BCLC Ends Sports Action Retail Sportsbook After 33 Years

The British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC) is closing its long-running retail sportsbook, Sports Action, after 33 years of operation.

Sports Action will cease in-person operations on Saturday, May 25, paving the way for a new, all-digital retail sportsbook. BCLC plans to launch this updated platform in late summer, offering improved quality and a greater quantity of betting options.

The new sportsbook will mark the end of traditional pen-and-paper betting in British Columbia, introducing single-event betting at retail locations for the first time. The updated platform promises enhanced odds, same-day payouts, and an expanded selection of games, increasing from hundreds to thousands. Additionally, BCLC will reintroduce the Toto jackpot game, which offers significant payouts for correctly predicting the outcome of 13 games.

A BCLC spokesperson shared with Canadian Gaming Business: “While BCLC has made the decision to decommission Sports Action, we are excited to bring our players a brand-new, digital sportsbook in retail later this summer. The new offering will remain anonymous (no account required) and will be completely digital (no more paper and pencil betting slips).” BCLC will provide ongoing updates on the project, with further details available on sportsaction.ca.

During this transition, the only legal way for British Columbians to place sports bets will be through BCLC’s PlayNow.com website or app.

Enhancements to BCLC’s Retail Operations

This change is part of a broader modernization of BCLC’s retail operations, which includes the introduction of new lottery terminals across retail and hospitality locations in the province starting May 26. These new terminals promise a faster purchasing experience and enhanced functionality, helping to sustain and modernize B.C.’s lottery business for future growth.

In retail locations, players will encounter new easy-scan ticket checkers, updated selection slips, and improved checkout screens. Installations in restaurants and bars will enable the purchase of multiple games at once, tap payment, and greater game access.

To facilitate these updates, BCLC will temporarily suspend retail play on Saturday afternoon or evening before activating the new machines on Sunday. Additionally, Poker Lotto will permanently cease operations on Saturday.

Strategic Review and Future Prospects

BCLC’s decision to end Sports Action comes amid a strategic reassessment of its operations. The corporation has engaged advisory firm SCCG Management to conduct a comprehensive review and enhancement of BCLC’s work, examining technological infrastructure, market strategy, and gaming integrations.

PlayNow.com remains the only legal avenue for online gaming and sports betting in B.C., Manitoba, and Saskatchewan, supported by technology partners such as OpenBet’s omnichannel Player Account Management platform and sports betting technology.

This strategic review aims to build on BCLC’s record-breaking financial performance. The corporation’s 2022/23 Annual Service Plan Report recorded a net income of $1.64 billion, the highest in its history, following the first full fiscal year of post-pandemic casino and community gaming centre operations. However, the launch of the regulated Ontario market has posed challenges for PlayNow.com in maintaining its significant market share.