The British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC) will begin offering single-event sports bets and bets on racing and fighting on its website, PlayNow.com, when Bill C-218 – the Safe and Regulated Sports Betting Act – comes into effect today.
PlayNow.com players can now place a single wager on the outcome of a football game, such as Saturday’s meeting between the BC Lions and Ottawa Redblacks, or the Seattle Seahawks’ NFL season opener on September 12. Players will also finally have the option to place bets on racing and fighting.
Lynda Cavanaugh, BCLC’s Interim President and CEO, commented: “This is a landmark moment for BCLC and our players. We’re excited to enhance our offerings on PlayNow.com, the only gambling website operating in BC where revenue goes back to British Columbians by supporting provincial initiatives like healthcare, education, and community programs.”
The BCLC noted it will continue prioritizing the health of players as single-event sports betting is introduced to PlayNow.com.
Its website features numerous responsible-gambling safeguards, including player-health specialists known as GameSense Advisors who are available via telephone and online chat, and can support players with healthy play habits as well as refer them to treatment and support services.
The BCLC is also exploring additional opportunities to implement single-event sports betting across land-based channels, including casinos in British Columbia.