TRU study finds BCLC contributed more than $2 billion to Kamloops’ economy over 35 years

KAMLOOPS — A Thompson Rivers University (TRU) study released Tuesday (Oct. 12) estimates that the British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC) has contributed $2.2 billion to the economic and social development of Kamloops over the past 35 years.

Conducted by Dr. Peter Tsigaris, an economist at TRU, the study finds that for every two full-time jobs at BCLC’s Kamloops office, one full-time job is created in the community based on economic spinoffs. It estimates that BCLC’s total employment impact in Kamloops in 2019-20 was 667 full-time jobs, including 445 BCLC jobs and an additional 222 in the community.

The TRU study cites that throughout the past 35 years, BCLC has spent $232 million on local goods and services from Kamloops suppliers. Applying an economic impact multiplier of 1.4, the study estimates that in total BCLC has contributed approximately $324.9 million to the local economy in Kamloops. It also notes that BCLC provided $2.6 million in community sponsorships over the past 35 years, for a total social impact of $6.2 million (equivalent to $62-per-person living in Kamloops).

“BCLC’s role to give back to British Columbians is underscored by its economic contributions to not only Kamloops, but funds generated by gaming that go back to the people of our province in the form of healthcare, education and important community programs,” Minister of Finance and Minister Responsible for BCLC Selina Robinson said.

The TRU study also finds the average BCLC employee in Kamloops volunteers approximately 45 hours annually, totalling approximately 475,659 hours over the last 35 years for a cumulative social impact estimated at $32.2 million. Combined, employees have donated almost $4 million to local charities since 1985; factoring in indirect social impacts, their donations are valued at approximately $9.3 million.

“We’re so proud of what BCLC has contributed to Kamloops, so appreciative of what Kamloops has contributed to BCLC – and we look forward to many more years of success together,” BCLC Interim President and CEO Lynda Cavanaugh said. “Not only are BCLC’s operations positively contributing to the community, but so too are our people, who are passionate volunteers, advocates and contributors.”

Bernadette Siracky, Executive Director of the Kamloops Food Bank, said BCLC has donated a significant amount of their own time and resources to support countless causes and organizations that make a real difference in our community.

BCLC delivers net income to the B.C. government, which distributes a portion to charitable organizations through Community Gaming Grants, and to local governments that host gambling facilities, including the City of Kamloops. Overall, the study estimated that BCLC activities enabled $373 million in social contributions to the Kamloops community since 1985.