British Columbia Lottery: We need to be focused on entertainment

Why have you chosen the City of Victoria to host a new gaming facility?

We looked at the Greater Victoria marketplace because we determined that there was a demand for an additional gaming in the region. We carried out an assessment of the marketplace -we do those on a routine basis-, and found out there was market potential for an additional facility. BCLC initiated an expression of interest process whereby we asked local governments if they were interested in being considered to host a gaming facility within their community. BCLC received submissions from five out of six local governments. BCLC’s evaluation team, with the oversight from a third party fairness monitor, selected the City of Victoria as the preferred local government to host a new facility in the Greater Victoria region.

How long did the process take?

The Expression of Interest process in the Greater Victoria began October 1, 2015.

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The incremental revenue potential from a second gaming facility in Victoria is estimated to be between $30 and $45 million

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You're in the process of choosing an operator to work with, How's the search going so far? Any companies in mind?

BCLC will select the operator/service provider through a Request for Proposal (RFP) process. The service provider will be responsible for finding an appropriate location and property within the boundaries of the city of Victoria. An appropriate location would consider access from major arterials, available square footage, available parking, and must be approved by BCLC. Part of the next phase will include public consultation.

We haven't issued a request for proposal yet. But it will happen soon. We're already working towards doing that.

How much revenue do you expect the new development will generate?

The incremental revenue potential from a second gaming facility in Victoria is estimated to be between $30 and $45 million; this would result in an annual Host Local Government payment of approximately $1.8 million to $2.5 million. A Host Local Government of a gaming facility receives 10 per cent of the net gaming income that its facility earns.

What is going to happen with your existing View Royal Casino?

We believe this move is a great opportunity for the entire region. Our service provider, Great Canadian Gaming, is also looking to renovate and enhance the View Royal Casino property, which remains the primary gaming facility for the region. This will happen in addition to the work we are doing towards the new Victoria facility.

What are your plans for the future? Are you considering the possibility of opening more casinos in Canada?

BCLC only operates in the province of British Columbia. We have expressions of interest processes underway in two other regions: the North Shore and South of the Fraser areas in B.C.. We’re asking select local governments in those regions if they are interested in being considered to host a gaming facility.

How do you see the gambling industry evolving in Canada?

Though mature, there's still demand in Canada for gambling. The industry is at a place of transformation, and identifying what customers are looking for is vital to attract new players. We need to be focused on entertainment because people don't want just gambling, but the whole experience.

How about sports betting?

Sports betting is popular; however, in Canada we are only permitted to offer parlay betting – single event betting remains illegal. This is unfortunate because millions of dollars flow offshore rather than staying within the provinces to support programs and services for people here.

Despite the fact jurisdictions support the legalization of single event sports betting, there have been no changes in federal legislation to date.