British Columbia Lottery Adds to Canadian Problem Gambling Plans

Representatives of the British Columbia Lottery Corporation announced they will institute a comprehensive series of programs to educate the public about problem gambling, and help treat it.

Canadian gaming organizations have demonstrated both in the past and just this week that they are among world leaders in addressing problem gambling concerns. Today, the British Columbia Lottery Corporation introduced a new feature designed to continue the advance of compulsive gambling awareness and treatment.

The new program by the BCLC is called "Game Sense," and it will involve advertising to educate about problem gaming, and sponsoring help lines and free counseling for troubled individuals. Ads will appear on television, and kiosks and booths will be established at the region's fifteen casinos, as well as sixteen gaming centers, such as bingo halls.

BCLC president Michael Graydon said, ""These ads represent the first ever responsible gambling TV messages in B.C."

Members of the Responsible Gaming Council, including CEO Jon Kelly, attended the news conference announcing the program to demonstrate their approval.

The move by the BCLC follows a news release by the Ontario Lottery saying they will incorporate facial recognition technology into their systems at casinos to help prevent self-excluded gamblers from entering. The Ontario Lottery  also has established a series of Responsible Gaming Resources Centers, in conjunction with the RGC.