The British Columbia Lottery Corporation announced last month that enhanced identification requirements would begin this summer, and the start date is set for Monday June 26. All British Columbia casinos will require individuals to present government-issued photo ID to enter, in compliance with Canada’s Game Break self-exclusion program.
IDs will be scanned by members of security upon entry and checked against Game Break’s database of people who have chosen to restrict themselves from gambling and gaming facilities. No personal information is saved by the system for individuals who are allowed entry into any casino.
BCLC’s self-exclusion program was recently reviewed by a third party, and this showed that participants willing to enrol themselves in self-exclusion programs believed that such identification checks would be the best way to support the actions they had taken. Free treatment, prevention resources and support services are also available through Gambling Support BC.
Pat Davis, BCLC’s President and CEO, said, “Since announcing that these changes were coming, BCLC has been working to build awareness with our players about the new entry requirements and why they matter in helping us to support individuals who have asked for our help.
“We believe that BC is the first jurisdiction in North America to require ID at the casino door, an example of BCLC’s continued work towards our ambition of having the healthiest players in the world.”
Prior to Monday the 26th, players will still be required to produce identification for processing jackpot or large prize wins, as well as when necessary to verify age.
