BCLC highlights gaming revenue impact on Chilliwack in new campaign
CHILLIWACK — The BC Lottery Corporation (BCLC) is reminding all residents of the benefits provided to British Columbians through gaming revenue. It has launched a campaign called “What’s played here stays here” to raise awareness of the fact that all net profit from BCLC operations funds B.C. services such as education, health care and community programs.
According to BCLC, more than $2.6 million was generated by Elements Casino Chilliwack to fund local initiatives in Chilliwack. BCLC says $100,000 was granted to the Chilliwack Hospice Society, $76,000 went to the Chilliwack Animal Safe Haven Society, $72,000 was passed along to the Ann Davis Transition Society, and $68,000 was given to the Spartan Swim Club.
“Across B.C. and Canada, we’ve seen incredible groundswell around the importance of buying and supporting local, and that’s no different for British Columbians who choose gambling for their entertainment,” says Pat Davis, BCLC president and CEO.
Last year, BCLC generated $1.5 billion in net income for the Province of B.C. In turn, it distributed $1 billion to public programs and services, including education; $147 million to support health initiatives, including new hospitals, facility upgrades and community health programs; $140 million to the B.C. Community Gaming Grants program, supporting a range of non-profit organizations in their delivery of ongoing community programs and services; and nearly $95 million to local B.C. governments and First Nations that host a gaming facility. That figure represents a 10 per cent share of the net revenue those facilities generate.
