BCLC Continues In-Person Lottery Ticket Sales Despite COVID-19

British Columbia Lottery Corporation continues to support the local gambling field through these trying times of COVID-19 global pandemic. The Crown corporation made it clear that its lottery tickets retail locations would continue offering the popular paper tickets and riveting instant lottery products despite the growing concerns. Players should also take into account that PlayNow.com also offers lottery tickets for purchase.

British Columbia is one of the provinces experiencing a slower growth of the novel coronavirus cases. As of March 29, the province has reported a total of 884 confirmed cases of COVID-19 with the latest surge amounting to 92 new cases within the province. About 45 percent of the people that have contracted the highly contagious virus have made a full recovery.

New Measures

Essential services continue their daily work and support the communities in this time of need. British Columbia Lottery Corporation is also among the main supporters of various provincial programs, charitable organizations, as well as casino host communities. This responsible task calls for more involvement and continuous operation despite the health emergency taking over Canadian provinces and territories.

• BCLC Battles COVID-19, Eyes Saanich Casino Expansion

The retail locations offering tickets for the popular Lotto MAX, Lotto 6/49, as well as the various scratch games, would continue their daily operation welcoming individuals from near and far. They are advised to implement all safety measures while performing their purchase or resort to online ticket purchases. British Columbia Lottery Corporation reminds that its online platform PlayNow.com is here to support the players willing to practice social distancing and purchase a ticket online.

• BCLC Kamloops, Vancouver Executive Positions Almost Fulfilled

Players also have the chance to purchase a ticket for the upcoming draw on the Lotto mobile app available for iOS. Every retail location has the freedom to decide whether or not it would continue operation with customers on a daily basis following the directions issued by the Provincial Health Officer. It could be recalled that last week saw the suspension of Lotto Express machines.

COVID-19 Outspread

Another precaution measure implemented by the Crown corporation was the modification of the Lottery Advance Buy options available. There are some changes in relation to the players who become eligible for larger lottery payouts. The prize payout centers in Kamloops and Vancouver are no longer welcoming players ready to take a photo with the coveted cheque with their prize. Individuals who become eligible for a prize larger than CA$2,000 might have to wait longer.

• BCLC Endorses Upcoming Kamloops Center for the Arts

Winners of smaller cash prizes are still able to claim their prizes via calling BCLC customer support at 1-866-815-0222 or making their way to a working retail location. However, the bigger prizes would no longer be collected at the popular prize payout centers, as social distancing is a mandatory practice across the province. It is a measure eyeing the safety of individuals and the slowing down of the novel coronavirus outspread.

• BCLC Prioritizes Player Protection with Informative Event

In the meantime, the only gaming players are able to participate in is online, as the brick-and-mortar venues across the province closed indefinitely on March 16. A directive issued by Attorney General and announced by the Provincial Health Officer made it clear that casinos, community gaming centers, as well as the popular bingo halls would have to put an end to their daily work with gaming patrons.