British Columbia casinos to require enhanced ID checks to support Game Break self-exclusion

Those enrolled in Game Break will be unable to enter casinos or receive direct marketing.

British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC) is upping identification requirements at local casinos, in support of players enrolled in the self-exclusion program, Game Break. The ID requirements increase this summer.

Every visitor to a British Columbia casino must now provide a Government-issued photo ID to gain entry. All IDs will be scanned by casino security, which facilitates an automatic check against a database of people who have been restricted from gambling venues.

Enrollees of Game Break, a voluntary self-exclusion program, are included in this database. Casino systems will not, however, store personal data for those allowed entry.

During a player’s enrollment in Game Break, BCLC automatically closes their PlayNow account and stops all direct marketing to that player. Players in Game Break are also given the option to receive free contact from a gambling support professional.

The player may choose to take their ‘break’ for as little as six months, or as long as three years with Game Break to help this commitment. Promotional funds in a PlayNow account cannot be redeemed during the player’s designated exclusion period.

BCLC aims to have “the healthiest players in the world” by implementing these increased identification requirements and continuing to support responsible gaming programs. Third-party reviews have shown that players participating in self-exclusion programs are in support of the checks.

The official date of the enhanced checks’ implementation will be announced later this month. ID checks will also still be required for both age verification and jackpot prize claims.

Free prevention, treatment and support services are also available to those in British Columbia via Gambling Support BC.

Stephanie Feeley

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