This policy sets out the responsible gaming framework that applies to Hastings Racecourse & Casino, located at 188 North Renfrew Street, Vancouver, British Columbia. The venue operates as a licensed land-based gaming facility under the oversight of the British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC) and in accordance with provincial standards established by the Gambling Policy and Enforcement Branch (GPEB). All gaming activity at the venue is subject to these regulatory requirements. The responsible gaming measures described below reflect obligations that apply to both the venue and its patrons.
1. Regulatory Framework
Hastings Racecourse & Casino is one of two approved gambling venues in the City of Vancouver. It operates under a layered system of controls that includes provincial legislation, BCLC oversight, and a municipal Operating Agreement with the City of Vancouver. Under this agreement, the venue is capped at 600 slot machines, regardless of the higher limit permitted under the underlying Exhibition Park zoning. Any increase above this cap requires separate Council approval.
BCLC, as the provincial Crown corporation responsible for conducting and managing commercial gambling in British Columbia, sets the standards that govern how gaming services are delivered at the venue. GPEB provides regulatory oversight and must approve responsible gambling messaging used in gaming areas.
The venue’s operations are assessed through BCLC’s Responsible Gaming Check accreditation program, which evaluates compliance across multiple areas, including:
- policy and procedures
- self-exclusion
- informed decision-making
- access to money
- venue and game design
- employee training
- player assistance
- marketing and communications
2. Minimum Age Requirement
The minimum legal age to participate in any casino gaming activity at Hastings Racecourse & Casino is 19 years. This is the standard legal gambling age in British Columbia under provincial law.
The venue maintains policies and procedures to prevent minors from entering adult-only gaming areas or participating in any form of gambling. Staff are required to verify age where there is reasonable doubt, and access to gaming areas is restricted accordingly. Zero tolerance applies to unattended children on gaming property.
3. GameSense and Player Information
In accordance with provincial Responsible Gambling Standards, BCLC’s GameSense messaging must be displayed prominently in all gaming areas. GameSense is BCLC’s responsible gambling information and education program. Its materials are intended to assist players in making informed decisions about gambling activity.
The following information must be made available to patrons within the facility:
- The Province of British Columbia’s Problem Gambling Help Line, displayed prominently in gaming areas
- Information about gambling risks and where to seek assistance, posted at points of sale, customer service areas, washrooms, and ATMs
- Meaningful and accurate information about games, rules of play, and general odds of winning
- Information about the self-exclusion program available to patrons
Players seeking additional detail about specific game odds may be directed to resources maintained by BCLC.
4. Self-Exclusion
Hastings Racecourse & Casino is required under provincial standards to provide information about self-exclusion programs to all patrons who request it. Self-exclusion is a formal process through which an individual voluntarily restricts access to gaming facilities for a defined period.
The self-exclusion program is administered within the BCLC framework. Patrons who wish to enrol in, or obtain information about, self-exclusion should contact venue staff directly or reach out through BCLC’s responsible gambling channels. The venue is obligated to support the administration of this program and to take reasonable steps to enforce exclusion conditions on its premises.
Enrolment in a self-exclusion program does not automatically cancel any existing arrangements with the venue. Patrons are responsible for complying with the terms of their exclusion and for not entering gaming areas during an active exclusion period.
5. Access to Money Controls
Provincial standards require that responsible gambling information be displayed at or near ATMs and other points where patrons may access funds within the gaming facility. This requirement is intended to support informed decision-making at times when patrons are considering additional expenditure on gaming activity.
The venue does not have an obligation to prevent patrons from accessing their own funds, but it is required to ensure that relevant responsible gambling information is visible and accessible at these locations.
6. Patron Conduct and Intoxication
The venue is required to prevent any patron who is visibly intoxicated from participating in gambling. Staff are trained to identify signs of visible intoxication and to take appropriate action, which may include refusing gaming access or removing a patron from the gaming area.
All employees who interact with customers in areas where alcohol is served are required to hold a valid Serving It Right certification. Serving It Right is a provincially mandated responsible service of alcohol training program. Compliance with this requirement is a condition of the venue’s operating standards.
7. Staff Training and Responsibilities
Employees at Hastings Racecourse & Casino are trained in accordance with the requirements set out in British Columbia’s Responsible Gambling Standards. This includes training on:
- interacting with patrons in a manner consistent with responsible gambling principles
- identifying and responding to signs of problem gambling
- directing patrons to available support resources
Regular interaction with customers is a standard practice within the gaming environment. Staff are expected to apply responsible gambling awareness in the course of their normal duties.
8. Marketing and Communications Standards
All marketing and communications produced by or on behalf of the venue are subject to BCLC’s responsible gambling standards for marketing. These standards are designed to ensure that promotional materials:
- do not target vulnerable individuals
- do not misrepresent the nature of gambling
- do not encourage irresponsible gambling behaviour
GPEB approval is required for responsible gambling messaging used in gaming areas.
9. Problem Gambling Support
If you or someone you know is experiencing difficulties related to gambling, the following resource is available:
- Province of British Columbia Problem Gambling Help Line: This service provides confidential support and referrals for individuals affected by problem gambling. Contact information is displayed within the gaming facility in accordance with provincial requirements.
For general enquiries about responsible gaming practices at Hastings Racecourse & Casino, patrons may contact the venue by telephone at 604-254-1631.