BCLC secures 5th consecutive Level 4 certification from WLA

British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC) has announced that the World Lottery Association has granted it a Level 4 certification. It is the highest level that the WLA’s Independent Assessment Panel can bestow in recognition of extraordinary effort in player health programming. Furthermore, this is the fifth consecutive time that BCLC has been awarded the Level 4 certification with this accomplishment.

BCLC, which operates as a Crown Corporation under the jurisdiction of the province of British Columbia, ensures responsible and regulated wagering. The funds acquired through its operations are reinvested into the regional economy. The World Lottery Association, on the other hand, represents the interests of state-run gaming and lottery organizations from more than 80 countries throughout the world. The validity period of the certification granted by WLA is three years. 

The Crown’s Player Education programme is evaluated by the WLA’s Independent Assessment Panel (IAP) in accordance with best practices. This facilitates the differentiation of factors associated with programmes that fall under the category of “clearly beyond the norm” and is accompanied by innovative policies and evaluation methods. IAP drew attention to a number of initiatives implemented by BCLC. 

Marie-Noëlle Savoie, vice president of legal affairs, compliance, and security and chief compliance officer of the BCLC, asserts that the level 4 certification is substantial evidence of the organization’s determination to continue its ceaseless efforts concerning the revision and updating of its player health schemes.

Based on online Canadian gaming news, BCLC’s possession of this esteemed license positions it as a leader in the player health industry. These initiatives consist of, among others, research, employee training, participant protection, and stakeholder engagement. In North America, BCLC is one of thirteen lotteries to obtain this level 4 certification.

The Crown was delighted to announce the addition of enhanced identification requirements at provincial casinos, the successful launch of an active reinstatement requirement for its Game Break voluntary self-exclusion programme, and the success of its GameSense Advisor program. The accreditation also recognized its GameSense license program for commercial gaming entities.

In December 2023, the Crown launched its #GiftSmart campaign, one of several local protection programs. Before the holidays, BCLC warned adults that lottery tickets are not suited for children and should not be given as gifts. It educated parents regarding the perils associated with youngsters involving themselves in gambling and suggested that they refrain from gifting lottery tickets to them.

In 2023, BCLC released its yearly lottery winners report. More than 101 million winning tickets were sold at retail locations and on PlayNow.com, resulting in more than CA$859 million in lottery prizes paid out by the Crown for the entire year. Scott Gurney of Sidney won a jackpot of CA$55 million.