In an attempt to lessen stigma, the British Columbia Lottery Corporation has announced updates to their voluntary self-exclusion program (VSE). The aim is to make it more accessible and to help reduce its stigma.
The new program, renamed Game Break, will include additional features such as an active reinstatement procedure for those who decide to return to playing. This process offers players who believe that gambling again is the right thing for them better support.
Terms of enrollment for Game Break will not change. Players can choose to sign up for six months, one year, two years or three years.
After completing their period, players who wish to continue playing must complete a course online. The “Game Plan”, which allows people to reflect on themselves and to set goals, will allow them to decide whether gambling is for them.
Participants can also choose to continue their game break term.
Ryan McCarthy, BCLC’s director of player safety said: “We encourage players to play within their budget and time limits and to be empowered to stop if they feel like it.” “Taking a rest from something can be seen as an excellent choice.
We designed Game Break to remove barriers, de-stigmatize the self-exclusion and help people better understand themselves if they want to get back into gambling.
The changes we made to our self exclusion program is another way to work to educate people about gambling, and to provide resources and support to encourage them to practice positive playing behaviors.
Everi partnership
This update follows the BCLC’s announcement earlier in the month of a partnership with Everi Holdings, a provider of gaming machines and trading services for financial markets. The BCLC is using this new partnership to help support anti-money laundering initiatives.
Everi’s anti-money laundering Everi Compliance software will be used to assist the BCLC in its gaming and online activities. The BCLC will be able to use this software for its online gambling, casino and bingo activities.
Everi will continue to supply the BCLC with land-based slot machines and content for online slots in British Columbia.
