BCLC gains WLA excellence in responsible gambling honour

The British Columbia Lottery Corporation has received level four World Lottery Association certification for excellence in responsible gambling programming for the fourth consecutive time.

Level four is the highest level of certification granted by the WLA’s independent assessment panel under the responsible gambling framework.

“BCLC is committed to continuously assessing and improving our player-health programs,” commented Peter ter Weeme, BCLC chief social purpose officer and vice-president of player experience.

“Obtaining Level 4 certification is an important endorsement of our strategy as we work towards our goal that no one should be harmed by gambling offered by BCLC.”

The BCLC asserts an ambition of boasting “the healthiest players in the world” by achieving a higher standard of care and support with comprehensive, evidence-based player-health programs, structured around four key commitments: informed decisions, positive play, referral and support and safer products and environments.

In addition to responsible gambling tools and supports on PlayNow.com, BCLC’s player-health programs, including GameSense, and voluntary self-exclusion, as well as its ongoing research initiatives, which were highlighted as meeting or exceeding industry standards.

In its Evaluation Report, the IAP noted that BCLC’s “player education program is by far meeting the highest standards in the field,” as the BCLC became one of 13 lottery jurisdictions in North America to achieve Level 4 certification. 

The IAP also highlighted player-health safeguards on BCLC’s online gambling site, noting that “PlayNow.com offers many interesting [responsible gambling] features that…are well integrated in the general perspective of a global health approach.” 

In particular, the IAP recognised BCLC’s expansion of its GameSense Advisor program online and by phone, as a “good example of your constant commitment to your players’ health.”