BC Officials Issue Warning About Online Casino Scams

Authorities from the British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC) are cautioning residents regarding online advertisements exploiting casino brands to extract private financial information from unsuspecting viewers.

These deceptive ads, discovered on various social media platforms, entice players with promises of bonuses and promotional offers in exchange for divulging personal information. Redirecting viewers to unauthorized websites unaffiliated with legitimate casinos, these ads pose a significant risk of identity theft and financial fraud.

"While BCLC and its casino partners are actively combating these posts, British Columbians should exercise vigilance against these predatory and sophisticated scams," emphasized a BCLC spokesperson.

Officials Stress Vigilance

The fraudulent ads employ logos, images, and symbols associated with provincial legal casinos to lend an air of legitimacy. However, it's crucial to note that the sole regulated online gaming platform in B.C. is PlayNow, operated by BCLC, offering gaming, poker, and sports betting services. Accessible to players in Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Quebec, PlayNow remains the only authorized online gaming platform endorsed by the corporation.

BCLC advises gamblers to steer clear of any website demanding fees or taxes on winnings, as these are unmistakable signs of a scam unrelated to the corporation. Moreover, players should exercise caution when interacting with online gaming sites beyond BCLC's official platforms, especially when asked to provide financial information.

"BCLC encourages individuals to remain vigilant when prompted to provide personal or financial details on websites or apps. Our verified platforms will never solicit your social insurance number (SIN), banking details, or credit card information online to claim casino winnings in British Columbia," reiterated the regulatory body.

Similar to schemes unearthed in other provinces, this scam echoes incidents reported in November involving the Great Canadian Entertainment (GCE) gaming corporation. Utilizing fake emails, domain names, and social media apps adorned with GCE imagery, scammers attempted to deceive Canadians, employing branding and visuals from Casino Nova Scotia and Casino New Brunswick.

In response, GCE advised residents to be wary of fraudulent emails, misleading domain names, suspicious social media apps, deceptive promotional materials, and dubious text messages purporting to be from the corporation.

In British Columbia, individuals encountering fraudulent ads are urged to contact 1-866-815-0222 or utilize the BCLC website or PlayNow platform chat features for assistance. Victims are encouraged to report incidents to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or notify their local law enforcement agency.