British Columbia Lottery Corporation — Social Responsibility

Every company is obligated to ensure that its product or service is used appropriately and for the intended purpose. BCLC’s mission statement is built on a foundation of providing high-quality gaming entertainment in a socially responsible manner.

Legal gambling occurs in a regulated environment. Individuals carry the primary responsibility to understand the very nature of games of chance, to make informed choices and to manage their gaming participation. BCLC, Government and communities share the responsibility to ensure people have the information they need to make reasonable decisions about their participation in gaming and are supported by health, social service, awareness and prevention programs.

Most adults who gamble enjoy the social, recreational and anticipatory elements of gambling and do so within a sensible spending limit. A small percentage may experience problems that require intervention. Treatment programs are available for these individuals and those who care about them.

BCLC works in partnership with Government and those involved in prevention and treatment to address issues and provide reliable and accurate information.

If gambling is a problem, one of the first steps a person can take is to call the 24-hour Problem Gambling Help Line at 1-888-795-6111 for information and referral to counselling and other services. Currently, addiction counsellors are delivering problem gambling treatment, awareness and prevention services throughout British Columbia.

All BCLC lottery products carry the Help Line number as one of the ways of informing people that support services are available no matter where they live in the province. Brochures, stickers and posters that provide information about the Responsible Gambling Program and Help Line are available at gaming establishments.

BCLC’s Casino Self-Exclusion Program is another tool available to those experiencing gambling problems. Individuals may choose to be voluntarily restricted from casinos for a specified period of time.

Through collective action and shared responsibility, BCLC will continue to play a key leadership role by acting as an information resource and supporting program initiatives that encourage responsible gambling practices and mitigate any negative social impacts related to gambling.

BCLC's annual reports can be downloaded from here.