BCLC Latest to Warn People About Illegal Online Casino Scams

Posted on: February 26, 2025, 11:03h. 

Last updated on: February 26, 2025, 11:22h.

Mark Keast Read More
Expertise: Canadian Gaming, iGaming, Las Vegas, Sports Betting, NFL, Boxing, UFC.
  • BCLC latest lottery corporation to issue warning about scams
  • People being duped into handing over personal financial info
  • Scams share fraudulent posts and advertisements with names, logos, and images of BC casinos

The British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC) is the latest provincial lottery corporation to issue a warning to people about illegal online casino scams.

The British Columbia Lottery Corporation logo. The BCLC has issued a new warning for people to watch out for illegal online casino scams. (Image: BCLC)

Chasing Scammers is Like Playing “Whack a Mole”

It’s a national problem so widespread, involving massive crime organizations, an Ontario Provincial Police spokesperson told Casino.org that it’s like playing “whack a mole” – club one on the head and another one pops right up somewhere else.

This week, the BCLC is reminding people of a series of social media scams that imitate BC casinos and trick people into handing over their financial details over what are illegitimate websites.

The scam ads and fraudulent posts use logos, names and images of local BC casinos and claim to offer players bonuses and promotions if they sign up via the illegitimate websites or mobile apps.

Be Wary in Handing Over Personal Financial Info

In BC, PlayNow.com is the only legal platform where people can gamble via sportsbooks and online casinos. BCLC’s official apps are BCLC Lotto!, PlayNow Poker BC and PlayNow BC Sportsbook.

BCLC-operated social media accounts are verified with a checkmark.

In a statement, the crown corporation said that BCLC and the provincial casinos are working to have the posts removed, but people should remain vigilant.

For example, BCLC’s verified websites and apps will never ask an individual for a social insurance number, credit card information or banking information online to claim a prize from a BC casino.

BCLC Warning Follows Saskatchewan Lottery Corp Statement

Officials urge residents to check the URL and domain name of the sites their visiting. Oftentimes, scammers will use a minor spelling difference compared to the legitimate site. Another red flag is the suggestion of fees and taxes to be paid on prize: there are no fees or taxes on prizes won in Canada.

People can report suspected fraudulent activity to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre online or by calling 1-888-495-8501 or call BCLC customer support at 1-866-815-0222. 

Individuals can also report the posts and ads to the social media platform.

Earlier this month there was a statement from Lotteries and Gaming Saskatchewan (LGS) for people to beware of Facebook or other social media ads for an online version of Dakota Dunes Casino, Casino Regina or any other land-based casino in the province.