Canada’s British Columbia Lottery Corporation is making changes in their team.
BCLC confirmed that Jim Lightbody has stepped down from his role. He will no longer be the corporation’s president and CEO.
Lightbody has been on medical leave since September 2019 after receiving a cancer diagnosis. Although he is stepping down as president and CEO, he remains on medical leave.
The BCLC’s board chair Greg Moore was the one to share the news on behalf of the company before the Christmas holiday.
“Known for his strong leadership that focuses on people and an entrepreneurship approach to business, Jim has made countless contributions to BCLC – and its employees – through the course of his career with the organization,” said Moore.
“On behalf of the board of directors and everyone at BCLC, we wish him the very best as he continues his road to recovery.”
Outgoing president and CEO
Lightbody joined BCLC in 2001.
Before becoming president and CEO in 2014, he served as VP of lottery gaming and VP of casino and community gaming.
Lightbody has also commented on his leave, grateful for the support.
“I would like to thank everyone for their support, it’s been truly humbling. It was an honour to be BCLC’s CEO; however, it’s time for someone else to lead the company as I look forward to my next chapter,” he said.
As announced, Lightbody will be stepping down in January 2022, which is when the BCLC will start a global recruitment search.
In the meantime, interim president and CEO Lynda Cavanaugh will continue to assume her role, pending the recruitment of a permanent replacement.
BCLC reminds scratch tickets are not for children
The BCLC wants players to remain responsible over the holidays and not give their children scratch tickets as presents.
The announcement came earlier this month as part of the corporation’s annual #GiftSmart public-information campaign. It is a local initiative to keep children safe over the festive season.
The organization is trying to raise awareness of the possible adverse effects in the future for children who gamble at a young age.
The BCLC has run several responsible gambling programs so far, putting the safety of players above everything else.
Other announcements
With nearly 3000 confirmed COVID-19 cases in 24 hours, Vancouver cancels live performances in the city.
However, BC casinos and community gaming centers will remain open with robust health and safety measures.
Cascades and Chances casinos have operated in B.C. with no capacity limits as of Oct. 25, as long as its visitors were fully vaccinated.
The casinos reopened on July 1 at partial capacity, and both casinos in Kamloops have bounced back to pre-pandemic levels.
