Standards and Regulations

We’re committed to safe gambling experiences that support the well-being of our players.

This commitment includes:

  • Routine audits to ensure service providers and retailers meet our policies and standards
  • Finding innovative ways to make gambling products and environments safer
  • Partnering with community stakeholders, local and provincial governments, and international responsible gambling organizations to drive continuous improvement

Together, we’re shaping a safer, more connected gambling industry—because together, we win.

Regulation

Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch

Our provincial regulator, the Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch, sets standards that BCLC and, in turn, our service providers must meet.

These standards include:

Ensuring marketing materials present gambling responsibly

Making responsible gambling information easily accessible

Clearly stating the odds of winning

Protecting minors from gambling

Providing players with the information they need to make informed choices

Training staff to respond appropriately

Administering Game Break, our voluntary self-exclusion program

By upholding these standards, BCLC helps ensure that playing, working, and partnering with us means being part of something bigger—building a responsible and connected gambling experience for all.

Certification

World Lottery Association

In 2023, BCLC was re-certified at Level 4 for responsible gambling programs by the World Lottery Association (WLA) for the fifth consecutive time—the highest certification level achievable. As one of only 13 jurisdictions in North America to receive this distinction, we’re proud to be recognized for our commitment to player health.

An international panel awarded the certification based on BCLC’s policies and procedures that prioritize responsible gambling, reinforcing our role in creating a safer gambling environment.

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RG Check

RG Check, created by the Responsible Gambling Council (RGC), is an independent accreditation that recognizes the quality of responsible gambling programs. Every gambling facility in B.C. has maintained RG Check certification since 2011—proof of our commitment to ensuring safer, more positive play experiences. We acknowledge the impact gambling can have and remain committed to fostering an environment where players feel informed, supported, and connected to the resources and supports they need.

Training standards

Appropriate Response Training

As part of our commitment to safe and healthy experiences, BCLC requires those who interact directly with players to successfully complete Appropriate Response Training (ART).

ART is an educational program that prepares BCLC staff and service providers' employees in assisting players while taking a proactive stance on the well being of the player. This training is mandatory for all front-line workers, management and security personnel, and is refreshed throughout their employment. Currently, about 14,000 staff have received ART training.

The program helps employees:

  • Learn what responsible gambling means and gain insight into the signs and impacts of problem gambling;
  • Gain knowledge of the resources available to players, families and staff regarding positive play information; and
  • Gain practical experience in effectively communicating with players from dispelling myths and gambling responsibly to player resource information and community support referrals.

We’ve also incorporated responsible gambling awareness into our lottery retailer certification training. To date, 28,000 people who sell lottery products have received this training.

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Game Break Enrollment Training

BCLC is committed to supporting players in making informed choices. To ensure a compassionate and stigma-free experience, we’ve enhanced Game Break, our self-exclusion program, with an online training module for gaming workers. By reinforcing empathy and support, this training helps create positive, human-centered interactions.