According to independent research conducted recently in BC, approximately 95% of the population report to gamble responsibly.
To help those with a gambling problem, a number of programs are in place. Some are delivered by BCLC and some by the BC Government's Problem Gambling Program.
BC Partnership for Responsible Gambling
The programs and initiatives that BCLC and Government provide through the British Columbia Partnership for Responsible Gambling:
 |
Responsible Play Information Centres (RPICs)
RPICs are interactive booths located near the gaming floor in casinos and community gaming centres around the province. They provide information concerning the odds of winning and losing, how particular games work, the concept of randomness and house advantage. Details of services related to problem gambling are also available. Additionally, the booths feature a Responsible Gambling Self-Service Terminal (ReGIe), where people can take a gambling knowledge quiz.
Casino RPICs are staffed by a Responsible Gambling Information Officer (RGO) whose primary role is to provide responsible play education and information access. Additionally, the RGO is trained in responding to customers in distress and providing referral to free professional treatment services available through the B.C. Provincial Government's Problem Gambling Program.
Self-Service RPICs are also located in all of B.C.'s community gaming centres. |
|
BC Government's Problem Gambling Program
Each fiscal year, a portion of gaming revenue is dedicated to programs designed to address problem gambling issues and promote responsible gambling. The Problem Gambling Program is managed by the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General through the Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch. In fiscal 2007/08, the Problem Gambling Program had a budget of $7 million.
The program includes a toll-free Problem Gambling Help Line that provides referrals to free counselling, as well as telephone clinical counselling services. The toll-free Help Line number is 1-888-795-6111.
Brochures and posters about the program are widely available at casinos, commercial bingo halls and lottery outlets. All BCLC lottery products carry the toll-free Help Line number. |
|
Providing the Right Information
BCLC provides information about our products, including the odds of winning and losing, and the risks associated with gambling, so that those who choose to gamble will have access to the information they need to make choices that are right for them.
Find out information on odds.
At casinos:
Find out how to play casino games.
Problem Gambling Program - When Gambling Stops Being a Game
At lottery retail outlets:
Find out how to play lottery games.
BCLC's -  Lottery Guide [PDF]
Problem Gambling Program's - When Gambling Stops Being a Game
At commercial bingo halls:
Find out how to play bingo games.
Problem Gambling Program's - When Gambling Stops Being a Game
|
|
Security and Integrity of our Games
BCLC provides an entertainment experience that includes the highest standards of security, honesty and integrity at all times. To ensure that these standards are followed, we have a number of stringent physical and procedural security measures in place. |
|
Voluntary Self-Exclusion
BCLC has established three different Voluntary Self-Exclusion programs that allow people to exclude themselves from gaming venues or from gambling on PlayNow. One option is to self-exclude from all venues with slot machines, the second option is to self-exclude from commercial bingo halls and the third option is to self-exclude from the PlayNow site. You are able to sign up for one or all of these programs at your discretion. If you choose to sign up for more than one program you will need to do so separately as they are individual programs. more
|
