Live casino gaming specialist Evolution Gaming has launched a new studio in New Westminster, in the Canadian province of British Columbia.

The purpose-built live casino production complex, Evolution’s eighth studio and first outside of Europe, sees live casino provided to the British Columbia Lottery Corporation’s PlayNow.com website.

The 16,000sq.ft studio is located above the new Anvil Centre, adjacent to the Fraser river and the revitalised Westminster Pier Park.

The studio offers live roulette, blackjack and baccarat with plans to expand services and roll out live casino solutions for operators in other Canadian provinces. These provinces, operate non-competitively in Canada’s regulated market, will be able to share generic live casino tables, while also having the option to offer dedicated tables.

The new studio has created more than 50 jobs for local people and will eventually generate a total of around 170 new jobs as operations grow.

Evolution CEO Martin Carlesund said: “After months of planning and hard work by Evolution and BCLC staff we are delighted that the new studio is now live and serving online players in British Columbia.

“BCLC has a strong multi-channel, multi-product offering, now made even stronger with the addition of world-class Evolution-powered live casino. We see this as the initial phase in a long-term partnership with BCLC and other Canadian operators. There are many more opportunities to enrich the player experience online, including delivering truly convergent solutions such as Dual Play live tables that allow online and land-based play at the same table.”

Monica Bohm, BCLC’s vice-president for online gaming, added: “This is a stunning new facility that we believe will have a positive impact in so many ways. The addition of new and innovative products from Evolution’s live casino portfolio for existing and new players to enjoy helps keep BCLC at the forefront of gambling entertainment.

“At the same time we are creating jobs locally. And of course, as a crown corporation owned by the Province of British Columbia, our revenues go towards supporting community initiatives, healthcare and education across the province.”