British Columbia is upgrading its gambling support services, a project which will have a lot of significance to the British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC) as the only legal gambling provider in the province.
The provincial government announced this week that an integrated 24/7 gambling support service model will go live for British Columbia residents from 1 April 2026, while a gambling prevalence study is also underway.
Telus Health, a Vancouver-based health technology firm, has been working with the government’s Gambling Support BC agency to develop an accessible, coordinated, publicly-funded and free-of-charge gambling support system.
“We recognise that problem gambling is a complex issue that impacts individuals, families and communities,” said Dr. Matthew Chow, Chief Mental Health Officer at Telus Health.
“Through our customised telephone and web-based counselling services, we’re thrilled to provide accessible, free support to help people on their path to recovery.
“This agreement with Gambling Support BC represents our continued commitment to social purpose, alongside our dedication to supporting the health and well-being of all British Columbians.”
The new system will enable British Columbians to connect with trained gambling support professionals without an appointment. Services will be made available in multiple languages, and initiatives tailored to support indigenous communities are also underway.
Gambling in British Columbia can only be legally provided by the BCLC, though as with other Canadian provinces a grey market exists. As it stands, only Ontario has a regulated multi-licence betting market, though Alberta will join it in launching one later this year.
The BCLC’s product range includes lotteries, casinos, and online gaming, with single-event sports betting added to its portfolio back in 2021.
The government has taken note of an increasing rate of online gambling participation in the province, however, prompting the launch of its prevalence survey, results of which will be published in the spring.
“The evolving nature of the gaming industry, such as the growth of online gambling, means we need to change the way gambling supports are provided,” said Nina Krieger, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General.
“The new service-delivery model will make accessing supports easier and more responsive for British Columbians in the moments when they need it most.”