West Coast Amusements has had its knuckles wrapped by the provincial government -- again.
According to officials with the Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch (GPEB) of the Ministry of Housing and Social Services, the company has been forced to shut down gaming events taking place at the Interior Provincial Exhibition (IPE) in Armstrong. Officials say West Coast Amusements is a registered gaming services provider, however, it does not have a current contract with a community organization that is licensed to run gaming events. Gaming events are classified as ones in which the player has a chance to win additional funds. Other skill games operated by West Coast Amusements at the IPE, ones which offer a merchandise prize are not affected by the ruling.
In 2009, GPEB officials say West Coast Amusements was warned and ticketed $575 for conducting an "unlicensed gaming event in B.C. The GPEB is investigating the most recent incident and officials say enforcement options include an additional fine (likely the maximum $575), cancellation or suspension of their registration to operate as a gaming service provider in B.C. and charges under the Gaming Control Act which carry a maximum fine of up to $100,000 as determined by the courts.
According to officials with the Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch (GPEB) of the Ministry of Housing and Social Services, the company has been forced to shut down gaming events taking place at the Interior Provincial Exhibition (IPE) in Armstrong. Officials say West Coast Amusements is a registered gaming services provider, however, it does not have a current contract with a community organization that is licensed to run gaming events. Gaming events are classified as ones in which the player has a chance to win additional funds. Other skill games operated by West Coast Amusements at the IPE, ones which offer a merchandise prize are not affected by the ruling.
In 2009, GPEB officials say West Coast Amusements was warned and ticketed $575 for conducting an "unlicensed gaming event in B.C. The GPEB is investigating the most recent incident and officials say enforcement options include an additional fine (likely the maximum $575), cancellation or suspension of their registration to operate as a gaming service provider in B.C. and charges under the Gaming Control Act which carry a maximum fine of up to $100,000 as determined by the courts.
2 comments:
As usual the Government Agency hates competition, especially when picking the pockets of the public.
The odds must have been better at the IPE than the 27% payout of BCLC.
Who is the MLA for the IPE? Is it the Mute Liberal MLA from Lumby. If we had an Independent MLA he would be screaming blue murder.
Imagine the IPE has been in existence for 115 years and the BCLC pulls this kind of stunt for a 5 day period. Common sense has flown ou the window.
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