What's New

Responsible Gambling Strategy 2008/09 Annual Report

The Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch is pleased to present the 2008/09 Annual Report for the Responsible Gambling Strategy, which includes information on the Problem Gambling Program. This Annual Report details how program funding is spent and describes service outcomes and satisfaction rates. It also highlights some of government's innovative prevention and awareness initiatives. Click the following link to view the BC Responsible Gambling Strategy 2008/09 Annual Report:

Responsible Gambling Strategy 2008/09 Annual Report [PDF]
Responsible Gambling Strategy 2007/08 Annual Report [PDF]

The King of Ads

In March 2006, the Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch launched a responsible gambling awareness campaign entitled, "When your luck runs out..." This campaign is targeted to young people between 18 and 24 years of age, and focuses on problem gamblers and their families. The goal is to increase awareness of the Responsible Gambling Program and the toll free Help Line. The campaign includes advertising in transit buses and shelters across the province, youth oriented web sites, washroom ads, Dan TV in food courts and targeted university and college campus newspapers.

Printable posters in English, Chinese, Punjabi, and Vietnamese can be found at:

Responsible Gambling Products

Lift off for the Responsible Gambling Strategy and Three Year Plan!

The Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch and the BC Lottery Corporation launched the Responsible Gambling Strategy in 2003. The Strategy engages government, health and social agencies, the gaming industry, and individuals to work together to build a gaming industry that fosters responsible gambling. The Strategy has three key goals:

• Reduce the incidence of problem gambling
• Reduce harmful impacts of excessive gambling
• Ensure the delivery of gambling in a manner that encourages responsible gambling and healthy choices

To reduce the incidence of problem gambling, the three year plan is a shared responsibility among the Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch, the BC Lottery Corporation, gaming services providers and local governments. A philosophy of shared responsibility is the backbone to the Responsible Gambling Strategy, and this vision is evident throughout the three year plan. More information on the Responsible Gambling Strategy and three year plan can be found on the following web page:

Responsible Gambling Strategy

Responsible Gambling Program Statistics

The Responsible Gambling Program has collected and reported on a range of data pertaining to the delivery and evaluation of the program since 2004. This data has helped shape policy and ensures the services provided are the best possible. Some aspects of the program that are currently tracked are usage figures for the dedicated 24-hour Help Line and evaluations of our clinical providers. Program statistics are available at the following link:

Responsible Gambling Program Information and Statistics

Responsible Gambling Information Centres piloted in two casinos

The Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General, together with the BC Lottery Corporation, has launched two Responsible Gambling Information Centres. The Centres are pilot projects to test the effectiveness of having trained counsellors available on-site in a casino as Responsible Gambling Officers. The purpose is to provide on-site education, support and referral to customers seeking information or in distress. In addition, Responsible Gambling Officers support, advise and actively assist senior and mid-level managers in resolving potentially complex customer situations. The Responsible Gambling Officers provide on-site patron education about gambling and responsible gambling, plus discreet and professional support and referrals related to problem gambling where necessary.

Responsible Gambling Website continues to grow!

British Columbia's Responsible Gambling website has been in existence for two years, and the new and improved design has been very popular. The number of visits to the website has tripled in the past year. Over 48,000 people have visited this site for information, with the average number of visitors now exceeding 4,000 a month. We hope you find the website of assistance, and if you think there are ways we can improve the site, don’t hesitate to send us a note by contacting us at info@bcresponsiblegambling.ca

Responsible Gambling Standards

For most people, gambling is an enjoyable form of entertainment. For a small number, however, gambling can become a serious problem. Problem gambling occurs when gambling behavior has negative consequences for individuals, families and communities. The Province of British Columbia is committed to ensuring gambling activities are carried out in a socially responsible manner. The two major partners in ensuring gambling standards are the Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch and the BC Lottery Corporation.

The Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch regulates all gaming, including horse racing, in British Columbia. Community organizations may be licensed by Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch to conduct gaming events, such as ticket raffles, independent bingos, social occasion casinos and wheels of fortune. The BC Lottery Corporation is an agent of government and conducts, manages, and operates most commercial gaming in the province, including casinos, commercial bingo halls, community gaming centres and lotteries.

For more information on Responsible Gambling Standards please go the following link:

Responsible Gambling Standards [PDF]