written and last updated by
Sam Smith at
21 Aug 2023
Journalist, Editorial Department
The British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC) has entered into an agreement with game supplier Light & Wonder to expand the reach of its popular Ruyi Baccarat game beyond the province. This deal will make the game available to the broader North American gambling market, both in land-based and online casinos.
Ruyi Baccarat first debuted in British Columbia's casinos in early 2020 and has since gained a loyal following. With this new agreement, operators across the continent will gain access to the game, significantly broadening its audience. Notably, Light & Wonder will not charge any fees for this distribution.
Dan Bib, BCLC's Chief Operating Officer, stated that offering a homegrown game is a testament to the corporation's growth strategy within the industry. He emphasized that BCLC is committed to innovation and challenging the status quo, and he believes that Ruyi Baccarat will achieve great success with Light & Wonder's support.
Mike McKiskey, Senior Vice President of Global Table Gaming at Light & Wonder, highlighted that the game blends traditional baccarat elements with a more relaxed approach, enhancing the overall gaming experience. He noted that the partnership with BCLC to distribute Ruyi Baccarat reinforces the provider's commitment to delivering top-tier games in the industry.
BCLC is responsible for offering various forms of gambling, both offline and online, with gaming revenues funding public initiatives, programs, and services. Since its inception in 1985, the corporation has generated over CAD 28 billion (approximately RUB 1.95 trillion at current exchange rates) in net profit for the province.
Currently, Ruyi Baccarat is available in 14 casinos across British Columbia, with plans to launch an online version on the PlayNow platform. The game is expected to be accessible outside the province starting September 9, 2023, pending regulatory approval.
In related news, the American Gaming Association (AGA) has reported record gaming revenues in the United States.
