BCLC goes Shark Tank with New Social Gambling Games Contest

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Did you ever have an idea for a new gambling game that you thought people would really love? Is there any potential to turn it into a live and/or online game? Does it have a social aspect to it (i.e. play with friends)? If so, the BCLC wants you!

The British Columbia Lottery Corp is hosting a new program called Innovation BCLC. Consider it the Shark Tank of the online gambling realm. They want new ideas from creative individuals, entrepreneurs, star-ups and existing companies, and if it meets the necessary criteria, it could be worth some big bucks!

We’re not exactly sure how many bucks. The InnovationBCLC.com website doesn’t specify that detail just yet. But they sure make it sound like a good deal for the winner(s) of their upcoming contest.

What They’re Looking For

BC’s gambling regulators are looking to “shake up” their existing iGaming content with new gambling games. In particular, they want something that has a social aspect to it, meaning it can be played amongst a group of friends (al la Words with Friend).

It has to meet the legal criteria for being a gambling game, have a social gambling aspect to it, and above all, be something totally unique and innovative. BCLC asks for the following criteria:

Must Be Suitable for Real Money Gambling

The gambling laws of Canada specifically mandate that three element be present in order for a game to be defined as “gambling”. Thus the program asks potential game developers to employ the following:

• Stake – players must pay something of value to be eligible to participate

• Reward – player receive something of value if they win

• Chance – the outcome is determined by how some event happens to turnout. Chance can be influence by skill, odds, and liquidity.

Must be Innovative & Add Business Value

To be considered for implementation, all new gambling games submitted for the contest must be fresh, new, innovative. They must be capable of engaging new players in the market. BCLC is especially hoping to implement new social gambling games that will attract younger gamblers and develop loyal relationships.

BCLC asks potential developers, before submitting their ideas, to consider the following:

• Is the game or experience different from typical gambling game (e.g. slots, poker, and lottery)?

• Does the game or experience leverage breakthrough technology (e.g. Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality, social gaming)?

• Will the game or experience attract new players or players who occasionally interact with BCLC products, and do so in a profitably sustainable way?

If you think you’ve got the winning idea, the submission form is now open. You can Submit a New Concept to BCLC with complete details. If the big-wig regulators are keen on the idea, who knows? You or your company just may strike a munificent contract with the provincial government.

New Social Gambling Games

New social gambling games have been released in rapid succession lately, especially in the US. From California to Atlantic City, casinos have been installing skill-based games; mostly designed to enhance the social experience.

With the skill aspect being such a new avenue in regulated gambling, this opens the doors wide for creative minds to bring many new concepts to the table. I imagine Innovation BCLC is going to be swamped with submissions before the week is out.