BCLC Campaign Spotlights Local Gaming Benefits

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 contributed $1.5 billion in net income to the Province of B.C. last year

The British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC) is shining a spotlight on the positive impact of gaming revenue in Chilliwack through a new awareness campaign. The initiative, dubbed 'What's played here stays here,' aims to educate residents about how BCLC's profits fund essential services and community programs across British Columbia.

According to BCLC, Elements Casino Chilliwack has been a significant contributor to local initiatives, generating more than $2.6 million for the community. This funding has been distributed to various organizations, including $100,000 to the Chilliwack Hospice Society, $76,000 to the Chilliwack Animal Safe Haven Society, $72,000 to the Ann Davis Transition Society, and $68,000 to the Spartan Swim Club.

Pat Davis, BCLC's president and CEO, emphasized the importance of supporting local businesses and services: "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 impact of BCLC's operations extends far beyond Chilliwack. In the previous fiscal year, the corporation generated $1.5 billion in net income for the Province of British Columbia. This substantial sum was allocated to various sectors:

1. $1 billion to public programs and services, including education
2. $147 million to support health initiatives, such as new hospitals and facility upgrades
3. $140 million to the B.C. Community Gaming Grants program
4. Nearly $95 million to local B.C. governments and First Nations hosting gaming facilities

BCLC's contributions to the province are not a recent development. Since its establishment in 1965, the corporation has delivered over $29 billion to support communities, provincial programs and services, charities, and major events that have helped shape British Columbia.

The corporation is also urging B.C. gamblers to consider using its services instead of competing online websites or 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. In a time when British Columbians are standing united, we want to reinforce that playing together with BCLC helps make B.C. even better."

As the gaming landscape continues to evolve, BCLC's campaign serves as a reminder of the tangible benefits that local gaming can bring to communities across British Columbia.