Best British Columbia Online Casino Site 2024

Simon Rose Written By Simon Rose
Last Updated on 11.10.2024
Are you looking for the best BC online casinos has to offer? You’ve come to the right place. Our guide to the top BC casinos covers everything you need to know about the online gambling scene, including tips for staying safe, links to great bonuses, and much more.

TOP 10 British Columbia Online Casino Sites
Best British Columbia Casinos Games Highlights Rating Secure Link T&Cs
C$1,350 + 125 Free Spins 2776 20 18 5.0/5 Play Here!
C$1,500 + 300 Free Spins 1,000+ 15+ 5+ 4.9/5 Play Here!
Up to C$1,000 1,000+ 10+ 10+ 4.8/5 Play Here!
Up to C$1,000 + 500 Free Spins 981 17 19 4.7/5 Play Here!
C$1,000 + 100 Free Spins 1000+ 9 10 4.6/5 Play Here!
C$1,600 + 150 Free Spins 389 16 17 4.5/5 Play Here!
Up to C$1,500 + 150 Free Spins 1754 11 19 4.5/5 Play Here!
Up to C$2,000 + 200 Free Spins 3154 28 22 4.5/5 Play Here!
Up to C$1,800 340 12 16 4.5/5 Play Here!
Up to C$1,000 + 300 Free Spins 1769 34 31 4.5/5 Play Here!
The listed British Columbia online gambling sites have been handpicked by our team of experts who tested them according to our strict criteria. Among the best online casinos in Canada, these stood out for the outstanding service they provide to players.

We’ll share exactly what our testing criteria comprise and how each of these operators performs. So, if you want to learn about legal gambling websites in BC, stick around. We will cover everything you need to know, from how to stay safe, signs of a good casino, banking options, and much more.

Top Online Casinos in British Columbia: Legal BC Casino Sites

We put every online gambling legal BC online casino through its paces. Our experts checked for regulation, player protection, safety, games, bonuses and several other criteria. The operators that met our expectations can be seen in the below in the official O-C.com British Columbia online casino list of recommended operators.

List of Legal Online Casinos in British Columbia & License

While conducting our operator research we determined that these casinos are all licensed and run by reputable iGaming companies that have built reputations in the industry as fair and fun venues. In the next sections of this guide, we’ll look at what the best online British Columbia casinos offer in greater detail.

How to Sign-up with an Online Casino in British Columbia

If you haven’t played at an online casino in British Columbia before then don’t sweat it: getting started couldn’t be simpler. Check out our brief guide below – and make sure to have a few personal details to hand so you’re ready to register at one of our recommended BC casino sites right away.

1
Pick a Safe BC Casino

The best British Columbia casinos featured on this page hold official gambling licenses. Simply pick one from our list that suits you to get started.

2
Choose a Welcome Bonus

When you register at a new BC casino you can enjoy a welcome gift, such as free spins or a deposit match bonus. Take advantage of a deal and play games for longer.

3
Enjoy Your Favourite Casino Games

Our recommended casino sites for British Columbia provide hundreds of excellent games, ranging from slots to table games and live casino offerings.

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a total newbie, learning how to find the right casino in British Columbia can seem daunting. Allow us to lend you a hand by sharing with you our tips and tricks for spotting the best and safest venues to play at.

Our Selection Criteria: Picking the Best Casino Sites in BC

Our gambling experts have years of experience when it comes to sorting the wheat from the chaff in the iGaming world. And while there are numerous criteria that a great operator will meet, the most important factor is safety, and that’s where to start when you look for British Columbia casino websites.

Once you are certain that the operator is safe, you can move onto checking the other factors that make for a great gaming experience. Simply apply our suggested casino checklist, you’ll be able to find the best online British Columbia casino to meet your needs in no time.

Legal Aspects in BC

Legal British Columbia online casinos will always offer their players a safe and secure gaming environment to play in. That means your data, money and personal details are always protected, and should you ever require assistance with a gambling problem, the help will be there.

We focused on several safety and legal aspects while evaluating each British Columbia online casino in this guide, which we will take you through in the following sections. In each case, we checked for the credentials of official or governmental bodies – that’s the only way to know you’re playing at a safe venue.

Our team at Online-Casinos.com check each BC online casino for stamps of approval in the following areas: gambling licensing, fairness auditing, site security, and player protection practices. These are all the signs of a reputable operator, and you can get familiar with each factor in this guide – starting with the law.

British Columbia Online Casino Laws and License Details

Law logo. Founded in 1985, the British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC) oversees gambling in the province of BC. The BCLC runs its own casino in British Columbia, but don’t worry: your choice of safe and fair operators is not limited to one, as there are plenty of other casinos to choose from.

So, you can opt to join the BCLC-run website or to play at one of the many other legal online casinos available in British Columbia. The difference is that the BCLC venue is obliged to manage its profits differently, whereas other online casinos in BC are free to do as they please.

The BCLC is the British Columbia gaming institution currently responsible for 15 land-based venues in the province and one online BC casino. The entity ensures that profits made in BC are channelled back into the province to support local communities and promote responsible gaming.

British Columbia casino sites that do not fall under the remit of the BCLC are still accessible, and – as our expert team have ensured – are fully accredited by other international licensing bodies. Two of the most important are the United Kingdom Gambling Commission (UKGC) and the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA).

In addition, these British Columbia casino websites have also had their games independently checked for fairness by auditing agencies. Two of the most respected and internationally renowned are ommerce Online Gaming Regulation and Assurance (eCOGRA) and iTech Labs. Certification from these bodies indicates that players are getting a fair game when they play with real money.

Gambling Taxes in British Columbia

Taxes Logo. Players who would rather not have their gambling winnings taxed will be delighted to know you do not need to pay taxes at any of the 10 best British Columbia online casino names featured on this page. Whatever you win is yours to keep.

This is true, however, of players who gamble at online BC casino sites recreationally. You may be required to play taxes if you prefer to gamble professionally and your casino winnings are your source of income. We would advise consulting a tax advisor if you make a living by gambling.

Data Security & Encryption Expectations

Security Logo. Canadians playing at online BC casinos will want to feel that their money and personal details are in safe hands, and far away from the reaches of hackers or fraudsters. This is where a reliable and robust name in IT encryption is essential.

That’s why it’s imperative that you ensure you only ever play at British Columbia casinos with online security credentials that are recognized and transparent. Names like DigiCert, McAfee, and Comodo, to name a few, employ powerful encryption technology that protects players’ cash and private data.

Legal Gambling Age in British Columbia

Min age Logo. Players must be at least 19 years of age in order to gamble at any online casino British Columbia has to offer. So, if you’re below the required legal gambling age, by no means should you play with real money as you will not be entitled to withdraw any winnings and you will lose that cash immediately.

This is because online casinos in BC are often legally required to verify the age of players before they are able to allow them to withdraw funds from their player account. So, if you’re not yet 19, save your cash and yourself the bother by simply waiting until you’re of legal age.

Responsible Gambling Resources for British Columbians

Responsible Gambling Logo. Just like with all pursuits in life, moderation is key, but no one is immune to a slip here and there. So it’s vital when it comes to gambling that British Columbia online casinos take the well-being of their players seriously. Usually, operators do this through partnerships with recognized organizations.

In British Columbia, players can rely on the Canadian operated support organization called GameSense. GameSense offers tips and general support in the form of a live chat function and a hotline. It also offers guidance and links players with problems to other online resources to help them and their families.

Certificates to Look Out For

Certificates Logo. There are many signs to look out for that can tell you whether or not an operator is trustworthy and cares about the players that use its services. These take the form of various certificates that will be advertised on the British Columbia casino online homepage where you are playing. Here’s what to look for:

  • SSL certificateensures data encryption and protects player privacy

  • Responsible gambling bannerdirects problem gamblers to resources for support

  • Auditor logoindicates that the casino games have been checked and verified for fairness

  • Regulatory body emblemproves that the casino holds a licence from a regulatory entity

You’ll be able to find most of these signs and certificates at the footer of the BC online casino homepage. When it comes to checking the SSL certificate, you should click on the little padlock icon located next to the casino URL. The IT security credentials will be listed here.

Online Casino Games

What can you expect from the choice of online casino games in British Columbia? We’re glad to say players in BC can enjoy all the latest and classic casino games that are available at the best venues worldwide. Our quick list below includes every game type you can find:

No matter what your gaming preference is, it’s clear to see that online casino gambling sites offer the complete package when it comes to game types. It should also be noted that many of these game types are also available in the live casino section. That includes live blackjack, live poker, and live roulette, sports betting, for example.

If you don’t know how to play online poker, or you are new to games like baccarat, roulette, or slots, don’t worry. We’re going to introduce you to the most popular game variants in the following sections of our guide. So if you wonder where to start, read on and make an informed decision.

Online Slots

Canadian players are fortunate in that they can enjoy spinning the reels of some of the best and most popular slot games in the world. That’s because the range of online casino slots in British Columbia includes titles from some of the hottest software providers in operation today.

Best British Columbia Slot RTP Volatility Paylines Max Bet Secure Link
Avalon 96.01% Medium 20 C$100 Play Here
Book of Dead 94.25% High 10 C$100 Play Here
Bonanza 96.00% High 117,649 C$500 Play Here
Thunderstruck II 96.65% High 243 C$15 Play Here
Blood Suckers 98.00% Low 25 C$50 Play Here

The table above serves as a brief introduction to some of the most popular titles that can be found at the best online slot sites. As you may notice, there is a great range of RTP values and other features. These games offer a plethora of genres to suit every taste.

Players at online casinos in BC can choose from an attractive range of slot titles thanks to differences in volatility, RTP rates, and bet limits that the games selection features. So, whether you’re a high roller looking for a big win or a casual player burning some small change, there’s a slot game for you.

Online Blackjack

With the highest RTP rate to be found in online casinos, blackjack is a mainstay in the online gambling legal scene and a firm fan favourite. In addition, it’s relatively easy to pick up, meaning it continues to attract newbies and casino veterans alike.

Best British Columbia Blackjack RTP Unique Feature Developed by Secure Link
American Blackjack 99.53% Customizable Visuals Playtech Play Here
Classic Blackjack Gold 99.90% High RTP Microgaming Play Here
Perfect Pairs Blackjack 99.63% Played with 6 Decks FELT Play Here
European Blackjack 99.60% Dealer Hits Soft 17 Microgaming Play Here
Blackjack Multi-Hand 99.58% Fast Play/ Turbo Mode Playtech Play Here

The table shows some of the most attractive versions available at British Columbia casinos online. In the column titled “developed by”, you may notice that these games come from some of the best software developers in the industry. As such, you can rest assured that each game is fair and audited independently.

The card game remains a popular choice not only because of its excellent return to player rate but also because there are so many variants available to play at blackjack casinos online. It’s a thrilling title that players love.

Online Roulette

Roulette is an ever-popular casino classic and dates back centuries. So it’s no wonder that you can find the little white ball and the red and black – and green! – wheel at every British Columbia casino website. In the table below we’ve picked out some roulette variants for you to consider playing.

Best British Columbia Roulette RTP Unique Feature Developed by Secure Link
European Roulette Pro 97.30% Special Bets Play’n GO Play Here
Multifire Roulette 97.30% Up to 500x multipliers Microgaming Play Here
Roulette X2 97.60% X2 Winnings Multiplier Golden Rock Studios Play Here
3D European Roulette 97.30% 3D Wheel IronDog Play Here
European Roulette Gold Series 97.30% In-built Bonus Microgaming Play Here

Among all the online casino games British Columbia venues have on offer, roulette remains so popular because it is straightforward to play. The rounds come thick and fast, making it a thrilling experience. In addition, there are lots of different variants to play at roulette sites, including a version with two balls.

In addition, roulette offers players the potential to enjoy attractive payouts thanks to its high RTP rate, which averages around the 97% mark. There are many great RNG roulette versions available, but if you prefer the real wheel, you can join an excellent live casino version with a croupier to interact with.

Online Casino Bonuses

Taking advantage of a casino bonus can be a great way of enhancing your BC online casino experience. Usually, operators offer customers free spins or a deposit matching bonus, though some casinos are coming up with more creative bonuses in order to stand out from the crowd.

The best BC online casinos hosts of course also offer customers some great bonuses and special deals. In the table below, our gambling experts have picked out their top bonuses for your consideration. If you like the look of one, you can simply click the link to go straight to the offer.

British Columbia Casino British Columbia Player Bonus Deposit Features Rating Secure Link
Up to C$1,350 + 125 Free Spins Up to 80-200% 40x 5 Days 5/5 Get Bonus!
100% up to $1,500 + 300 Free Spins Up to 100% 40x 7 Days 4.9/5 Get Bonus!
100% up to $1,000 Up to 100% 35x 7 Days 4.8/5 Get Bonus!
Up to $1,000 + 500 Free Spins Up to 50-100% 35x 21 Days 4.8/5 Get Bonus!
100% up to C$1,600 + 150 Free Spins Up to 100% 70x 60 Days 4.7/5 Get Bonus!

Whether it’s with these or with any other Canadian casino bonus offers you come across, always mind the terms and conditions attached to each offer. You will have to adhere to the wagering conditions and validity terms. That will help you avoid withdrawal hiccups in the future.

Deposit Bonuses

One of the most popular British Columbia casino online offers you’ll come across is a matching deposit bonus. Here, the casino pledges to “match” your bonus by anything from 50% to up to 200%. The most frequent match is 100%, meaning if you deposit C$50, the casino will add C$50 to your account.

Whenever you activate a matching deposit bonus, remember to pay attention to the wagering requirements. It’s possible that you spend more money in wagers than you can actually withdraw once the offer is over. If they aren’t mentioned in the bonus deal, you can find the wagering requirements in the small print.

No Deposit Bonuses

The online casinos in British Columbia offer players the chance to enjoy no deposit bonuses. This type of promotion is generally popular as it gives you a chance to play without transferring money into your account. That makes it minimal risk, and plenty of fun.

This offer may sound too good to be true for legal British Columbia online casino gambling sites but the good news is that this type of promotion is totally legit. As with all bonuses, there are terms and conditions attached, so do yourself a favor and read through the small print before you accept.

Bonus Codes by British Columbia Casino Sites

Promo codes provide payers with direct access to special offers – and you can find them at many of the best British Columbia online casinos. The bonus codes themselves are often listed in the terms and conditions, shared by users in forums or on social media, or presented in advertisements.

British Columbia Casino Promo Code Bonus Amount Bonus Type Highlight Secure Link
n/a C$2,000 Deposit Match High Roller Bonus for the First Deposit Get bonus!
n/a $1,500 Deposit Match 100% match for the first three deposits Get bonus!
n/a C$1,500 Deposit Match Plus 150 Zee Spins over the First 3 Deposits Get bonus!
n/a C$1,350 Deposit Match 200% match for the first deposit Get bonus!
WGEN2, WGEN3, WGEN4 C$1,000 Deposit Match Plus 300 Free Spins on the First Deposit Get bonus!

The bonus codes in the table above are all currently valid, meaning you can use them to play at a casino online in British Columbia. Simply copy and paste the code into the relevant field on the promotions page and you’re all set to enjoy a special offer today.

Different Types of Casino Bonuses

There are numerous kinds of special offers available at gambling websites in British Columbia in addition to the ones we have covered in the previous sections. They range from seasonal and regular promotions to live casino bonuses, or even rewards for recommending a friend to sign up to the venue.

The best BC online casinos offer customers a diverse range of promotions. For regular players, it’s a great way of adding extra excitement to proceedings. And new member bonuses are a welcome reward for first time players. Just remember that bonuses are designed to get you to play more – but you can always decline.

Information About Payout Rates

When it comes to fairness you are going to want to look at the return to player (RTP) rate. The RTP represents the percentage of money that goes back to players from the operator over an extended period of time. The best online British Columbia casinos will show their RTP rates on their websites.

While the RTP rate is interesting and a good indicator of fairness, it’s important to remember that it is a purely theoretical figure and it does not reveal how much you will win. Below we have listed the average payout rates for our list of recommended BC online casinos.

As you can see in the list above, the best British Columbia online casinos offer customers some pretty competitive payout rates. You can also check the RTPs of individual games to ensure that you are always getting a fair shot.

Live Online Casinos in British Columbia

Live online casinos are where digital venues meet the real thing. Thanks to innovative software, you can play many of the best games in real time with human croupiers. At British Columbia casino sites, this includes live roulette, live blackjack, dice games like sic bo, and game shows hosted by entertaining presenters.

Live casino suites have become so popular with players around the world thanks to the unique experience they provide. With live games, you are able to converse with other players and the croupier, adding a social aspect to the game. In addition, many operators offer live casino bonuses to enjoy.

Great Live Casino Bonus

Welcome Bonus: 100% match up to $1,500
ComeON Bonus Conditions
  • Bonus Code: Not needed

  • Minimum deposit: $20

  • Wagering requirement: 40x

  • Wagering deadline: 7 days

Bonus Wagering Contribution Weighting
Slot machines Maximum bet: n/a

0%
Live Roulette Maximum bet: $8

0%
Live Blackjack Maximum bet: $8

0%

The live sections at BC online casino sites do not require any special technology or software on the user’s side. In fact, playing live casino games is just like playing at any online casino. All you need is your smartphone, tablet, or desktop and an active Internet connection.

Such games are streamed directly from dedicated casino studios operated by the software provider. Three of the biggest names in live casino software are NetEnt, Playtech, and Evolution. These powerhouses work with many legal live dealer gambling sites. They also have won multiple awards for the excellent service they provide.

Payment Options for BC Players

If you want to play for real money at a British Columbia casino then you are going to need to get your cash into your casino account in the form of a deposit. Here’s where a safe, reliable and convenient payment method comes into play.

The top British Columbia casinos online will all offer their users a good range of payment providers to choose from. What makes a good range? A few factors are important here. Our casino experts look for a wide range of payment types, fair or no fees, and, of course, trustworthiness.

Payment Method Type Casino Deposit Limits Casino Deposit/Withdrawal Payment Fee
Debit Card C$5 – unlimited Available for Deposits / Available for Withdrawals No Fees
Debit Card C$5 – unlimited Available for Deposits / Not Available for Withdrawals No Fees
eWallet C$30 – C$7,500 Available for Deposits / Available for Withdrawals 0% – 2.5%
eWallet C$5 – C$25,000 Available for Deposits / Available for Withdrawals No Fees
Prepaid Card C$5 – C$25,000 Available for Deposits / Available for Withdrawals No Fees
Bank Transfer C$30 – Unlimited Available for Deposits / Not Available for Withdrawals 2.5% – 3.9%
eWallet C$5 – C$25,000 Available for Deposits / Available for Withdrawals No Fees
eWallet/Prepaid Card C$10 – C$5,000 Available for Deposits / Available for Withdrawals No Fees
Prepaid Card C$5 – C$2,500 Available for Deposits / Not Available for Withdrawals No Fees
eWallet C$5 – C$2,500 Available for Deposits / Available for Withdrawals 0% – 2%
Online Banking Payment System C$5 – Unlimited Available for Deposits / Available for Withdrawals 0% – 2.5%

The BC casino payment provider table above includes all of the safest and most reliable names in online casino banking. There’s something for every kind of player – from fast and simple eWallets to incredibly secure and private prepaid cards. Take a look to see which option fits your needs.

One thing to note is that while the payment provider may not charge any fees for making a withdrawal or a deposit, the casino may choose to charge players a processing fee. Before you select a banking option, make sure to check in with customer service regarding the true nature of fees.

Top Casino Payment Method: Interac

Interac is a quick, safe and easy way of transferring money across Canada via online banking – and it’s one of the most popular banking methods among BC players. Our casino experts have identified the best BC online casinos offer Interac as a payment method – check it out in the table below.

Best Interac Casino Safe & Fast Payment Option
C$1,350

If Interac is your preferred payment method or you’d like to join the millions of Canadians using Interac to transfer money, why not give it a go with the recommended British Columbia casino in the table above.

High-Quality Online Casino Software

Another important aspect to consider when choosing between British Columbia online casinos is the provider of the software for the games. A high-quality software provider can make all the difference when it comes to your gaming experience. You should be looking for software providers with years of experience or proven hit titles.

Another reason to look out for the providers behind the games is because a trusted software developer is a sign of a reliable BC casino. When you see that an operator sources its games from a reputable studio, you can take it as an indication that the venue also cares about security and your experience.

Casino Software Recommended British Columbia Casino Highlight Popular British Columbia Slots Popular British Columbia Roulette Popular British Columbia Blackjack
ComeOn Top Jackpot Slots Mega Moolah, Jungle Jim El Dorado European Roulette European Blackjack
Megaslot Great Live Software Beach Life, Buffalo Blitz Mini Roulette Premium Blackjack
Playzee Huge Popular Slots Starburst, Gonzo’s Quest Roulette Advanced Blackjack (by NetEnt)
N1 Casino Innovative Gameplay Book of Dead, Gold King European Roulette Pro Blackjack Multiple Hands
Genesis Casino Frequent New Releases Beowulf, Gold Rush Roulette Multihand Blackjack

The software developers in the table above may specialize in a particular area – such as slots, live casino, or roulette – while others may cover all games in their portfolio. Try to take note of the developer names and logos so you can spot them while checking out BC online casino sites in the future.

Mobile Casino Apps

There’s no denying that more and more areas in our lives are moving into the realm of the smartphone. Mobile is the future, and British Columbia casinos are well aware of it, which is why the best operators in the region strive to offer customers a great app experience too.

Features of a casino app.
  • Clean, Responsive User-Interface
  • Excellent Games Catalogue
  • Easy to Navigate
Betway QR

The operator above has one of the top-rated mobile casino apps chosen from all the best online British Columbia gambling sites we have recommended on this page. To enjoy gaming with this app you need only ensure you have an active Internet connection – where and when you play is entirely up to you thanks to modern technology.

If memory on your smartphone is in great demand and you’d prefer to save room for pictures, you’ll be glad to know you can also use the casino web app – simply log in as if you would on desktop and play your favourite games seamlessly via your smartphone web browser.

Customer Service Options

Some players have a tendency to forget about customer service when they look for new casinos – that is, of course, until they have a dispute that needs resolving. That’s when they wish they did their homework beforehand to ensure the operator is also known for its professionalism.

When it comes to money and personal data, the importance of good customer service shouldn’t be underestimated. It can make the difference and save you time and headache. The top online casinos British Columbia has to offer know how vital it is to keep customers happy and so they take customer care seriously.

The BC casinos recommended on this page all tick the boxes required of modern and professional customer service. That means you can get in touch via phone, live chat and email – and in most cases on a 24/7 basis. Response times are fair, and the process is solution orientated. Put short: You’re in safe hands here.

Newest Casinos Sites for British Columbia

Online gambling in Canada is an exciting scene to be involved in, with new casinos in British Columbia popping up all the time. Changes come thick and fast, making it hard for you to keep up, which is why we’ve compiled the newest operators in BC for you in the table below.

New British Columbia Casino Bonus Offer Active from Rating Secure Link
Megaslot Up to $1,350 + 125 Free Spins 2020 5/5 Visit Site!
Playzee Up to C$1,500 + 150 Free Spins 2018 4.7/5 Visit Site!
Genesis Casino Up to C$1,000 + 300 Free Spins 2018 4.5/5 Visit Site!

If you haven’t heard of any of the new British Columbia online casinos listed above and you fancy trying one out – or all of them – you’ll be glad to know welcome bonuses are available to new players and you can take advantage of them. Simply click the link above to go directly to the offer.

As with all of the online BC casinos featured in this guide, the operators listed above are all fully licensed, regulated and offer a fair gaming experience to players. Of course, we’ll update this page regularly as new names enter the local market, so come back regularly to find the latest venues.

So far, this guide has focussed on legal BC online casino sites, but what if you find a venue we haven’t covered, and you think it looks good? Then you may like to take note of the names in the table below, as these operators are not deemed safe and legal for Canadian players.

If you give one of these operators a try you should keep in mind that your money and personal data are not 100% safe. In our opinion, there are plenty of legal online casinos in British Columbia to keep you busy, so why even entertain the idea of playing at a risky venue?

Land-based Casinos in British Columbia

Land-based casinos are fully legal in Canada when officially regulated by the provincial government. In BC the British Columbia Lottery Corporation manages brick-and-mortar venues, and as a Crown Corporation it is its responsibility to ensure the industry is fair and serves the interests of Canadian citizens.

At the time of writing there are 15 land-based casinos in BC. These operators offer the full package when it comes to gambling entertainment – including slots, table games, restaurants and concert venues. Together with the best British Columbia online casino recommendations in this guide, the gambling scene in the province is one to watch.

Casinos in BC, however, aren’t the only ones to keep tabs on – indeed, the gambling scene across the nation is in great shape, and our gambling experts have been keeping up with developments for you. You can find more regulated and licensed operators. Some of the top land based casinos are River Rock Casino Resort, Grand Villa Casino and Hard Rock Casino.

A Short History of Gambling in British Columbia

In Canada gambling had always been largely illegal up until 1985 when the government granted the individual provinces the power to manage gambling. British Columbia immediately got to work on its own gambling activities and set up the BC Lottery Corporation to oversee the market.

Since its inception, the BCLC has been responsible for the growth of the industry in the province. It counts 15 land-based casinos and one online venue in its remit. The British Columbia casino and gambling industry is currently flourishing – to help protect players, the BCLC introduced GameSense in 2009 to support safe gambling decisions.

History of Gambling in British Columbia
  • The BCLC Is Formed The Canadian government hands over regulation to individual territories, paving the way for the first legal gambling activities managed by the province of British Columbia.

  • Games for British Columbia The first batch of legal BC lottery games are now available to Canadian citizens in British Columbia.

  • Voluntary Self-Exclusion The governing body for gambling in BC officially launches the Voluntary Self-Exclusion programme – designed to aid players in healthy gambling practices.

  • GameSense for BC Players The BCLC unveils GameSense, the province’s official support programme for gamblers. Its aim is to provide assistance and educational resources.

  • GameSense Goes Canada-Wide GameSense, launched by the British Columbia Lottery Corporation in 2009, becomes a national gambling resource for all Canadian provinces.

  • Biggest Win Ever in BC A British Columbia citizen wins the largest ever lottery prize in the province’s history. The final jackpot is C$70 million.

Since the province legalized gambling and assumed responsibility to manage its activities, it has continually returned profits back into BC as investments – for the benefit of healthcare, education, and local community programmes. The majority of gambling websites in British Columbia do not contribute to the funds as they do not fall under the BCLC’s remit.

In 2020, the province’s governing body reported net income of C$1.3 billion. Examples of where the funds went include C$93.5 million to First Nations Revenue Sharing, C$10.4 million to horse racing programmes, and C$5.6 million to responsible gaming. You can see the distribution of all funds at the official website.

FAQs: Online Casinos British Columbia

We hope this guide to BC casinos has been informative for your research. Should you require any further information about this topic, we recommend that you take a look at the FAQs – we’ve compiled the most common questions from our readers in the section below.

What is the best online casino in British Columbia?

Rather than choose just one of the top BC online casino sites, our gambling experts have picked out the top 10 for you, and we’ve featured these recommended operators here in our guide. That way you have more choice and can find the best online venue to suit your particular needs.

Are there any new online casinos in British Columbia?

There are new online casinos in British Columbia popping up all the time, so keeping up with the market can be tricky. It’s important to remember that a new operator isn’t necessarily licensed, so we advise to always run a check first before you play. You can discover the latest trusted casinos to enter the scene here in our guide.

Is there a list of the British Columbia online casinos?

Our experts have created a list of the British Columbia online casinos for you here in our guide to the province’s gambling scene. We test every aspect of these casinos, from security and useability to the games catalogue, customer service, payment options and more. The venues featured on this guide have made the cut – we hope you enjoy discovering what they have to offer!

Are British Columbia casinos safe?

Yes, so long as you ensure you play at a regulated and licensed venue, you can rest assured that there are many safe British Columbia casinos to enjoy in the province. In this brief summary of safe online casino signs, our gambling experts have highlighted what BC customers need to look out for to have peace of mind while gaming online.

Can you provide some British Columbia online casino promo codes?

Our gambling experts strive to keep their fingers on the pulse of the latest casino special offers that you can trust. When it comes to BC, you can find some British Columbia online casino promo codes here in our guide to the province. Simply find the bonus code that suits your needs and click through to go directly to the offer.

Are there any British Columbia online casino with free money?

No, at the time of writing, there are no social casinos or British Columbia online gambling sites with free money – but don't worry, you can still find a great casino bonus deal here in our guide to BC. Some special deals include free spins and no deposit bonuses, so there’s always a way for you to play with little or no cash.

How does British Columbia make money from online casinos?

Our Canadian gambling experts have put together a brief history of British Columbia casinos here in our guide to the province, including how the province makes money from casinos in British Columbia and real examples of where the funds go. The Crown Corporation British Columbia Lottery Corporation is responsible for managing income made from gambling in the province and funnellingorganizationsorganizations it back into communities.

Is online sports betting in British Columbia legal?

Gambling has been managed by the province since 1985 – the Crown Corporation responsible is the BCLC (British Columbia Lottery Corporation). In 2004, the BCLC launched its first legal online sports betting casino for British Columbia. Other venues operate within a grey market: BC citizens can legally access grey market sites even though the province does not regulate them. Our brief law guide has more information.

How can I solve a dispute with a British Columbia online casino?

The BCLC (British Columbia Lottery Corporation) is available to assist you should you have a dispute with a British Columbia online casino. Of course, the best solution is to never have to escalate a situation in the first place – and a professional and helpful customer service team will assist in that regard. Our mini-guide to online casino support has more tips.

Conclusion: British Columbia Online Casinos

Thanks for reading our guide to the best BC online casino sites in operation today – we hope that you’re all set to visit a venue for some quality gambling entertainment. As long as you always choose a licensed and regulated operator, you’re bound to have a great time playing your favourite games online in BC.

The scene in BC is always evolving, with new names entering the market all the time and legislation shifting regularly. We’ll update this page with every development, so make sure to come back and check out the latest whenever you need news about casinos in British Columbia.

Simon Rose, Casino Review Expert and Author for Online-Casinos.com
Simon Rose – Editor and Casino Expert

British Columbia online casinos offer the same great experience of many of the province’s brick-and-mortar venues. Thanks to excellent welcome bonuses up for grabs at operators powered by top software, it’s an exciting time to play at a BC casino site.

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