The British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC) has proudly attained Level 4 certification from the World Lottery Association (WLA) for its exemplary player health programs. This notable achievement comes with a ‘Best Practice’ distinction, recognizing BCLC’s commitment to innovation and player-centric initiatives.
Certification Overview:
The International Assessment Panel (IAP) highlighted BCLC’s Player Education program in its evaluation, commending specific elements as ‘clearly beyond the norm.’ The IAP acknowledged the organization’s “various targeted initiatives and set of evaluation measures,” emphasizing BCLC’s “ambitious plans moving forward” in its assessment report. BCLC’s Chief Compliance Officer and VP, Legal, Compliance, and Security, Marie-Noëlle Savoie, expressed satisfaction with the Level 4 re-certification and the ‘Best Practice’ distinction, considering it a testament to the continuous improvement of player health programs.
Key Program Elements:
BCLC’s player health program encompasses diverse elements, including research initiatives, employee training, player safeguards, and stakeholder engagement activities. Noteworthy achievements include meeting or exceeding industry standards in areas such as responsible gambling, indigenous reconciliation, diversity, equity, accessibility, and environmental sustainability.
Industry Recognition:
Being one of the 13 lottery jurisdictions in North America to achieve Level 4 certification, BCLC has positioned itself as a leader in player health standards. The certification, valid for three years, underscores the organization’s ongoing commitment to excellence in the gaming industry.
Highlighted Initiatives:
In its certification submission, BCLC spotlighted key initiatives that contributed to its Level 4 recognition. These initiatives include the virtual GameSense Advisor (GSA) program, an active reinstatement requirement in the Game Break voluntary self-exclusion program, and enhanced identification measures at BC casinos. The mention of the GameSense brand, available for licensing to other commercial gambling entities, further emphasizes BCLC’s commitment to sharing best practices across the industry.
Collaborative Success:
BCLC’s collaborative efforts with Instant Win Gaming (IWG) in introducing the Set for Life game on PlayNow.com exemplify its dedication to providing innovative and engaging gaming experiences. Such partnerships underscore BCLC’s focus on enhancing the overall player experience while maintaining a responsible gaming environment.
ESG Goals and Annual Report:
The recent release of BCLC’s annual report, titled ‘Winning With Purpose: BCLC’s Annual Report,’ provides insights into the organization’s progress towards its environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals during 2022/23. The report prominently features BCLC’s dedication to responsible gambling, indigenous reconciliation, diversity, equity, accessibility, and environmental sustainability.
BCLC’s Level 4 WLA certification, coupled with the ‘Best Practice’ distinction, signifies a pinnacle achievement in the gaming industry. The organization’s player-centric approach, innovative initiatives, and commitment to responsible gaming set a benchmark for others to follow. As BCLC continues its journey with a focus on continuous improvement, the future holds promise for further advancements in player health programs across the gaming landscape.