Currently, thirty-six gaming venues in British Columbia have already implemented a new ID verification system.
British Columbia will soon implement the requirement for customers to show government-issued identification upon entry to all of the province’s gaming facilities. It was announced by the British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC) as part of their initiative to support individuals who have registered for self-exclusion. The implementation of these new measures is scheduled for this summer, and more information, including the exact date, will be made available in the coming weeks.
❗ The British Columbia Lottery Corporation has announced it will introduce an identity verification system in the summer that all customers visiting #casinos in British Columbia will have to pass before gaining entry to the location.#news #gambling https://t.co/BeuA1FYYg4
— CasinoReviews.net (@_casinoreviews) May 18, 2023
The casino security staff will scan the player IDs and compare them with a list of individuals who are restricted from entering the casino premises and participants of the Game Break self-exclusion program. It is important to note that the system will not retain any personal information of individuals.
The decision to introduce these new measures is in line with BCLC’s main objective. When the Game Break program was initially introduced in February, the aim was to have the healthiest players worldwide, and this commitment remains unchanged. One of the distinguishing features of the program is that participants have a direct influence on its growth. According to BCLC, individuals registered in the Game Break program believe that the implementation of ID checks “will best support their choice” to stay away from gambling facilities.
Game Break is a voluntary and confidential program designed for individuals that struggle with gambling addiction. Participants have control over the duration of their break from gambling facilities and platforms, allowing them to tailor their rehabilitation according to their needs. Moreover, individuals who enroll in Game Break voluntarily restrict their access to PlayNow.com, which is the only legal gambling website in British Columbia.
According to BCLC, the responsibility lies with the players to adhere to their self-exclusion conditions. However, recognizing the potential challenges they may face, the new identification system will serve as an additional safety measure. BCLC states that the enhanced identification requirements at B.C. casinos will help enrolled individuals take a break from gambling by preventing them from entering gambling facilities.
In addition, the crown corporation emphasizes the mandatory nature of carrying valid identification for players. This requirement is necessary to verify age or identity when claiming jackpot prizes or for other related processes.