The British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC) has officially announced the temporary closure of its prize payout centres located in its Kamloops head office and Vancouver corporate office. 

The closure, which aims to protect both staff and players, is effective immediately and has been made by the BCLC following advice given by the Provincial Health Officer in relation to social distancing as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Despite the closure, the BCLC has continued to ensure its lottery products remain available to be purchased by players online via its Playnow.com website, the BCLC Lotto! app and throughout a multitude of different lottery retailers that have remained open throughout the region.

A statement from the corporation read: “BCLC apologizes for any inconvenience to our players, and we look forward to welcoming players back once it is safe and appropriate to do so.

“For those who wish to claim or have tickets that are close to expiry, BCLC is implementing alternative prize claim processes during this temporary closure period.”

Individuals in possession of tickets whose prize value ranges between $1- $200 can redeem them at any lottery retailer across the British Columbia region, excluding currently closed establishments such as casinos, bars and pubs.

Furthermore, the BCLC also reiterated how some lottery retailers may also have the means to pay prizes worth up to $2,000, however, the corporation made it clear how this would not be a guarantee as most lottery retail establishments do not keep large sums of cash due to security reasons.

Regarding other prize values, the corporation has informed players to contact BCLC Customer Support at 1-866-815-0222 for further information on how to claim their prizes.

For the time being, the corporation has also advised that players keep winning tickets in a safe place also reminding individuals to sign their tickets for an extra layer of protection.