Online Gambling in British Columbia

British Columbia has probably the best developed gaming market in Canada. Players in British Columbia have a wide range of casino game options along with a developed lottery and sportsbook offering. BC online casinos offer a fast way to play favorite table games and slots. Some of the casinos are based overseas, while there is only on option for those looking for a true local online gambling “venue”. Below we list the top online casinos offering their services to players in British Columbia. We also highlight the impact online gambling has on the provincial finances and community.

British Columbia Casino and Gaming Laws

BC gambling sites are regulated by the The Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch (GPEB). It’s goal is to ensure that all companies follow rules and the games and machines are conducted in a fair fashion with the goal of consumer protection. The law that regulates gambling is the Gaming Control Act, along with Gaming Control regulations. In some cases, the Criminal Code of Canada is applied.

National provider, the BCLC (British Columbia Lottery Corporation) handles licensing of local casino venues and other types of gaming to private companies who run day to day operations. There’s only one BC-regulated online casino, however players can always use EU-based casino brand as long as they have Internet access.

British Columbia Gambling Facts

• 16 land based casinos
• 17 Community Gaming Centres
• 3,500 lottery “corners”
• 12,700 Slot Machines
• 35,000 people employed indirectly
• 10,000 employed directly in casinos
• 71% of adults gambled at least 1 time last year

Gambling money supports many local, provincial and charity initiatives. From $2.5 Billion in gambling income, $1.3B goes back to the community – through grants and to special health account. About $800 million alone went to the provincial government. Over the last 32 years, from gambling 20 billion have flown into provincial treasury.

British Columbia Casino Revenues

The revenues in the largest casinos in BC were declining slowly before the pandemic of 2020. The structure of the revenue was changing with slots taking more and more of the share, however it wasn’t enough to boost the total money flow which fell 17% in four years from 2015 to 2019. Switch to online casinos seems to be one of the main culprits. we have done many online casino reviews and what we see is that they can offer far superior experience than land based offering.

Top British Columbia Online Casinos

5.0 rating

120% match up to C$750
+ 240 Bonus spins

• Multi-feature welcome package
• Large game library 9,000+ games
• Ongoing promos + cashback system

Play Now

4.7 rating

300% up to C$2,000
+ 150 Bonus spins

• 2,000+ casino games
• Canadian-friendly payments
• Fast payout options

Play Now

4.5 rating

250% up to C$4,500
+ 350 Bonus spins

• Casino + sportsbook 
• Canadian payment options
• VIP and loyalty extras

Play Now

5.0 rating

100% up to C$750
+ 200 Bonus spins

• Casino + sportsbook
• 9,000+ casino games
• 200 free spins welcome offer

Play Now

4.9 rating

100% up to C$750
+ 200 Bonus spins

• Casino + sportsbook
• 200 FS welcome offer
• MMA-style mini game

Play Now

Land Based Casinos in British Columbia

If you prefer to visit a “brick and mortar” casino, below we list venues for gambling in BC. This is only part of the total offer across the state, however, it includes casinos with the best game selection and amenities such as restaurants and parking.

Source.

Worries About Negative Effects of Gambling In BC

Other than social consequences, there is also a criminal side to casino business in British Columbia. The province has seen a large influx of Chinese money through real estate deals, companies and …you guessed it – gambling. Suspicious activities have prompted Canada to establish a commission to examine the extent of the criminal activity. The so called Cullen Commission is holding hearings in order to produce reports. So far, the discoveries include stories about billions flowing through Vancouver casinos and other businesses for organized crime. Organizations such as El Chapo’s cartel, Hezbollah and Chinese triads are mentioned.

Land based casinos were used to conduct money laundering as numerous instances of passing chips between guests were caught on tape and high stakes games in high-roller rooms were used to move cash in bags between big bosses.

However, ditching casinos is not an option due to positive effects it can have on gambling tax revenues. Many municipalities see a chance to diversify tax revenue sources by opening casinos on their territory. They bet on positive effects not just from gambling but also from hospitality industry that accompanies it. This will increase pressure to open up the market in the future especially following liberalization across the border in the US.

BC Online Casino FAQ

• Who can gamble in British Columbia?

  British Columbia casino minimum age is 19 years old.

• Is online gambling available in BC?

  Players in BC can use online casinos if they wish to do so, there are plenty of options, from the local PlayNow to an endless choice of foreign based operators that accept players from Canada.

• Where can I call if I have a gambling problem?

  If you are a BC resident, make sure to call ​1-888-7956- 111 – the hotline of the bcresponsiblegambling.ca – portal for responsible gambling in the province.