Frequently Asked Questions

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Game Break: BCLC's self-exclusion program

BCLC encourages individuals enrolled in the Game Break program to take a break from other gambling sites they visit. During enrollment, you have the option to be contacted by a gambling support professional free of charge. There's often greater success in regaining control for those who access support or participate in gambling support while self-excluded.

You are not eligible to win while self-excluded in accordance with the Rules and Regulations. So if you gamble, win a major prize and are identified as being enrolled in the program, BCLC will not pay the prize.

For information on how you can help restrict access to gambling websites, and what happens when you self-exclude, please visit GameSense.com

Encore Rewards members will have their Encore Rewards account deactivated and any eligible points will be redeemed. Please see the Encore Rewards Terms and Conditions for more information.

A player can choose to enrol in Game Break for 6 months, 1 year, 2 years or 3 years.

Self-exclusion begins as soon as a person enrols and it cannot be cancelled or changed until the term expires.

If you would like to extend your Game Break, please know you can do so at anytime. You will be asked to review and sign a new Game Break enrolment form specifying the new Game Break period.

Speak with a GameSense advisor to request an extension by using the Live Chat function on GameSense.com or PlayNow.com or call 1-866-815-0222 and press 3 (available 7am to midnight every day for immediate support). You may also extend your break by attending either a casino or community gaming centre. 

Individuals who feel that returning to play is right for them are able to reinstate by completing our new Game Plan course. Players who choose to take a break from gambling always have the option to extend their Game Break term.

As of June 26, 2023, government-issued photo identification is required to enter casinos and community gaming centres in B.C. If you attempt to or enter a casino or the gaming area while enroled in Game Break and are identified, security will be alerted, and you will be asked to leave.

You can visit other areas within the building such as hotels, show theatres, restaurants, lounges, and meeting rooms as long as these are accessible from an entrance separate from the gaming floor. Individuals who are in the Game Break program cannot enter the gaming floor.

If you are struggling with your gambling and would like to review your Game Break goals and commitments, please contact the Virtual GameSense Advisor by calling 1-866-815-0222 or accessing Live Chat via GameSense.com.

Please call BCLC Consumer Services at 1-866-815-0222. Agents are available daily from 7am to midnight to assist.

You are not eligible to win while in the Game Break program, in accordance with the Rules and Regulations. So if you gamble, win a major prize and are identified as a participant in the program, BCLC will not pay the prize.

No, you cannot modify, revoke, withdraw or rescind your Game Break agreement before midnight on the expiry date.

No. Only the person themselves can enroll in the Game Break program. However, if you have concerns about someone you know, you may wish to speak to Gambling Support BC at 1-888-795-6111 for free, 24/7 confidential help and support.

After March 25th, 2024, individuals enroled in the Game Break program will be excluding themselves from:

  • All gambling facilities with slot machines including casinos, community gaming centres, and the slot floor or race tracks.
  • All commercial bingo halls, community gaming centres, and any gambling facility offering bingo; and
  • All online gambling on PlayNow.com, the BC Lotto! App, and the PlayNow BC Sportsbook App.

To learn more about the Game Break program, speak with a GameSense Advisor using the Live Chat function or call 1-866-815-0222 and press 3 (available 7am to midnight every day for immediate support), or visit GameSense.com for futher information. 

To take a break from gambling facilities with slot machines, visit a casino's GameSense Info Centre and speak with a GameSense Advisor. Or ask any staff member at any casino, community gaming centre or commercial bingo hall for help.

To take a break from PlayNow.com, login to your account and access “Game Break” from within the “My Account” section. The screens will guide you through the process of completing your Game Break.

Safety and security

Visit www.gamesense.com to learn more, including tips for starting the conversation with kids about gambling.

In British Columbia, the age of majority is nineteen years of age. BCLC may make payment of prizes on behalf of a minor to the Public Guardian and Trustee, a parent or a legal guardian depending on the age of the minor and the amount of the win.

There are many web content-filtering and parental control products available on the internet on both a ‘paid’ and ‘free’ basis. A simple search in your internet browser will provide you with a variety of providers, options and information on these tools.

Try searching using keywords such as:

  • “Content Filtering Software”
  • “Parental Control” or
  • “Internet Blocking Software”

Whether you choose a paid or free version of this software, do your research and find the tool that’s right for you.

At any time, you can call the 24-hour Gambling Support BC line at 1-888-795-6111 for free, confidential help and support.

More helpful links can be found at www.gamesense.com.

BCLC Consumer Services can also assist with questions regarding our Voluntary Self-Exclusion program and can be reached at 1-866-815-0222.

GameSense.com — to learn about how gambling works, and tools and resources to help keep gambling fun.

GameSense Info Centres (GSIC's) - interactive kiosks located on or near the gaming floor in all BC casinos and community gaming centres. At GSICs, you will find information and resources to help you make informed decisions if you play.

GameSense Advisors — staff on site at the casino GSICs, trained to answer your questions on topics including how games work, odds of winning and losing, and myths about gambling.

GameSense Advisors

GameSense Advisors are player health specialists that are available to answer questions about games, the odds of winning and losing, and can offer information and resources that help keep gambling fun and on budget. They can also answer any questions about the Voluntary Self-Exclusion program for those who have enrolled recently or are considering taking a break from gambling. When necessary, GameSense Advisors can provide referrals to free gambling outreach support offered by the Province of B.C.

Previously, GameSense Advisors were only available in casinos and community gaming centres, but they've expanded their services to ensure everyone has access to the support they need. There are two new ways to get in touch:

1. Call BCLC's Customer Support Centre toll-free at 1-866-815-0222. Available every day from 8 a.m. to 12 a.m. PST, players can speak with a GameSense Advisor for support, information and more.

2. Use the PlayNow Live Chat function (scroll to bottom of the page).

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