Evolution Gaming’s new studio extends Live Casino play to Canada

Casino provider Evolution Gaming has announced plans to build its first broadcast studio outside of Europe, in the Canadian province of British Columbia.

The new 16,000 sq ft studio, the company’s eighth, is expected to launch in the Metro Vancouver area of British Columbia before the close of 2017, and is the result of an agreement to provide Live Casino games and services for BCLC (British Columbia Lottery Corporation). At launch, BCLC will offer 10 online live tables for blackjack, baccarat, and roulette for players on desktop, tablets and smartphones.

The five-year agreement plus renewal options will see Evolution’s Live Casino offering streamed via BCLC’s PlayNow.com website. However, Evolution’s new studio will be built to support additional Canadian lottery corporations, with each jurisdiction able to offer both shared and dedicated tables. The company estimates the new studio will, over time, create more than 170 new jobs in the Vancouver area as they look to recruit operational staff locally.

BCLC’s current offering includes retail lottery operations, online and mobile gaming, land-based casinos, bingo halls and community gaming centres. As a crown corporation owned by the Province of British Columbia, revenues from BCLC’s operations go towards supporting community initiatives, health care and education in the province of British Columbia.

Monica Bohm, BCLC’s Vice-President, eGaming, said: “We are delighted to enter into this agreement with Evolution, to bring the thrill of live, interactive casino gaming to our online players. New and innovative products like Live Casino will help BCLC continue to deliver the very best in gambling entertainment to our players while benefiting communities across British Columbia.”

Evolution Group CEO Martin Carlesund commented: “Entering the Canadian market with BCLC signifies a huge breakthrough, outside of our European operations. Through this new partnership we are confident we will deliver the very best Live Casino experience for BCLC players, and an exceptional Live Casino studio facility for BCLC and other Canadian lottery jurisdictions in the future.”