Advisors now in place at every B.C. casino

Nov 8, 2019 | 1:39 PM Pete McIntyre

If you visit a casino or community gaming centre in B.C., chances are you may see a GameSense Advisor (GSA).

“GSAs are a key component of B.C Lottery Corporation’s player-health strategy, focused on supporting casino players with informed decision-making and positive play. Last year alone, GSAs had more than 67,000 interactions with players, helping them to make informed choices about gambling and connecting them to available support resources if they feel they need help,” said a BCLC news release.

BCLC says it has completed its expansion of the program to every casino and community centre in the province.

“BCLC assumed responsibility for the GSA program in the spring of 2018 and has fulfilled its commitment to the Province of B.C. to ensure that all casinos and community gaming centres across 35 communities have a GSA by fall 2019. Previously, they were in place at B.C. casinos only,” the release stated.

“Our government has made significant investments to assist those at risk of gambling addiction,” said Attorney General David Eby. “This expansion means people throughout B.C. can now seek support and share their questions and concerns about gambling with GameSense Advisors in their local gaming facilities. These conversations can be life changing and I hope British Columbians will take advantage of this important service available to them.”

In addition to the expanded GSA presence, BCLC is investing in new GameSense Information Centres, which are welcoming spaces that encourage players to visit and learn more about how the games work, talk with a GSA or just take a break.

“The health of our players is an important focus for our company and our industry overall,” said BCLC Interim President and CEO Greg Moore. “The GameSense Advisor program is a key component of our overall strategy to encourage healthy play and make our products, environments and services safer for players.”

Research suggests that 80 per cent of patrons who interacted with a Game Sense Advisor report feeling more informed about player health information, such as when to take breaks.