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GameSense - Know The Game Before You Play

When you gamble, use your GameSense 19+

What is GameSense?

GameSense is BCLC's commitment to responsible gambling. We believe that gambling should be fun, social, and entertaining – not a way to make money or solve financial problems.

Our GameSense program provides:

• Education about how games work
• Tips for keeping gambling fun and safe
• Tools to help you stay in control
• Resources for those who need support
• Information about problem gambling warning signs

Keep Gambling Fun

Before You Play

• Know the game: Understand the rules, odds, and how the game works
• Set a budget: Decide how much money you can afford to lose
• Set a time limit: Decide how long you'll play
• Leave cards at home: Only bring the cash you plan to spend
• Never chase losses: Accept that losses are part of the game

While You Play

• Take breaks: Step away regularly to clear your head
• Don't drink and gamble: Alcohol impairs judgment
• Balance with other activities: Don't let gambling be your only hobby
• Watch for warning signs: Be aware if gambling stops being fun
• Stick to your limits: Don't spend more than you planned

After You Play

• Reflect on your experience: Was it fun? Did you stick to your limits?
• Accept the outcome: Whether you win or lose, it's just entertainment
• Don't try to win back losses: Come back another day
• Talk about it: Share your experiences with friends or family

Understanding the Odds

BC 50/50 is a game of chance. Every ticket has an equal chance of winning, and past results don't affect future draws.

Important Facts About BC 50/50:

• The odds of winning depend on how many tickets are sold
• More tickets = more competition = lower odds
• Every 6-digit number combination has an equal chance
• There's no strategy to improve your odds
• The house always has an edge (50% goes to the prize, 50% to BCLC)

Self-Assessment Tools

Use these tools to understand your gambling behavior:

Warning Signs of Problem Gambling

Problem gambling can affect anyone. Be aware of these warning signs:

Financial Signs:

• Spending more money than you can afford
• Borrowing money to gamble
• Lying about how much you spend
• Selling possessions to fund gambling
• Unpaid bills or debts

Behavioral Signs:

• Gambling for longer than intended
• Trying to win back losses
• Feeling restless when not gambling
• Neglecting work, school, or family
• Lying about gambling activities

Emotional Signs:

• Feeling guilty or ashamed about gambling
• Mood swings related to wins and losses
• Anxiety or depression
• Relationship problems
• Preoccupation with gambling

Voluntary Self-Exclusion

Self-exclusion is a free, voluntary program that allows you to ban yourself from all BCLC gambling facilities and websites.

How It Works:

1. Choose your exclusion period (6 months, 1 year, 2 years, 3 years, or lifetime)
2. Complete the self-exclusion form with valid ID
3. Your photo and information are added to the exclusion database
4. You cannot gamble at any BCLC facility or website during your exclusion
5. Any winnings during exclusion will be forfeited

Benefits of Self-Exclusion:

• Creates a barrier to impulsive gambling
• Gives you time to seek help and recover
• Helps break the cycle of problem gambling
• Protects your financial wellbeing
• Shows commitment to change

To enroll in self-exclusion: Visit any GameSense Advisor at a BCLC facility or call 1-877-706-6789.

Setting Limits

PlayNow offers tools to help you control your gambling:

Deposit Limits

• Set daily, weekly, or monthly limits
• Limits prevent you from depositing more than specified
• Changes take 24 hours to take effect (increases) or are immediate (decreases)

Time Limits

• Set session time limits
• Receive alerts when time limit is reached
• Automatic logout after exceeding limit

Reality Checks

• Periodic reminders of how long you've been playing
• Shows your wins and losses
• Encourages you to take breaks

Support Resources

BC Problem Gambling Support Services

• Phone: 1-888-795-6111 (24/7)
• Online Chat: www.bcresponsiblegambling.ca
• Text: Text "SUPPORT" to 604-328-4130
• In-Person: Counselling available throughout BC

GameSense Information

• GameSense Info Line: 1-866-815-0222
• Website: www.gamesense.com
• GameSense Advisors: Available at all BCLC casinos and community gaming centres

Additional Resources

• Gamblers Anonymous: www.gamblersanonymous.org
• National Council on Problem Gambling: 1-800-522-4700
• Crisis Line: 1-800-784-2433 (available 24/7)

For Friends and Family

If someone you care about has a gambling problem:

What You Can Do:

• Learn about problem gambling: Understand it's a treatable condition
• Talk to them: Express concern without judgment
• Encourage treatment: Offer to help them find resources
• Set boundaries: Don't enable by lending money
• Seek support: Attend Gam-Anon or speak with a counselor
• Take care of yourself: Their problem affects you too

What Not to Do:

• Don't bail them out financially
• Don't make threats you won't follow through on
• Don't cover up or make excuses for their behavior
• Don't blame yourself for their gambling

BCLC's Commitment

As a socially responsible gaming provider, BCLC is committed to:

• Promoting responsible gambling practices
• Providing education and resources
• Supporting problem gambling prevention and treatment
• Training staff to identify and assist at-risk players
• Funding research on problem gambling
• Implementing industry-leading responsible gambling features

Age Restrictions

You must be 19 years of age or older to gamble in British Columbia.

BCLC takes underage gambling seriously:

• Age verification is required for all PlayNow accounts
• Minors are prohibited from all BCLC properties
• Parents should talk to teens about gambling risks
• Winning tickets purchased by minors will not be paid

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When you gamble, use your GameSense 19+

1. Information We Collect

Personal Information

When you register for an account or use our services, we may collect:

• Name, date of birth, and contact information (email, phone number, address)
• Government-issued identification for age verification
• Financial information for deposits and withdrawals
• Gaming history and preferences
• Device and browser information
• IP address and location data

Automatically Collected Information

We automatically collect certain information when you visit our website:

• Browser type and version
• Operating system
• Pages viewed and time spent
• Referring website addresses
• Cookie and tracking data

2. How We Use Your Information

We use your personal information for the following purposes:

• Account Management: To create and manage your PlayNow account
• Age Verification: To ensure compliance with legal age requirements (19+)
• Transaction Processing: To process deposits, withdrawals, and prize payments
• Customer Service: To respond to your inquiries and provide support
• Game Operations: To operate BC 50/50 draws and other lottery games
• Security: To prevent fraud and protect against unauthorized access
• Marketing: To send promotional communications (with your consent)
• Legal Compliance: To comply with applicable laws and regulations
• Responsible Gambling: To support GameSense and responsible gambling initiatives

3. Information Sharing and Disclosure

We may share your information with:

• Service Providers: Third-party companies that help us operate our services
• Government Agencies: As required by law for regulatory compliance and reporting
• Law Enforcement: When legally required or to protect our rights
• Prize Winners: Winner names and locations may be published (as required by law)
• Affiliated Organizations: Other BCLC services and BC government entities

We do not sell your personal information to third parties for marketing purposes.

4. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar technologies to:

• Remember your preferences and settings
• Analyze website traffic and usage patterns
• Improve user experience
• Deliver targeted advertising

You can control cookie settings through your browser preferences. However, disabling cookies may affect your ability to use certain features of our website.

5. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. These measures include:

• Encryption of sensitive data
• Secure socket layer (SSL) technology
• Regular security assessments
• Employee training on data protection
• Access controls and authentication

However, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your personal information, we cannot guarantee absolute security.

6. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to:

• Provide our services to you
• Comply with legal and regulatory requirements
• Resolve disputes and enforce our agreements
• Support responsible gambling initiatives

Gaming records are typically retained for seven years in accordance with regulatory requirements.

7. Your Privacy Rights

You have the right to:

• Access: Request a copy of your personal information
• Correction: Request correction of inaccurate information
• Deletion: Request deletion of your information (subject to legal requirements)
• Opt-Out: Unsubscribe from marketing communications
• Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent for certain data processing activities

To exercise these rights, please contact us at:

Email: privacy@bclc.com
Phone: 1-877-706-6789
Mail: Privacy Officer, BCLC, 74 West Seymour Street, Kamloops, BC V2C 1E2

8. Children's Privacy

Our services are not intended for individuals under the age of 19. We do not knowingly collect personal information from minors. If we become aware that we have collected information from someone under 19, we will take steps to delete that information.

9. Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these external sites. We encourage you to review their privacy policies before providing any personal information.

10. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of significant changes by:

• Posting the updated policy on our website
• Updating the "Last Updated" date
• Sending email notifications for material changes

Your continued use of our services after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy.

11. Contact Information

If you have questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, please contact:

Privacy Officer
British Columbia Lottery Corporation
74 West Seymour Street
Kamloops, BC V2C 1E2
Email: privacy@bclc.com
Phone: 1-877-706-6789

12. Governing Law

This Privacy Policy is governed by the laws of British Columbia and the Privacy Act of Canada. Any disputes arising from this policy will be subject to the jurisdiction of British Columbia courts.

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This privacy policy applies to BC 50/50 and all playsinow.com services operated by BCLC.