Top BC Online Casino Sites 2024

Top 10 Online Casinos In BC Ranked

Here are our top online gambling sites for British Columbia.

Rank	Online Casino	Link
#1	NorthStar Bets Casino	Play Now!
#2	Parimatch Casino	Play Now!
#3	bet365 Casino	Play Now!
#4	Casumo Casino	Play Now!
#5	888casino	Play Now!
#6	Bet99 Casino	Play Now!
#7	Sports Interaction Casino	Play Now!
#8	BetVictor Casino	Play Now!
#9	TonyBet Casino	Play Now!
#10	ComeOn! Casino	Play Now!

Best BC Online Casinos For 2024

Commercial BC casinos may not be provincially regulated yet, but there are still plenty of BC gambling sites. The operators listed below are all legal online casinos permitted to operate in British Columbia. This is made possible by securing international licensing from select reputable gaming commissions — such as the Malta Gaming Authority. If this wasn’t the case, most of the casinos in British Columbia would be brick-and-mortar locations like Grand Villa Casino. The only exception would be PlayNow, which is an online casino owned and operated by the provincial government. Here’s a breakdown of each of our top recommended online casinos in British Columbia for 2024.

1. NorthStar Bets Casino

NorthStar Bets Casino features a diverse array of high quality casino games from top developers like Microgaming and Pragmatic Play. With generous welcome offers and other ongoing promotions all users can enjoy, it’s even easier to get in on the action without having to spend as much of your hard-earned cash. NorthStar’s current welcome bonus is four separate deposit match offers totaling up to $5000, as well as 100 free spins following your initial deposit. From strong security measures to seamless mobile compatibility, NorthStar Bets Casino is amongst the best online casinos in BC for a reason.

NorthStar Bets Casino App

The NorthStar Bets Casino mobile app has an intuitive, full-integrated design allowing players to easily navigate between the casino and the sportsbook. Hallmarks include high-quality graphics and an overall user-friendly interface, with easy access to real-time customer support whenever needed. It also supports various responsible gambling tools, such as deposit limits and self-exclusion features.

2. Parimatch Casino

Parimatch Casino has a diverse collection of casino games that is truly hard to match including slots, poker, lotteries, and live casino options. The number of slot titles stands out in particular, boasting 2,000+ unique games ranging from classic three-reels to advanced 3D games. Live casino games from renowned studios such as Evolution, Golden Race, Lucky Streak, and Pragmatic Play is another hallmark. If you’re new, the Parimatch welcome bonus will start you off with a boost, offering a 100% deposit match of up to $1,000 on your initial deposit.

🚀 Launch Year	1994
📜 Gambling License	Curaçao eGaming License
📱 Dedicated Apps	Available for iOS and Android
💳 Payment Methods	Debit, Visa, Mastercard, Online Banking,
🏦 Minimum Deposit	$10
💸 Payout Speed	24-48 Hours

Parimatch Casino App

The Parimatch Casino mobile app is known for fast loading times and smooth gameplay, with a user-friendly interface specifically tailored for mobile devices. The app sometimes offers exclusive bonuses and promotions as well, including free spins and deposit bonuses. It ensures high security with encrypted personal data, making it a reliable choice for mobile gaming enthusiasts.

3. Bet365 Casino

bet365 Casino has followed up its sportsbook success by launching a very comprehensive online casino. New players will have an easier time adjusting to this platform compared to others, thanks to the ability to play free casino games through demos. There are also many exclusive slot games, and a lot of these titles are sports-themed. The selection of both live dealer games and poker games is appealing as well. If you’d like to give these games a try, you can start off with a bit more runway thanks to bet365’s welcome offer — a 100% deposit match bonus of up to $500 as well as 50 free spins.

bet365 Casino App

The bet365 Casino mobile app has a user-friendly interface for both casino and sports betting, with unique features such as live streams. Compatible with iOS and Android, users can access 400+ mobile casino games — many of which have been optimized for mobile play. The app also simplifies the act of completing transactions (including deposits and withdrawals), and robust 24/7 customer support is available via live chat.

4. Casumo Casino

Casumo Casino is renowned for its unique gamification features, enhancing player engagement by creating an immersive gaming experience. Casumo offers a wide selection of slot games, including popular titles and exclusive releases from 20+ studios. Currently, new users can claim a welcome offer in the form of three separate deposit match bonuses totaling $2,000 as well as 99 free spins. All 99 spins are awarded following the first deposit match bonus. Players can earn other rewards as well, simply by leveling up through both challenges and achievements.

Casumo Casino App

The Casumo Casino mobile app offers seamless navigation and various interactive elements aimed at enhancing the overall user experience. Available for iOS and Android, users can sign up directly through the app and instantly start playing any of the 2,000+ titles from the game library including slots, table games, and live dealer options. If you run into any problems, the customer service at Casumo is also accessible and responsive, providing support through various channels to assist players effectively.

5. 888casino

888casino is a well-established name for good reason. The game library boasts a diverse selection with several titles, including exclusive table games as well as a surprisingly robust offering of video and live dealer poker games. In addition to in-house titles, there are many games from top studios including NetEnt, Microgaming, and Playtech. There are 2,000+ slot titles alone, with all the themes and Megaways options you can imagine. New players can also take advantage of a 100% deposit match bonus of up to $1,000 as well as a $25 sign-up bonus.

888casino App

The 888casino mobile app offers a comprehensive gaming experience, solely dedicated to casino as opposed to being integrated with the sportsbook itself. The interface is nearly identical to the browser version, making it easy to switch between devices depending on whether you’re at home or on the go. Almost all of the same games and payment methods are available across devices too, which is somewhat rare as many British Columbia online casinos don’t have as extensive of an offering on mobile play.

6. Bet99 Casino

Bet99 Casino has been a fixture amongst BC casinos since coming to Canada back in 2020. Its selection of 2,000+ games is quite diverse, especially when it comes to slots as Bet99 has dedicated tabs for ‘Progressive Jackpots’, ‘Megaways’, and even ‘Drops & Wins’. There are also a handful of Bet99 exclusives such as ‘Bet99 Golden Wolf’ and ‘Book of Bet99’. There are also many promotional offers including Bet99 Casino’s welcome bonus — two separate deposit match bonuses totaling $1,000. Returning players can also enjoy additional perks, including monthly events such as ‘October Race’.

Bet99 Casino App

The Bet99 Casino mobile app is is one of the smoothest and easiest to navigate of the bunch. Its fully integrated, combining the casino and sportsbook into one and conveniently using the same tabs as the browser version. The user-friendly interface facilitates quick betting on the go, with a customer support team known to respond quickly if you have any issues. Overall, it’s an impressive app players love.

7. Sports Interaction Online Casino

Sports Interaction (SIA) Casino is a comprehensive platform, offering a wide range of gaming options including poker, bingo, slots, table games, and live dealer games. SIA’s extensive selection of jackpot games annually payout millions of dollars in grand prizes as well, setting it apart from competitors. There are also some exclusive titles to enjoy such as ‘Rockets of Riches’, ‘Wild Storms’ and ‘Crypto Cash’. New players can currently take advantage of a fairly lucrative welcome offer, which is a 100% deposit match bonus of up to $3,000. With only a 30x rollover (wagering) requirement, it’s easier to make a withdrawal here than most other online casinos.

Sports Interaction Casino App

The Sports Interaction Casino mobile app pairs functionality with an aesthetically-pleasing interface, providing a great user experience that can contend with most other BC casinos. Available for both iOS and Android devices, the casino and sportsbook have been seamlessly integrated into a single platform. The entire range of accepted payment methods are available from any mobile device, and there’s a friendly customer support team standing by to field any issues you may be experiencing. Those who enjoy casino games on the go hold this app in high regard.

8. BetVictor Casino

BetVictor Casino is designed for ease of use. This is why it has one of the most user-friendly interfaces when matched up against the best BC online casinos available. A strong lineup of live dealer games is another standout feature, including popular titles such as ‘Crazy Time’ and less common offerings like ‘HiLo’ and ‘Sic Bo’. BetVictor’s layout is also made convenient by including strategically-positioned tabs in order to facilitate navigation. BetVictor’s welcome bonus is intriguing as well, providing a 200% casino bonus of up to $1,000 to give new players a generous boost.

BetVictor Casino App

The BetVictor Casino mobile app thrives by leaning on the same strengths as its mobile browser version. Dedicated tabs at both the top and the bottom of the screen make navigation a breeze, and other features such as the ‘Quick Cashout’ option facilitate withdrawals requests from anywhere. The sportsbook is integrated into the app as well, with neat features of its own such as the ‘Betfinder’ tool to assist players in finding suitable sports bets.

9. TonyBet Casino

TonyBet Casino has a game catalogue with titles from both powerhouse studios as well as new software developers. Many of its popular slot offerings have a high RTP% (return-to-player percentage), and the selection of live table games is a hallmark as well. The ‘Hot Provider’ tab highlights new games from up-and-coming studios, and TonyBet also runs weekly tournaments to keep players interested. It’s easy to get started thanks to TonyBet’s welcome offer too, as new players can take advantage of a 100% deposit match of up to $1,000 as well as 120 free spins.

TonyBet Casino App

The TonyBet Casino mobile app is fairly average, and has quite a ways to go in order to be compared to the apps of the best BC online casinos. For starters, it isn’t available straight from the app store and can only be downloaded from the website. Gameplay tends to lag more than usual, and the overall layout is tricky to navigate. Still, the app does a good job of mirroring the browser version, and the game selection doesn’t change much between platforms.

10. ComeOn! Casino

ComeOn! Casino has carved out its own niche by putting a premium on innovation. From its full calendar of promotional events to its exclusive titles, ComeOn! has managed to stand out in a very competitive market. The creation of ‘WeSpin’ has been a big help as well, which is an in-house platform developed to allow experienced casino game influencers to host streams. This makes the platform more accessible to newer players, and the live events like ‘Jackpot Hunt’ keep the prizes flowing too. The welcome offer makes it easy to get started, providing new users with a 150% deposit match bonus on their first three deposits of up to $500 ($1,500 total).

ComeOn! Casino App

The ComeOn! Casino mobile app mirrors the browser site, with its green-and-black aesthetic and overall layout giving users a consistent experience between platforms. The interface itself is simplistic yet sleek, streamlining navigation between both regulatory casino and live casino games. Unlike other apps on this list, it is not integrated with the sportsbook, and the Android app is only available from the site itself.

Legal Aspects of BC Online Gambling in 2024

Online gambling laws in British Columbia are regulated by the Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch (GPEB) enforced by the British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC). The BCLC regulates all online casinos, with the overall goal of ensuring a safe, provably fair gaming environment. This is a big job as the casino market is constantly adapting to technological advancements, giving way for mobile casinos that may even offer live dealer games. As such, BC players are really starting to take advantage of online casino gambling. Canadians can access various online operators, including a locally licensed platform called ‘PlayNow Casino’ — owned and operated by the BCLC. Otherwise, there’s a wide range of internationally licensed online casinos.

Often times, these offshore options have a better game selection as well as other desirable perks such as frequent promotions. The top online casinos will award similar bonuses, with free spins and deposit match bonuses being amongst the most popular — especially when it comes to welcome offers. Additionally, loyalty and VIP programs allow players to earn points towards exclusive bonuses and other prizes. These rewards can come in many forms, from bonus casino credits all the up to luxury vacations and fine dining experiences.

Each player may hold one account with each online casino, meaning you can continue to take advantage of welcome bonuses by signing up for multiple operators. The legalization of locally-regulated commercial online casinos is closer to happening than it ever has been in British Columbia, but the options explained here are what’s currently available.

BC Online Casino Quick Facts

Canadians that are new to online gambling sites often need time and patience to initially orient themselves, and we’re here to help that process run smoothly. Refer to the table below for some quick facts about BC online casinos. For a more in-depth timeline of how gambling has evolved in BC throughout the years, be sure to read our ‘BC Gambling Timeline’ section further down the page.

How To Choose The Best BC Online Casinos

Choosing the right online casino is important to maximizing your gaming experience. When analyzing British Columbia gambling sites, CSB uses a strict criteria based on a wide range of factors such as game selection, promotions, customer service, and the overall user experience. Read on as we explain exactly what we’re looking for when analyzing BC online casinos.

💻 User Interface (UI) & User Experience (UX)

When using a BC online casino, the first thing you’ll subconsciously notice is its aesthetic. It’s important to understand the difference between user interface (‘UI’) and user experience (or ‘UX’). Simply put, UI is the general appearance and layout of a platform whereas UX is an all-encompassing way of describing your entire experience on that BC casino site. Most of the best casinos in British Columbia have exceptional UI, giving players access to easy-to-navigate menus/submenus as a part of a sensible layout. On the other hand, a great UX means all aspects of using a BC online casino have been generally positive. Anything relating to using that online casino can be considered a part of the user experience such as functionality, helpful customer support, and a wide range of payment methods.

🔒 Licensing & Security

Licensing and security are paramount when choosing an online casino. Finding licensed BC casinos is just one aspect of ensuring your safety, as you should always put a premium on other factors like data encryption and provably fair play. Many BC online casinos that are available within the province are still not specifically licensed by the British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC), but will hold an international license allowing operation in most provinces from a reputable governing body like the Kahnawake Gaming Commission or the Malta Gaming Authority. This may give some players pause, but these organizations are recognized as legitimate and thus lend legitimacy to these BC casinos. All’s to say, CSB will never recommend an unsafe BC online casino.

🛜 Device Compatibility & Mobile Play

Both device compatibility and mobile play can greatly affect your user experience across devices. For example, some British Columbia online casinos don’t offer a dedicated app for either iOS, Android, or both. That said, some of these operators can make up for that with a good mobile browser version of the platform. The game selection can sometimes vary as well, with some operators having fewer titles available via mobile. The best online casino sites will have a dedicated app for both iOS and Android, with an interface and game library that is near identical to what’s available through the browser version.

🎲 Software Providers & Game Selection

The best BC gambling sites often gain prominence by partnering with big studios like Evolution Gaming and Pragmatic Play. After all, it’s important to have a great game selection featuring popular titles from several software providers. BC casinos can further diversify the catalogue by developing exclusive games in-house as well. The quality of the live dealer game hosts can have a big impact as well, as players tend to return to the dealers they perceive to be the most welcoming and professional.

💳 Payment Methods

A hallmark of any good BC online casino is a full compliment of payments methods including debit, credit, and various types of online banking. Withdrawal methods aren’t usually as plentiful, and many require you to withdraw through a payment method you’ve previously deposited with. Other options include e-wallets and other wire transfer services like PayPal, MuchBetter, and Paysafecard. Cryptocurrency is beginning to make an impact as well, with a no-fee guarantee when using the likes of Bitcoin, Ethereum, and others.

☎️ Customer Support

The best online casinos offer exceptional customer support through a variety of channels. The growth of 24/7 live chat has been a massive step forward, acknowledging that players are logging in at different times from various time zones. The social media presence of each BC online casino has been huge as well, providing users the opportunity to reach out with questions, concerns, or comments on the platform they’re most comfortable with. For those requiring further assistance, some casinos may have a toll-free number, but it’s often for payment inquiries only. Some BC gambling sites only offer a customer support email address, but replies are often timely.

🔧 Responsible Gaming Tools

Access to responsible gambling tools is vital in order to foster a safe and balanced gaming experience. Online casinos in British Columbia are required to have responsible gaming measures in place, implementing tools that allow players to set limits on deposits, losses, and overall play time. Self-exclusion programs help players take breaks from gambling when needed as well. For example, programs like ‘My PlayBreak’ allow individuals to voluntarily exclude themselves from gaming activities for specified periods while maintaining confidentiality. Organizations like ‘Gambling Support BC’ also provide free educational resources and support services for all players in need.

How To Sign Up At BC Online Casinos

There are a few housekeeping items you must complete before using any British Columbia online casinos. The best online casinos have a fairly streamlined registration process, and we’ll make sure you know exactly what you’re doing when the time comes. Without further ado, here’s a step-by-step guide to getting starting at a British Columbia online casino.

1. Choose BC Online Casino

Online casino gambling naturally begins by choosing a BC online casino that best fits your preference. Be sure to check out all the online casino offers available, including casino bonuses that may come in many forms. For example, a BC casino may offer you a deposit bonus, free spins, or other incentives that help you to play free casino games for real money cash.

That said, there’s more to picking a British Columbia online casino than simply going for one with an appealing bonus. Our list of recommended online casinos will never feature an operator that isn’t properly licensed, and it’s never a bad idea to look into how your data will be protected. Online gambling laws compel all real money casinos to disclose this information within both the terms and conditions and the privacy policy.

Remember, you can hold one account with each available online casino in British Columbia. This is a great way to maximize play time by claiming multiple welcome bonuses.

2. Create New Account & Verify Identity

Beginning the registration process at online gambling sites is as easy as clicking ‘Register’ or ‘Sign-up’. If using a mobile casino app, simply tap the buttons instead. From there, a form will appear with prompts requiring some personal information such as your first and last name (as it appears on your government ID), home address, and email address. Next is the ‘KYC’ (‘Know Your Customer’) verification process’, which ensures you’re fit to gamble by verifying your identity. Remember, the legal gambling age is 19 years old.

From there, you’ll be asked to provide government-issued ID (like a passport or driver’s license). You may even be required to take a picture of yourself holding your ID. Once an online casino has confirmed your identity, you’re ready to claim your welcome bonus and make your first deposit.

3. Claim Welcome Bonus & Make First Deposit

Some welcome bonuses must be claimed manually, and can be done so from your ‘Profile’. If the welcome offer is a deposit bonus, be sure it is activated and be wary of any deposit limits prior to making your initial transaction. Depositing funds into your account balance at a BC casino is fairly straightforward, with various payment methods available. Common options include debit, credit, online banking, and e-wallets. On occasion, rarer methods like Apple Pay and cryptocurrency may be available.

4. Play Casino Games

Once your initial deposit has processed and you’ve received any outstanding credits or free spins from your welcome bonus, you can finally start to play online casino games. BC online casinos offer a range of titles spanning different genres of slot games, table games, and live dealer games. Progressive jackpot slots and Megaways are also available for those who like to play online slots with higher stakes. The only thing to note is that online slots with a more volatile range of outcomes can shorten play time, so it may be best to begin with slot games that have a high RTP%.

5. Withdraw Winnings

Withdrawing winnings has more restrictions than making deposits, so it’s essential to read the terms and conditions. For example, most casinos will only allow withdrawals to the same method used for deposits. Withdrawal process times can range from 1-5 days when using debit and credit cards, whereas e-wallets like PayPal can be almost instantaneous. There will likely be withdrawal minimums and wagering requirements to fulfill as well.

Popular BC Online Casino Payment Methods

BC online casinos will offer a wide array of payment methods including debit, credit, online banking, e-wallets, and cryptocurrency. Credit cards like Visa and Mastercard are more widely accepted than others like American Express (AmEx), but most credit cards will work whether manually entered or used via Apple Pay. As we’d previously mentioned, not all deposit methods can be withdrawn from, but there are still several options depending on your preferred payment method. Refer to the table below for more information about popular British Columbia payment methods.

Image	Method	Deposit Time	Read More
	Debit	Instant	Sites Accepting Debit
	Instadebit	Instant	Sites Accepting Instadebit
	Apple Pay	Instant	Sites Accepting Apple Pay
	iDebit (Online Banking)	Instant	Sites Accepting iDebit
	Mastercard	Instant	Sites Accepting Mastercard
	Visa	Instant	Sites Accepting Visa
	Paysafecard	Instant	Sites Accepting Paysafecard
	PayPal	1 Minute – 5 Days	Sites Accepting PayPal
	Skrill	1 Minute – 5 Days	Sites Accepting Skrill
	Payz	Instant	Sites Accepting Payz
	Click2Pay	Instant	Sites Accepting Click2Pay
	E-Transfer	Up To 30 Minutes	Sites Accepting E-Transfer
	Wire Transfer	1 Minute – 5 Days	Sites Accepting Wire Transfer

Popular Casino Games in British Columbia

We’ve mentioned a few different types of games available at casinos in British Columbia. Due to the overwhelming popularity of online slots, catalogues are primarily full of slot games. That said, the number of table games, live dealer games, and other chance games is always growing. Here are the most popular types of games being played at online casinos in British Columbia.

🎰 Slot Games

Online slots are what keep most BC players coming back for more. Many casinos provide thousands of online slots games, from classic three-reel slots to modern video slots with advanced features. Popular titles like ‘Mega Moolah’ and ‘Immortal Romance’ are especially popular. Progressive jackpot slots and Megaways have a lower RTP% than traditional online slots, but offer players a chance to truly win big.

🃏 Table Games

Table games are a staple at BC online casinos. Different variations of blackjack, roulette, and baccarat are predominantly the most popular, but dice games like craps have a strong audience as well. The variety of available table games ensures that all players can find something matching their level of skill and experience. Overall, table games have been on the rise, and many online casinos have even developed (or are in the process) in-house table games based on original concepts.

🤵 Live Dealer Games

Live dealer games greatly enhance British Columbia online casinos by bridging the gap between virtual and land-based casinos. Using live dealers fosters an authentic, interactive environment allowing players to engage in real time. The addition of live dealer games has certainly innovated one of the ways gambling online is done. Some BC gambling sites have a small offering of live dealer titles, but most casinos in British Columbia will at least have a handful.

♠️ Online Poker

Online poker remains as popular as it ever was at British Columbia casinos, with Texas Hold’em being the most widely played variant. Other popular poker games include Omaha, where players receive four cards and must use two of them to create the best possible five-card hand. Seven Card Stud has a decent following as well, involving no community cards and requiring players to make the best possible five-card hand from seven cards. Some of the best online casinos in the province will have a dedicated tab with several poker rooms, each featuring different buy-ins and antes. Always choose a table you can afford to sit at by reading the minimum/maximum requirement beforehand.

🗣️ Online Bingo

Online bingo games are popular in BC, with platforms offering everything from traditional 75-ball bingo variants to 60-ball ‘speed bingo’. Winning patterns are achieved by matching numbers called during the game, which are marked automatically unless manual settings are chosen. Bingo is a classic casino game many have been playing since childhood, making it a fun, accessible option for those new to online casino games.

🎟️ Online Lottery Games

Like bingo, lottery games have been a popular offline hobby of British Columbia residents well before the presence of online casinos. For example, scratch cards and keno are still played by many, and now online versions of both are available as well. In the modern day casino landscape, it’s hard to find a lottery game that can only be played offline. That said, some may prefer it, which is all well and good so long as it doesn’t hinder you from giving online lottery games a try.

🏒 Online Sports Betting

Most online casinos in British Columbia also have a sports betting platform. It’s often integrated into the same browser site or mobile app as the casino itself, allowing you to easily switch between the two. If you ever want to take a break from traditional casino games and give sports betting a try, feel free to check out our list of top sportsbooks in Canada.

Blacklisted Casinos To Avoid In BC

While many international online casinos operate in good faith, there are some known for dishonest practices and overall poor business conduct. This can mean anything from not securing the proper license to refusing to honour big payouts. The following online gambling sites should be avoided:

• 1XBet Casino
• 21 Dukes Casino
• All Slots Casino
• Atlantic Casino Club
• Atlantic Vegas Casino
• Bella Vegas Casino
• Casino Fiz
• Euro Fortune Casino
• Games 4 Money Casino
• Raging Bull Slots Casino
• Winner Casino
• ZENITbet Casino

Best BC Land-Based Casinos

Online gambling sites are a great way to play casino games from anywhere life takes you, but don’t be afraid to experience some of the best land-based casinos in British Columbia. Popular favourite like Hard Rock Casino and Grand Villa Casino offer fun perks that add to the experience such high-end restaurants, concert theatres, and resort-style hotels. Here are the best land-based casinos in British Columbia.

British Columbia Gambling History

Gambling in British Columbia has slowly been growing since the 1960s, and there’s been significant change since the turn of the millennium. The last decade has been especially pivotal, as gambling online continues to become more commonplace. The legalization of locally-regulated commercial sportsbooks doesn’t seem to be too far away, which would provide BC residents with a lot more online casino options. Look below for a full timeline of the history of online gambling in British Columbia.

BC Gambling Timeline of Events

• 1969: The 1969 amendment to the Canadian Criminal Code allowed provinces to regulate and manage lotteries, betting, and gambling activities. This provided the legal framework for provinces, including British Columbia, to organize and regulate gambling.
• 1985: Another important amendment in 1985 granted provinces full authority to conduct and manage gambling operations. This laid the foundation for BC to start regulating casinos, lotteries, and charitable gaming within its jurisdiction.
• 1987: The British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC) was established, marking the official start of provincially-regulated lottery gaming in BC. This governing body provided a structured approach to lottery gaming, allowing the province to generate significant revenue while ensuring player protection.
• 1997: British Columbia approved full-fledged casino gambling including slot machines and table games. This expansion allowed establishments like River Rock Casino to operate under a new regulatory environment, providing more gaming options for residents and tourists and contributing to both the province’s economy and job market.
• 2002: The provincial government created the Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch (GPEB) to oversee all aspects of gambling in BC including licensing, regulation, and enforcement. GPEB ensures that gambling is conducted both with integrity and in compliance with provincial laws. Overall, this branch plays a crucial role in maintaining the fairness and safety of the gambling industry in British Columbia, ensuring that all activities are regulated and monitored.
• 2004: The launch of ‘PlayNow.com’ (an online casino owned and operated by the BC government) made British Columbia the first Canadian province to introduce government-regulated online gambling. Still in existence today, this platform allows residents to participate in online lotteries, poker, and casino-style games. Naturally, this launch marked a significant milestone in the evolution of online gambling in BC.
• 2010: The BCLC expanded its game selection by launching online poker through PlayNow.com. This made BC one of the first provinces to regulate online poker, providing a secure platform for residents to play in a regulated environment.
• 2021: The federal government’s legalization of single-event sports betting (Bill C-218) in 2021 marked a significant shift for the industry. This change enabled British Columbia to expand its sports betting options, allowing platforms like PlayNow.com to offer single-event bets. Previously, sports betting in BC was limited to parlay betting, where players had to bet on multiple outcomes in tandem. The introduction of single-event bets provided more flexibility and options for bettors, aligning BC with modern betting practices and catering to the growing demand for sports betting.
• 2023-Present: Since 2023, BC has continued to expand and regulate its gambling industry, focusing on responsible gambling initiatives and integrating new igaming technologies. For now, PlayNow.com remains the only legal online gambling platform in BC. That said, the launch of locally-regulated commercial online casinos and sportsbooks could arrive as early as mid-2025.

BC Gaming Regulators

There are two government organizations responsible for the regulation of online gambling in British Columbia. Refer to the table below for more information.

Responsible Gambling Resources At BC Online Casinos

Gambling addiction is a very serious matter, and BC online casinos will have resources available to those who need them. Fortunately, the province itself has many helpful support channels for anyone who is struggling as well. Read on for a full list of resources and warning signs associated with gambling addiction, and remember to never be afraid to ask for assistance.

• British Columbia 24/7 Multilingual Gambling Support Line: 1-866-332-2322.
• Gamblers Anonymous: http://www.gamblersanonymous.org/
• Gambling Therapy: https://www.gamblingtherapy.org/
• Responsible Gambling Council: https://www.responsiblegambling.org/for-the-public/problem-gambling-help/help-for-canadians/

Problem Gambling Warning Signs

Problem gambling is an addiction that has torn apart the lives of many. You should never be wagering with money you can’t afford to lose, as playing at online casinos and making sports bets are only fun activities if done purely for the sake of entertainment. Remember, gambling addiction can happen to anyone, so be sure to keep an eye on yourself and your friends by looking for warning signs. Symptoms of problem gambling include:

• Gambling more than you can afford to lose (and ‘doubling down’ when you’re losing)
• Lying to loved ones about how much you gamble
• Gambling starts to dominate your thoughts
• Your emotions are affected in a negative way on days when you haven’t yet gambled
• Family and close friends mention their concerns about your gambling habits

Top BC Online Casino Sites FAQ

Check out our FAQs below for a recap of what you need to know about playing at online casino sites in British Columbia.