BCLC urges PlayNow users to change passwords after “suspicious” traffic

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — The BC Lottery Corporation (BCLC) is advising users of PlayNow, an online gambling platform for lotteries and digital casinos, to change their passwords.

According to a media release from BCLC, PlayNow experienced “a suspiciously high volume of traffic” on July 24th, 2024.

That traffic was reportedly the result of “credential surfing,” a tactic in which criminals use email addresses and passwords previously exposed from other companies’ security breaches to try to access PlayNow users’ accounts.

“This is a deeply concerning incident and a cautionary tale for everyone with multiple online accounts,” says BCLC President and CEO Pat Davis. 

“Our investigation remains ongoing, and we have found no evidence that our systems have been compromised or that player login information was stolen from our systems.”

The release says BCLC took measures to block the suspicious traffic, including locking down the accounts of affected users.

Its investigation is still ongoing, and RCMP officers and investigative bodies in BC, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan – where PlayNow is also available – have been notified.

“As a precautionary measure, we are advising all PlayNow players to change their passwords to enhance their account security,” the release reads. 

“Players should also take this opportunity to ensure they are not using the same passwords for other websites, and that their passwords are not easy to guess.”