[PR] Evolution Gaming, leading provider of Live Casino solutions, has announced that it is to build a new state-of-the-art Live Casino studio in the Metro Vancouver area of British Columbia, its first outside of Europe.

Expected to launch before the close of 2017, the studio will be Evolution’s eighth and is the result of an agreement to provide Live Casino games and services for BCLC (British Columbia Lottery Corporation).

The five year agreement plus renewal options will see Evolution’s Live Casino offering streamed via BCLC’s PlayNow.com website. However, Evolution’s vast 16,000 sq ft studio will be built with the intention of supporting additional Canadian lottery corporations, with each jurisdiction able to offer both shared and dedicated tables. This studio will, over time, create more than 170 new jobs in the Vancouver area as Evolution looks to recruit operational staff locally.

At launch, BCLC will offer 10 online live tables for blackjack, baccarat, and roulette, bringing the excitement of live dealer gaming to PlayNow.com players on desktop, tablets and smartphones, seven days a week.

BCLC has a strong multi-channel, multi-product offering that includes retail lottery operations, online and mobile gaming, land-based casinos, bingo halls and community gaming centres. As a crown corporation owned by the Province of British Columbia, revenues from BCLC’s operations go towards supporting community initiatives, health care and education in the province of British Columbia. By adding Live Casino to the range of online games already available on PlayNow.com, Canada’s largest regulated online gambling website, BCLC aims to extend the appeal of PlayNow.com to existing customers while also attracting new online players.

Evolution Group CEO Martin Carlesund commented: “Entering the Canadian market with BCLC signifies a huge breakthrough, outside of our European operations. Through this new partnership we are confident we will deliver the very best Live Casino experience for BCLC players, and an exceptional Live Casino studio facility for BCLC and other Canadian lottery jurisdictions in the future.”

Carlesund added: “This latest expansion consolidates Evolution’s position as global leader in the B2B Live Casino market. This delivery further highlights our ability to provide solutions that meet the most stringent requirements of regulated markets.”

Monica Bohm, BCLC’s Vice-President, eGaming,said: “We are delighted to enter into this agreement with Evolution, to bring the thrill of live, interactive casino gaming to our online players.

She added: “New and innovative products like Live Casino will help BCLC continue to deliver the very best in gambling entertainment to our players while benefiting communities across British Columbia.