Community Gaming Centres 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. The facilities are also enhanced with comfortable seating options and amenities such as restaurants and lounges.

BCLC has worked in collaboration with Bingo Service Providers to develop the CGC gaming model and provide enhanced entertainment options for B.C.'s bingo industry.

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.

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. Slot machines in commercial bingo halls will only be permitted subject to municipal approval.

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.

CGCs 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 customers to bingo facilities, such as people who have not traditionally sought out a bingo hall.

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, typically from 25 to 100. The number of machines may be adjusted in the future based on sustainable market demand.

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.

Local government approval must be obtained before a CGC with operational slot machines can be located within a municipality. As of February 2005, slot machines have been approved in locations: Abbotsford, Langley, Terrace, Dawson Creek, Williams Lake, Kelowna, Campbell River, Courtenay, Kamloops, Fort St. John, Castlegar, Port Alberni, Prince Rupert, Prince George and Duncan.

To date, there are now 12 Community Gaming Centres operating:

· Chances Dawson Creek
· Chances Signal Point (Williams Lake)
· Chances Kamloops
· Chances Kelowna
· Chances Campbell River
· Chances RimRock (Port Alberni)
· Chances Fort St John
· Chances Cowichan (Duncan)
· Chances Boardwalk Mission
· Chances Prince Rupert
· Chances Courtenay
· Chances Prince George

As is the case with host local governments where casinos are located, CGC host municipalities will also receive a 10% share of the net income generated by slot machines.

In B.C., 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.

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 to help address issues and provide reliable and accurate information.

Click here for more information about B.C.’s problem and responsible gambling initiatives.