A History of BCLC

Hello BCLC!

The Province of B.C. establishes BCLC as a Crown corporation to conduct and manage commercial gambling for the benefit of all British Columbians.

First initiative supported by lottery revenue in B.C. 

Expo ’86 is the first initiative supported by BCLC lottery revenue. The fair supported job creation and the construction of the SkyTrain and the Expo Centre, now known as Science World. 

B.C.-only games launched

BCLC introduces new B.C.-only games: Lotto BC, Pull Tabs, Extra and BC/49, to its lineup. 

Sports betting available

BCLC introduces Sports Action in retail locations, signifying the legalization of sports betting in B.C.

Canada Summer Games

BCLC supports the Canada Summer Games in Kamloops with a pre-opening ceremony that featured 49 five-foot lottery balls for the “World’s Largest Lotto Draw”. 

XV Commonwealth Games

BCLC sponsors the XV Commonwealth Games in Victoria, welcoming international and national guests to the city. 

BCLC expands to manage casino games 

BCLC assumes responsibility of the conduction and management of table games and slot machines in B.C.

Voluntary Self-Exclusion (VSE) program launches

BCLC implements its VSE program to help individuals honour their personal commitment to take a break from gambling. 

Olympic Winter Games

BCLC becomes a founding supporter of the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in Vancouver and Whistler, supporting the opportunity for increased tourism and new sports venues and to put B.C. centre stage for a global audience.

BCLC launches PlayNow

BCLC introduces PlayNow.com to provide players with a regulated, safe and secure gambling website. BCLC’s Sports Action becomes available online.

B.C.’s first poker championship

In partnership with River Rock Casino Resort, BCLC presents the first B.C. Power Championships, where a Salt Spring Island player won the grand prize of $382,000.

SportsFunder initiative unveiled

BCLC and the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games unveiled SportsFunder—a suite of lottery games to help generate revenue for amateur sports athletes in B.C.

BCLC introduces GameSense

BCLC introduces the GameSense program to help players make informed gambling decisions.

2010 Olympics countdown begins

BCLC creates a 5,000-squarefoot Winter Games Dome to give visitors from B.C. communities the chance to participate in interactive bobsleigh and alpine experiences, and a chance to win tickets to the Olympics.

Online casino games added on PlayNow

PlayNow is the first website in North America to offer legal, regulated, online casino games. 

World Lottery Association, Level 4

BCLC received the highest level of recognition, Level 4, by the World Lottery Association (WLA) for its responsible gambling programs.

GameSense program in Manitoba

Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries adopts BCLC’s GameSense program for the Manitoba market.

PlayNow Sports 

BCLC replaces Sports Action online with PlayNow Sports.

PlayNow in Manitoba

PlayNow partners with the Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries Corporation to bring regulated online gambling to players in Manitoba. 

First New Horizons conference

BCLC holds its first annual New Horizons in Responsible Gambling (Safer Gambling) conference in Vancouver, B.C. and attracts global delegates to discuss player health strategies.

GameSense program licensed by MGM

The Massachusetts Gaming Commission and MGM Resorts International launches BCLC’s GameSense programs at their respective gaming properties. 

Diversity & Inclusion pledge 

BCLC signs the Minerva Diversity Pledge, committing to closing the gender gap in its organization. 

Lotto! App 

BCLC introduces the Lotto! App, making it even easier for players to scan tickets and check numbers.

First live casino in North America

In partnership with Evolution Gaming, BCLC introduces the first live casino in North America where online players can enjoy an interactive casino experience with real dealers. 

LottoMax $60 million prize

BCLC hands out a $60-million cheque for a Lotto Max jackpot win, making it the largest prize given by BCLC’s at the time. 

BCLC expands its GameSense Advisor program

BCLC fulfills its commitment to having a GameSense Advisor (GSA) in every casino and community gaming centre in B.C.

Player health tools on slot machines

BCLC launches its PlayPlanner, a new time and money budgeting tool from BCLC, is launch on slot machines in B.C.

IIHF World Junior Hockey Championships

BCLC supports the Road to the Games pre-tournament events, bringing hockey to 10 B.C. communities as part of the IIHF World Junior Hockey Championships.

Temporary closures

B.C. casinos and community gaming centres close temporarily due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

GameSense Advisors available virtually

BCLC launches virtual GameSense Advisor services to support all players via telephone and online chat.

Largest instant-ticket prize won

A Kelowna resident wins $3 million on a single Scratch & Win ticket in B.C., making it the largest instant-ticket prize awarded in BCLC’s history. 

Fourth consecutive recognition by the World Lottery Association

BCLC receives the highest-level recognition, Level 4, for its safer gambling programs from the World Lottery Association for the fourth consecutive year.

Single-event sports betting on PlayNow

Following Bill C-218: the Safe and Regulated Sports Betting Act, BCLC enables single-event sports betting on PlayNow.

A new record is set for largest BCLC prize giveaway

BCLC presents a $70-million cheque for a Lotto Max prize in B.C., making it the largest lottery prize ever won in B.C.’s history. 

BCLC’s social purpose

BCLC replaces its mission with its new social purpose statement: We generate win-wins for the greater good.

Casinos and CGCs re-open

B.C. casinos and community gaming centres re-open following a temporary closure due to COVID-19.

BCLC opens new Cascades Casino in Delta

In partnership with Gateway Casinos and Entertainment Limited (Gateway), BCLC celebrates opening the brand-new Cascades Casino Delta which generated $1.1 million to help fund local initiatives in its first year.

BCLC enhances VSE program—Game Break

BCLC launches updates to its voluntary self-exclusion program—renamed Game Break—to reduce stigma and implement a return to play program. 

PlayNow Sports app on iOS

BCLC launches an app for sports bettors. 

BCLC introduces Inclusive Holiday Program

In support of diversity and inclusion, BCLC introduces a new Inclusive Holiday Program whereby employees can substitute up to six BCLC-observed statutory holidays in a calendar year for other days that have personal, cultural or religious significance to them, with the exception of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.  

ID at entry in all B.C. casinos

BCLC implements enhanced identification requirements at B.C. casinos to support people enroled in its Game Break self-exclusion program. 

BCLC replaces lottery terminals across B.C.

BCLC successfully launches 21,000 pieces of new equipment at 3,400 retailers across the province.

PROLINE goes live in retail

BCLC’s new digital, retail sportsbook, PROLINE, replaces Sports Action in retail.