BCLC Partners with Future Anthem to Launch AI and Data Innovation Hub in Vancouver

The British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC) has joined forces with UK-based data science specialist Future Anthem to establish an Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Data Innovation Hub at BCLC’s Vancouver office. This initiative is aimed at enhancing AI and data-driven capabilities to improve the player experience across BCLC’s platforms, including lottery, gaming, and sports betting.

The Hub will focus on developing advanced AI solutions and data programs that benefit players, with a dedicated team of data and product professionals supported by Future Anthem’s data science platform. A joint Steering Committee, comprising senior leaders from both BCLC and Future Anthem, will oversee the Hub’s operations and guide its strategic direction.

Future Anthem will leverage its expertise in AI research and development to help build a highly specialized team in Vancouver, alongside a small group of BCLC employees with relevant skills in AI and data innovation. In addition, the company will deploy its real-time AI platform locally, ensuring best practices in AI development, data security, and transparent governance of AI models. These models will utilize anonymized data stored securely in Canada to ensure compliance with local regulations.

This partnership reflects BCLC’s commitment to advancing AI technology and data innovation in the gaming industry, while creating new tech-focused job opportunities in Vancouver.

“BCLC is excited to be partnering with Future Anthem to create the first AI innovation hub in B.C. focused on the gambling industry,” says Mark Goldberg, BCLC’s Chief Information Officer. “We know that the key components of the Hub will be its data driven research and software product development to support player engagement and experience, safer play and improved game design – core BCLC business areas.”

“This dynamic partnership combines our expertise, reach, and technologies and allows us to harness AI for good – to bring true and measurable benefits to players in a responsible, sustainable, and enjoyable manner,” says Leigh Nissim, CEO and Founder of Future Anthem. “With access to more data across all verticals and channels to build amazing machine learning models and AI applications, I am confident this collaboration will quickly deliver benefits to BCLC and its players to reinforce its lead position within lotteries globally.”