B.C.‘s minister responsible for gambling dodged questions Tuesday on fines levied by the federal government and B.C. Lottery Corporation’s failed launch of its online casino.
NDP critic Shane Simpson challenged Rich Coleman to open up, because “the integrity and competence of the BCLC is now in question.”
BCLC was fined $500,000 by federal money laundering watchdog Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada.
BCLC president Michael Graydon blamed administrative errors for the 419 large cash transaction reports deemed late, 366 reports with clerical errors and 27 reports with imprecise information.
Transactions $10,000 and greater must be reported.
“We have the same agenda they (FINTRAC) have,” Graydon said. “We don't want money laundering in our facilities, we're in the entertainment business.”
He said BCLC will file close to 50,000 reports with FINTRAC this year.
Graydon revealed that PlayNow.com was online just six hours before it was shut down on Thursday.
Heavy traffic caused “data crossover” which compromised private information for 134 accounts, including a dozen that were seen by other players.
The incident was reported to the Privacy Commissioner.
Graydon said North America’s first government-run online casino could return this week.
“We have lost a week worth of opportunity but we would prefer the integrity of the site far outweighs some kind of commercial or economic benefit,” he said.
Graydon defended BCLC’s decision to inform existing customers only before the media.
“Our first priority was to talk to our customers,” he said.
Bob Mackin reports for 24 Hours
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morechatter
1 year ago
Lost Opportunities
Yes what an opportunity when government is in the sleezy business of gambling as only to happy to further fleech British Colombians and let criminals do their money laundering at the same time as government takes every opportunity to do just that.
It wasn't that long ago Coleman was under the gun because BC's gambling programs for the addicted where not responding to addicted gamblers as left to own demise as government and casinos ensure no one is left out of the opportunity.
How sick is this? Pretty sick as who is the sickest the governemnt ministry that will resort to anything to get at your cash or the sick gambler who dosen't stand a chance especially with the BC Liberals are around to ensure there are no lost opportunities.
BC Blue
1 year ago
Rich Coleman quote
"The definition of 'expansion of gaming' is anybody's definition who wishes to have one."
sunshine coast girl
1 year ago
Our government
is no better than any organized crime boss. Raping their citizens regularly to get every last dime.
Recall in the Fall!!
jim1966
1 year ago
BCLC
It's apparent that the BC Liberals are just barely treading water with every ministry in this province. Like any other vice gambling is a choice and a luxury, many of which we cannot even afford. I don't see how Rich Coleman can hold his head up when his mega ministry is the worst in Canada. Welfare?, Housing, Booze and Gambling?. Let's look at some facts, poverty in BC is one of the worst issues facing us today and if we choose to do nothing then the problem(s) we all face will only get worse, next housing, although I will give credit for some new housing projects this so called effort has been futile. Booze?, HST was supposed to lower prices but it didn't, the government just kept the profits and lastly the recent "week of hell" for the BCLC. Although some of these issues are not related they are all under Mr Coleman's watchful eyes. As with his previous ministry in Forests Mr Coleman appears to be betting on either a "full house" or is completly incompentent. This I think is just the tip of the iceberg with the ongoing problems with the BC Liberals. Mismangement, uncaring, arrogant and depsite the overwhelming majority agaisn't the HST, the BC Liberals either are too stupid to realise that their time is almost up or simply just don't care. I think it's the latter and nothing will change my mind regarding this point of view. Recall is coming Mr Coleman are you ready to put your cards on the table or have you quietly been preparing your resume?
GuyinVic
1 year ago
BCLC
Whether or not you agree with gambling, the opposition or someone should be calling for heads to roll over this fiasco. Here we have very very highly paid managers who have royally screwed up in implementing a new program for BCLC. This site has been down for a week now & has been compromised. Subscribers who have faithfully used this site to purchase a simple lottery ticket have not had accessed to their accounts. Some people keep a balance in their accounts and if they needed that money, there is no way to access it. Again, let's keep in mind these people are paid hundreds of thousands a year to run BCLC and for a week now it has been shut down. Let's also remember our government keeps telling us that to attract the best people, it has to pay top dollar. Management is totally responsible for this fiasco and THEY SHOULD be FIRED. Can you imagine if these people were in charge in implementing a new system for child or welfare cheques.
verso
1 year ago
Rich Coleman quote #2
"We could stay on the sidelines and watch revenues slip, or we could provide an online gaming option that is accountable, that is secure, that protects information and employs the highest levels of integrity of any system in the world."
MGS
1 year ago
Dirty - - - !
Definition of a Rich Coleman?
Fill in the blanks.
Dirty - - -?
Guilt by association with the Liberal party!
Dirty government!
slowthinker
1 year ago
GuyinVic
You have it a bit wrong...you find a few people at the working level to blame and crucify them. Then they can give themselves (higher ups) bonuses at the end of the year for a job well done.
ifsandsnbutts
1 year ago
Big surprise this...
because I used to work for them years ago...and I can tell you that no one is more anal about their numbers (no pun intended) the BCLC. Nope, there's a rat in the stew.
A Privatization Stew.
asp
1 year ago
fall back?
Why don't they just turn the old, secure, working, playnow.com back on?
That is standard procedure when a software upgrade fails, fall back to the old working version.
crh
1 year ago
Liberal first
“We have lost a week worth of opportunity but we would prefer the integrity of the site far outweighs some kind of commercial or economic benefit,” he said.
Integrity over profits? Now this is a Liberal first!
zalm
1 year ago
Privatize
Exactly what business does government have running an enterprise that private business is perfectly capable of running? This government couldn't run a popsicle stand, and just proved it! Shut it down immediately and privatize the Ministry of Gambling and Other Sins!
Oh, wait. Isn't that the BC Fiberal line? Sorry....