British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC) has emphasised the importance of steering away from illegal gambling websites as some major sporting seasons begin to get underway.
Los Angeles Rams and Buffalo Bills kicked off the 2022 NFL campaign earlier today, while the NHL is due to start again next month.
These events have prompted a reminder from BCLC that PlayNow.com is the only legal gambling website in the province, and therefore is the only one that will benefit its residents with revenue being used to support healthcare, education and community programmes.
“British Columbians should know that there are hundreds of gambling websites operating illegally in BC and that, unlike PlayNow.com, these illegal websites are not bound to provincial and federal laws and regulations that are in place to protect players,” said Marie-Noëlle Savoie, BCLC’s Chief Compliance Officer and Vice President of Legal, Compliance and Security.
“BCLC’s PlayNow.com must meet stringent requirements to support safe and secure online gambling, including those related to technical integrity, age verification and protection of personal information.”
PlayNow.com has been implemented with strong security safeguards and enables players to easily deposit and withdraw using Canadian banks.
The company also provides support and resources to promote safer gambling, including dedicated specialists – GameSense Advisors – who are on hand via telephone and online chat to help players maintain healthy play habits, or refer them to treatment and support if needed.
Unlike gambling websites operating illegally in BC, advertisements for PlayNow.com must also adhere to gambling advertising standards set out by the Province of BC and other BCLC requirements designed to support marketing that promotes healthy, positive play behaviours.
“The NFL and NHL are two of the most popular leagues for sports bettors in BC and we want them to have a positive betting experience heading into the exciting, upcoming seasons,” added Savoie.
“For British Columbians who choose to bet on sports, we want them to choose PlayNow.com because it’s the only legal gambling website in BC and the only whose profits go back to the province to support things we all rely on, like healthcare, education and community programmes.”
Meanwhile, BCLC recently announced Pat Davis as its new President and CEO following a seven-month candidate search.