BCLC: Parents Urged to Use Their GameSense When Gift Giving

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwire - Dec. 12, 2011) - As the holiday season approaches, BCLC reminds parents and gift givers to use their "GameSense" and only give lottery tickets as gifts to those over the age of 19.

"While lottery products are popular gifts and stocking stuffers, we remind everyone that these products are a form of gambling and not child's play," said Paul Smith, BCLC Director of Corporate Social Responsibility.

Sales of lottery tickets, such as Scratch and Wins, increase during the holidays. BCLC is posting responsible giving messages at all lottery centres across B.C., reminding holiday shoppers to think twice about whose stocking they might be stuffing.

BCLC's lottery products are not intended for minors however parents are reminded to do their part by not exposing kids to gambling. Exposure to gambling can take many forms such as playing poker with friends, betting on a sporting event or even redeeming a lottery ticket received as a gift.

BCLC is committed to raising awareness of the risks associated with youth gambling and works collaboratively with lottery jurisdictions throughout North America, the McGill University International Centre for Youth Gambling Problems and High-Risk Behaviors and the National Council on Problem Gambling.

"Initiating a conversation about gambling risks can be difficult, which is why BCLC has created GameSense for Parents," said Smith. "We want parents to understand the issue. Our program provides the tools they need to talk to their kids about the risks of gambling and do their part to prevent kids from gambling."

BCLC also encourages parents to visit www.GameSense.ca to download free BetStopper software to help keep kids away from online gambling websites. BetStopper is content-blocking software customized to block minors' access to internet gambling sites, while providing adults with password protected access.

GameSense is a comprehensive program that helps players make informed choices about gambling and reflects BCLC's commitment to provide socially responsible gaming entertainment to communities across B.C.

BCLC is a provincial Crown Corporation that offers socially responsible gaming entertainment while generating income that benefits all British Columbians.