These 13 locations are the first in the Canadian province to trial BCLC’s sportsbook offering after single-event sports betting was legalised last year, with the organisation’s announcement coming days before Super Bowl LVI.
As part of the pilot, live sports betting odds and information about PlayNow’s promotions, as well as healthy play tips, will all be displayed on digital screens at each participating location.
BCLC also said that players at these locations can receive a CA$10 (US$7.87) free-bet voucher by scanning a QR code.
Among the locations involved in the trial are the Fox and Hounds Pub in Kamloops, Woody’s Pub on Brunette in Coquitlam, Rogers Arena Sportsbar in Vancouver and the Chances casino in Kelowna.
“This marks the first step in testing how PlayNow.com, BC’s local sportsbook, can be implemented at land-based locations,” said Dan Beebe, BCLC Interim Chief Operating Officer (COO).
“This pilot will help BCLC to understand the preferences of sports bettors, and help inform future experiences and programs to help support safe, positive play.”
The Canadian Crown corporation said PlayNow.com is the only gambling website in North America with dedicated player-health specialists — known as GameSense Advisors. Revenue generated by BCLC’s sportsbook is used for social investments such as healthcare, education and community programmes.