BCLC's Playnow.com First Site to Achieve RG Check - Internet Accreditation

TORONTO, July 22, 2015 /CNW/ - The Responsible Gambling Council (RGC) is pleased to announce that Playnow.com, BCLC's internet gambling site, is the first site to be accredited by its RG Check - Internet program.

RG Check - Internet is an international accreditation program that launched in 2014. The program enables gambling websites to have their responsible gambling (RG) safeguards assessed against independent, evidence-based standards.

"By becoming RG Check accredited, PlayNow.com has shown that it meets a rigorous set of responsible gambling standards," says RGC CEO Jon Kelly, "and we commend BCLC for its commitment to this independent assessment of their player safety net."

RG Check staff assessed PlayNow.com over several months against the following seven standards:

1. Responsible Gambling Policies
2. Employee Training
3. Self-Ban
4. Assisting Players who May Have a Problem with Gambling
5. Informed Decision Making
6. Advertising and Promotion
7. Game and Site Features

These standards, and 51 criteria, form the basis of RG Check staff's evaluation of written documents, interviews and surveys of both players and staff. An independent panel then makes the final accreditation decision based on a report by RG Check staff.

"We are thrilled that our efforts and commitment to responsible gambling have not only been recognized at our gaming facilities, but now include PlayNow.com," said BCLC's Social Responsibility and Communications Vice President, Susan Dolinski. "This certification verifies that the quality and effectiveness of responsible gambling initiatives extend beyond the land-based facilities and into our online presence. Raising awareness of responsible gambling and resources for problem gambling is important to us, and should be readily available to players wherever they choose to play."

The scope of this assessment includes all PlayNow.com online offerings, with the exception of poker games. BCLC's PlayNow.com joins the 36 land-based venues in B.C. accredited under the RG Check - Venue program.

The RG Check accreditation program is voluntary and confidential and lasts for three years. Standards, criteria and other information about the program are available at www.rgcheck.com.

About RG Check and the Responsible Gambling Council

RG Check is an accreditation program developed by RGC based on its Responsible Gambling Standards for gaming venues and for internet gambling sites. The program offers gaming companies the opportunity of an independent assessment of the quality of their responsible gambling safety net. The program promotes a high standard of customer protection by supporting the adoption of meaningful responsible gambling initiatives by gambling providers.

Established in 1983, RGC is an independent non-profit organization dedicated to problem gambling prevention. RGC works to reduce gambling risks by creating and delivering innovative awareness and information programs. It also promotes the adoption of improved play safeguards through best practices research and standards development.

About BCLC and PlayNow.com

BCLC is the sole owner and operator of PlayNow.com. Established in 1985, BCLC is the Crown corporation responsible for the conduct and management of all gambling in B.C., as well as the delivery of venue and internet-based responsible gambling programs. Gambling managed by BCLC includes lottery games, casinos, community gaming centres, commercial bingo halls and online and mobile gaming.

PlayNow.com was established in 2004 with an initial offering of lottery products. In 2010, PlayNow.com expanded to include casino games and in 2011 peer-to-peer poker was launched in partnership with Loto-Québec.

SOURCE Responsible Gambling Council

Image with caption: "Responsible Gambling Council (CNW Group/Responsible Gambling Council)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20150722_C6744_PHOTO_EN_451618.jpg

For further information: Jennifer Iveson, Communications and Policy Manager, Responsible Gambling Council, 416-490-2072, [email protected], www.responsiblegambling.org