Community Gaming Centres

British Columbia Lottery Corporation Outlines its CGC Initiative

Q.
What is a Community Gaming Centre?

A.
Community Gaming Centres (CGC's) are designed to provide a fun and entertaining social setting where a player can play traditional paper-based bingo and electronic bingo with personal play options, in addition to a selection of other games that may include Keno, a variety of lottery products, off-track horse betting and slot machines. Furthermore, CGC’s will offer enhanced facilities with comfortable seating options and amenities such as restaurants and lounges for private functions.

BCLC is committed to a strong bingo industry. Offering a broader mix of gaming in a friendly, pleasant atmosphere is critical to attracting a new player base to bingo facilities. A Community Gaming Centre is a new gaming model developed by BCLC in collaboration with our Bingo Service Providers that will provide enhanced entertainment options for B.C.’s bingo industry.

Q.
Why is BCLC converting a commercial bingo hall into a Community Gaming Centre?

A.
Community Gaming Centres are about offering players an assortment of gaming and entertainment options, with bingo being the principal game. The CGC model will help revitalize and strengthen the game of bingo, which has been in a state of decline across North America, and restore a vital conduit through which gaming revenues are channeled back into local community charitable groups through affiliation with local bingo operations.

Q.
When did BCLC first decide to incorporate slot machines into bingo halls?

A.
The decision to allow slot machines in commercial bingo facilities was a policy decision announced by Solicitor General Rich Coleman on behalf of the provincial government in January 2004. Additionally, slot machines in commercial bingo halls will only be permitted subject to municipal approval.

Q.
Is BCLC turning bingo halls into casinos?

A.
The primary game to be played in a CGC is the game of bingo, with some additional entertainment options available that may include Keno, a variety of lottery products, off-track horse betting and slot machines

Q.
Who will Community Gaming Centres appeal to?

A.
CGC will build on the unique appeal of the current bingo gaming experience and will be enhanced with upgraded facilities, services and product offerings. An inviting social meeting place where customers can partake in gaming activities, a CGC may attract new patrons to bingo facilities – people who might not feel comfortable visiting a casino or others who have not traditionally sought out a bingo hall.

Q.
How many Community Gaming Centres will there be?

A.
In fiscal 2004/05, CGCs will be tested in eight to 10 locations, subject to municipal approval. This test market phase will last about 12 to 18 months for each location and is primarily about performing product and market testing of the CGC concept. Once the test market phase is complete, BCLC will use the information gained during this period to develop a sustainable long-term plan.

Q.
How many slot machines will be installed in each location?

A.
The number of slot machines installed will be based upon the population, demographics and market assessment of each potential location. The guiding principle will be to place a conservative number of slot machines into each CGC facility, from a minimum of 25 to a maximum of 100. The number of machines may be adjusted in the future based on sustainable market demand.

Q.
Why does bingo need a new gaming model?

A.
The CGC gaming model is about improved customer service and about creating facilities to meet the demand of the marketplace. We are aiming to have the proper gaming mix for a certain area to meet customer expectations.

Q.
Where will the first Community Gaming Centres be located? When?

A.
CGCs have been approved in Dawson Creek, Williams Lake, Campbell River and Kelowna. It’s expected that at least one of these communities will have a Community Gaming Centre operating by the end of 2004.

Q.
Will municipalities receive a share of slot revenue from bingo halls as is the case in casinos?

A.
As is the case with host local governments where casinos are located, CGC host municipalities will receive a 10% share of the net income generated, based on the installation of 25 to 100 slot machines.

Q.
Will local community organizations share in the revenue?

A.
In British Columbia, more than 2,500 community and charitable organizations affiliated with bingo facilities benefit from bingo proceeds every year. Proceeds help build parks and playgrounds, provide equipment for people with disabilities, and fund a variety of other projects for community and charitable organizations across the province.

For more information about how community and charitable organizations benefit from gaming revenue, click here.

Q.
What services are in place to reduce the risk of problem gambling?

A.
BCLC’s mission is built on a foundation of providing high-quality gaming entertainment in a socially responsible manner for the benefit of all British Columbians. BCLC works in partnership with the Government of British Columbia, our service providers and those involved in the prevention and treatment of problem gambling. This partnership was formed to help address issues and provide reliable and accurate information.