BCLC Campaign Boosts Local Economy Through Gaming

Key Takeaways:

• BCLC launches 'What's played here stays here' campaign to highlight gaming revenue benefits
• Elements Casino Chilliwack generated over $2.6 million for local initiatives
• BCLC urges B.C. gamblers to use its services over competing online sites and U.S. casinos

The BC Lottery Corporation (BCLC) has initiated a new campaign to showcase how gaming revenue positively impacts communities across British Columbia. The 'What's played here stays here' initiative aims to educate residents about the direct benefits of choosing BCLC-operated gambling options.

According to BCLC, Elements Casino Chilliwack contributed more than $2.6 million to fund local projects in the area. This includes substantial grants to various community organizations:

• $100,000 to the Chilliwack Hospice Society
• $76,000 to the Chilliwack Animal Safe Haven Society
• $72,000 to the Ann Davis Transition Society
• $68,000 to the Spartan Swim Club

Pat Davis, BCLC president and CEO, emphasized the importance of supporting local businesses, stating, 'Across B.C. and Canada, we've seen incredible groundswell around the importance of buying and supporting local, and that's no different for British Columbians who choose gambling for their entertainment.'

The corporation's impact extends beyond Chilliwack. In the previous year, BCLC generated $1.5 billion in net income for the Province of B.C. This substantial sum was distributed as follows:

• $1 billion to public programs and services, including education
• $147 million to support health initiatives
• $140 million to the B.C. Community Gaming Grants program
• Nearly $95 million to local B.C. governments and First Nations hosting gaming facilities

BCLC's contributions to the province are significant, with over $29 billion delivered since 1965 to support communities, provincial programs, services, charities, and major events.

The corporation is actively encouraging B.C. residents to choose BCLC services over competing online websites and U.S.-based casinos. Davis explained, 'These gambling options do not support B.C.'s economy and take away funds from vital provincial and community-based programs and services.'

As the gambling landscape evolves, BCLC's campaign serves as a reminder of the local impact of gaming revenue. By choosing BCLC-operated options, players contribute directly to their communities and the broader provincial economy.

'In a time when British Columbians are standing united, we want to reinforce that playing together with BCLC helps make B.C. even better,' Davis concluded, underscoring the collective benefit of supporting local gaming options.