British Columbia Lottery Corporation has many ways in which it could support local communities and give back to the people on a daily basis. Thompson Rivers University conducted research on the impact the Crown corporation has had on Kamloops throughout the years. It concluded that gaming activities have managed to contribute upwards of CA$2.2 billion to the economic and social development of the region.
This has happened over the past 35 years. Kamloops is where the headquarters of the Crown corporation is located and locals perceive it to be a great career path to pursue. Both in-person and online gaming have seen an increase in popularity over the past years, especially due to the unprecedented situation. Moreover, lottery gaming and draw-based games have always been quite popular among British Columbians.
New Study
Dr. Peter Tsigaris, an economist at Thompson Rivers University, is the individual who conducted this study, looking into the true impact British Columbia Lottery Corporation has had on a regional scale. It provided useful insight into the daily operation of the corporation. For instance, the study revealed that when two full-time job positions are opened at the Kamloops headquarters, one full-time job is created in the community.
This happens with the help of economic spinoffs. When all is said and done, the Crown corporation has guaranteed as many as 667 full-time job positions in Kamloops in 2019/2020. This includes some 445 positions at the headquarters, as well as 222 additional ones on a community level. When we continue reading the study, we come across yet another beneficial influence British Columbia Lottery Corporation has had on the region.
Some CA$232 million was spent on local goods and services. Local suppliers have benefitted from the ongoing support of the corporation, willing to back the Kamloops community. Researchers have come to the conclusion that the overall contribution estimates around CA$324.9 million. Supporting the local economy has always been a key factor for the leader.
Community Support
About CA$2.6 million was poured into various community sponsorships over more than three decades of operation. Lynda Cavanaugh, British Columbia Lottery Corporationās Interim President and Chief Executive Officer, said that it is a mutually beneficial arrangement in which both sides contribute and appreciate the support. Employees are passionate volunteers, advocates, and contributors too.
It could be recalled that the beginning of this year saw the launch of the popular Spread the Local Love campaign. Between February 1 to 15, BCLC collaborated with 10 charitable organizations such as Burnaby Hospital Foundation, Cariboo Memorial Hospital Foundation, Castlegar and District Community Services Society, Fort St. John Hospital Foundation, Greater Vancouver Food Bank, Kamloops Food Bank, Langley Memorial Hospital Foundation, SHARE Family & Community Services, Spirit of the North Healthcare Foundation, and Victoria Hospitals Foundation.
The corporation also has a Pride committee. Ever since its creation in 2018, the committee has been supportive of the local LGBTQ2S+ community of Kamloops. One of the main purposes of the committee is to provide protection for LGBTQ2S+ community members within the structure of the Crown corporation. Their voices need to be heard and their needs have to be met on a daily basis.
Source: “New Report Estimates BCLCās Head Office Created $2.2 Billion in Economic and Social Impact to Kamloops Since 1985“, BCLC, October 12, 2021
