What types of positions does BCLC recruit for when it comes to Student/CO-OP programs?
BCLC typically recruits from post secondary institutions for positions in Information Technology, Finance and Human Resources, Facilities, Communication and Marketing.
- Do you have programs for graduates?
We work directly with local post secondary institutions when we require CO-OP or internships.
- What are the closing dates for student/CO-OP positions?
We generally recruit from post secondary institutions in May and September. You will have to refer to your student advisor for closing dates that are pertinent to the position you wish to apply for.
- I’m having a technical problem with the site, whom should I contact?
For inquiries or concerns regarding technical support, please call Consumer Services in B.C. toll free at 1-866-815-0222 or complete our Feedback form.

