The British Colombia Lottery Corporation (BCLC) has issued a reminder to consumers over the dangers of gambling with unlicensed websites, ahead of the new NFL season kicking off this weekend.
PlayNow.com remains the only site that players can legally place bets with in the Canadian province, while it is also the only gambling website licensed by the BCLC and required to comply with provincial regulations and laws.
The BCLC said consumers who choose to gamble with unlicensed sites are not offered the same responsible gambling protections as with PlayNow.com.
Such systems in place with PlayNow.com include employing GameSense Advisors, who are available via telephone and online chat to support players in maintaining healthy play habits or refer them to treatment and support if needed.
PlayNow.com is also legally required to adhere to gambling advertising standards set out by the province and other BCLC rules designed to support marketing that promotes healthy and positive gambling behaviour.
In addition, the BCLC noted how revenue generated through PlayNow.com goes back into British Colombia to support healthcare, education and community programs, whereas unlicensed sites are not required to make such payments.
“British Columbians should know that there are hundreds of gambling websites operating illegally in BC and that, unlike PlayNow.com, these illegal websites are not bound to provincial and federal laws and regulations that are in place to protect players,” BCLC chief compliance officer and vice president of legal, compliance and security, Marie-Noëlle Savoie, said.
“BCLC’s PlayNow.com must meet stringent requirements to support safe and secure online gambling, including those related to technical integrity, age verification and protection of personal information.
“For British Columbians who choose to bet on sports, we want them to choose PlayNow.com because it’s the only legal gambling website in BC and the only whose profits go back to the province to support things we all rely on, like healthcare, education and community programs.”