BC Gambling - Top Rated Canadian Betting Sportsbooks & Online Casinos

With an ever-growing market upon us, BC Gambling is devoted to covering everything you need to know about the legality of online gambling in the province. If you are looking for the best online casinos and sportsbook sites in BC, your journey should most definitely start here and we'll make it a successful one.

Best BC Casinos 2024

  1. 1
    4.5/5
    Spin Casino
  2. 2
    4.5/5
    TonyBet Casino
  3. 3
    5/5
    Betway Casino
  4. 4
    2.5/5
    Omni Casino
  5. 5
    4.5/5
  6. 6
    4.5/5
  7. 7
    4/5
    Bet99 Casino
  8. 8
    2.5/5
    BetRegal Casino
  9. 9
    4.5/5
  10. 10
    2.5/5
    PowBet

Best BC Sportsbooks 2024

  1. 1
    4.5/5
    888
  2. 2
    5/5
    Bet365
  3. 3
    4/5
    BetMGM Sportsbook
  4. 4
    5/5
    Bwin
  5. 5
    4/5
  6. 6
    4/5
  7. 7
    4.5/5
  8. 8
    3.5/5
    Rivalry Sports
  9. 9
    2.5/5
  10. 10
    2.5/5
    Unibet Sportsbook

Best Online Gambling Casinos in British Columbia, Canada

  1. Available in BC 100% Match Bonus Up to $1000
    4.5/5

    This online gaming venue has a lot up its sleeve, players can enjoy a top selection of the best online casino games that are developed by the industry’s top software providers. The experience is never stale at Spin Casino!

  2. Available in BC 100% Match Bonus Up to $100
    4.5/5

    TonyBet Casino stands as the exclusive online gaming platform. This casino, powered by NetEnt, Quickspin, NYX Interactive, and Microgaming, offers a diverse range of video slots, table games, and casino favorites.

  3. Available in BC 100% Match Bonus Up to $750
    5/5

    There’s never a dull moment at Betway casino! Players can find a multitude of gaming options at this operator. Their ‘New’ game tab will always keep you on your toes with the hottest and latest casino titles in the industry.

  4. Available in BC 100% Match Bonus Up to $100
    2.5/5

    Omni Casino, established in 1997, is one of AskGamblers' oldest online casinos, known for its solid reputation and as a leading Playtech Casino with a Certificate of Trust. Operating under the government of Curacao, it excels in offering an extensive game selection and top-notch customer service.

  5. Available in BC 100% Match Bonus Up to $1600
    4.5/5
    Read our full review

    This online gaming operator needs no introduction. This online casino is a top choice for players from British Columbia. Offering only the best when it comes to casino software, banking options and top casino games!

  6. Available in BC 100% Match Bonus Up to $600
    4.5/5
    Read our full review

    Bodog casino has been around for many years, a well-known gaming giant in the iGaming realm. Offering players from BC many new casino releases along with lucrative jackpots. Join today and experience online gambling at its best!

  7. Available in BC 100% Match Bonus Up to $400
    4/5

    Bet99 Casino exclusively serves Canadian players, offering a diverse selection of games from leading developers like Microgaming and Play’n GO. Accessible on various devices and regulated by the Kahnawake Gaming Commission, the casino provides a premium gaming experience.

  8. Available in BC 75% Match Bonus Up to $100
    2.5/5

    BetRegal, a rapidly growing international online sportsbook launched in 2017, features a diverse casino section alongside its secure sports betting platform. Despite its newcomer status, BetRegal Sports offers compelling aspects explored in our detailed review.

  9. Available in BC 100% Match Bonus Up to $1000
    4.5/5
    Read our full review

    Upon registering at PowerPlay Casino, access a welcome package with a 100% bonus up to $200, enabling exploration of diverse slots and games. Despite minor reservations about live chat, the casino ensures a secure environment with reliable payment methods, fully regulated by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario.

  10. Available in BC 100% Match Bonus Up to $500
    2.5/5

    Powbet Casino, a versatile online gaming platform and sportsbook, features a diverse game selection from renowned providers. Accessible through web browsers and mobile devices, the casino ensures a secure and regulated experience under the Government of Curacao's licensing.

  11. Show More

Our team of experts found the best sports betting sites and casinos to join at the moment, checked all the different kinds of bonuses available to residents of British Columbia, sports betting sites worth visiting, the best mobile apps you can get, and much more.

We have also covered the legality of online gambling in this Canadian province, with a focus on laws and regulations you should know. We have provided step-by-step instructions on how to get started with online gambling sites as well as tips and tricks to get the best out of the experience.

An online casino app on a mobile phone for the best online casinos in British Columbia, Canada

The Province of British Columbia (BC) has actually been quite progressive compared to the rest of Canada. It enabled sports betting sites even before Canada's now-famous Bill C-218, which finally made single-event wagering legal throughout the country. The British Columbia Lottery Corporation made this possible by providing online betting and standard bets through its PlayNow.com sportsbook.

However, as a direct result of the Bill, residents of British Columbia now have even more options with some of the best online casinos available in BC. We have hand-picked the five best online casinos in the province that you should take into consideration, as these are also some of the best sites for top-notch online gambling in Canada.

Different sports balls, trophies, gold coins and a mobile phone for the best BC sports betting sites

Best BC Sports Betting Sites

Residents of British Columbia can take advantage of the best odds, bonus offers, and other benefits by signing up with some of the top online sportsbooks. Check below as we rank the best sportsbooks and online casinos in British Columbia, to make it easier for residents to win money on single-game wagers. Again, these also make for some of the best sports betting sites in Canada.

A security logo with SSL inside for a great iGmaing sites features

What Makes an Excellent iGaming Site for British Columbia Players?

An excellent BC online casino should offer a wide range of games at stakes to suit all budgets and feature the deposit options you want. To make it easier for gamblers to access casinos and sports games, numerous online gambling sites have emerged in British Columbia nowadays.

Still, what is it that makes an online gambling or sports site attractive to British Columbia residents? Is it exclusively an extensive gaming lobby, live betting options, or just quality customer support? The fact that some of the best gambling establishments accept CA dollars is not to be overlooked either, making it simpler for players to avoid costs and issues with exchange rates.

Therefore, when it comes to picking out what makes a great iGaming site for residents of British Columbia, it is only fair to note it actually consists of a complex combination of several features that should be taken into consideration. Luckily enough, we took time and made a compilation of some qualities you should look for in websites if you want to enjoy the best of what online gambling in BC has to offer.

Common Features of Reputable BC Online Real Money Casinos

iGaming Sites to Avoid

If there is one warning each novice player should get, it’s that not all online casinos are created equal. Not all are registered or even legal. Online casinos that do not make the cut frequently appear on "blacklists", which keep track of casinos that engage in dishonest or unethical business practices.

There is a long list of reasons why some casinos get blacklisted. It goes from failure to release players’ winnings to bonuses with unfair terms and conditions, and everything in-between. In the following sections, we offer a detailed online casino review in BC to assist in your quest for the best opportunities available.

All About the Legality of Online Gambling in BC

Since 1991, the British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC) has been advocating for parlay betting, which is a form of legal sports betting. Despite the widespread popularity of sports betting across the nation, single-game wagering was not openly legalized until 2021. For a couple of decades, online and in-person parlays were common, eventually expanding to include multiple operators and online sites.

Is Online Gambling Legal in British Columbia?

One of the largest and most populous provinces in Canada is British Columbia. It is also well-known for having dozens of online casinos, thousands of lottery shops, and an online gambling market that is completely legal. Casino table games like poker or roulette, but also bingo, slot machines, lottery tickets, and licensed gambling events like 50/50 draws are just some of the ways to gamble in British Columbia. PlayNow casino, run through state-owned BLCL, is still the only legal online gambling site in the province, but bettors have access to offshore sportsbooks with no legal restrictions.

British Columbia gambling enthusiasts can also enjoy five race tracks across the province or go for a remote experience through teletheatres, together with numerous online betting sites. Regarding gambling at offshore online casino sites and sportsbooks, the Canadian Criminal Code declares that operators who run websites outside of Canada are technically legal. In conclusion, anyone over the age of 19 is legally permitted to gamble online in the province.

Who Can Join Play Now Casino?

You can register and play at Play Now Casino if you are a resident of legal gambling age in British Columbia, i.e. if you are at least 19 years and within provincial borders. This Vancouver BC casino is also accessible to residents of Manitoba and Saskatchewan. If it becomes accessible to other Canadians, we will make sure to add it to our new online casino review in BC.

How Play Now BC Compares to Offshore Gambling Sites?

PlayNow.com, as an online betting site, is quite impressive. It’s had an amazing developing curve since its inception back in 2004. Overall, the British Columbia casino is very similar to any reputable offshore casino with its content, but it has a twist that makes a difference: this platform's earnings will be reinvested in significant British Columbia causes.

Furthermore, to list just a few of the many exciting features, Play Now is a fully licensed online sportsbook, offering great odds, and a slick welcome bonus of $150. To claim the bonus, register, verify your data, enter your Play Now login info, and start checking out the only among legal Vancouver BC casinos.

It offers over 20 sports, all covered extensively, with a great understanding of what an average Canadian player looks for. Bet-back incentives for well-known sporting events are available, while customer support feels like a dedicated and knowledgeable service around the clock. Talking about security, PlayNow.com is a gambling site owned by the British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC), featuring top safety and security protocols for real money gambling online.

Main iGaming Laws and Regulations Enforced in British Columbia

Gambling is permitted in communities, bingo halls, community gaming centers, online gambling, lottery retailers, horse racing tracks, and teletheatres in British Columbia for adults over the age of 19. It is against the law to gamble or even enter a gambling establishment with a minor.

The Gaming Control Act, the Gaming Control Regulation, and most importantly, Canada's Criminal Code are the primary legislative acts in this area. The Criminal Code, a federal law enacted by the Canadian Parliament, provides definitions for the majority of crimes.

It is frequently updated to keep up with social change and improve the Canadian criminal justice system. As a result, the Criminal Code gives provinces the authority to enforce their own gambling laws. British Columbia is one of the Canadian provinces that has legalized iGaming.

Groups and organizations can hold a licensed gambling event to raise funds for their communities and most gambling in British Columbia obviously needs a license. Through the Community Gaming Grant program, B.C. invests gambling revenue in non-profit organizations in the area. Arts, culture, sports, environmental, public safety, human and social services, but also parent advisory councils and district parent advisory councils are all supported by this program.

How iGaming Laws and Regulations in British Columbia Compare to Laws in Other Canadian Provinces?

British Columbia iGaming laws and regulations are somewhat more stringent than those in other Canadian provinces. For instance, while residents of provinces like Alberta and Quebec have more permissive laws, British Columbia seems to adhere to an approach that seems to be out of date in today's world. While it is unlikely that much will change in the near future despite the industry's ongoing development, it’s an obvious fact that some improvements have already taken place.

What is the Legal Gambling Age in British Columbia?

The legal gambling age in Canada differs from one province to another. For instance, the age limit for casinos in British Columbia is 19, even when it comes to Lottery. On the other hand, for one to indulge in casinos or sports betting in Alberta, Manitoba or Quebec, the legal age is 18.

Can I Register and Play at Offshore iGaming Sites?

The British Columbia Lottery Corporation's PlayNow Sportsbook was well-positioned for an immediate launch, even though some Canadian jurisdictions have made the decision to take a more deliberate approach as a result of the Criminal Code amendment that was implemented by Bill C-218. While PlayNow is the only legal online sportsbook in the province, players will not face any legal consequences for registering and playing at international online casinos, as long as they are licensed.

Who is Responsible for Overseeing iGaming Activities in British Columbia?

Gambling in British Columbia is regulated by the Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch (GPEB). GPEB ensures gambling industry compliance with the Gaming Control Act (also known as the Act) and the Gaming Control Regulation policies and standards.

This includes the BC horse racing industry, licensed charitable gambling events, and the British Columbia Lottery Corporation's commercial gambling operations (lotteries, casinos, community gaming centers, commercial bingo halls, and PlayNow.com). Additionally, GPEB offers programs to help problem gambling and promote responsible gaming.

The mission of GPEB is “to uphold the overall integrity of gambling by maintaining the government's gambling policy, regulating the gambling sector, and providing related support services and community programs that benefit British Columbians.”

The BC Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch took over as the primary authority on gaming regulation in British Columbia back in 2002. Although it holds its place among more liberal provincial authorities in Canada, it still lacks some flexibility and so far, doesn’t seem to follow fast-changing trends.

British Columbia Taxation System

In British Columbia, online gambling winnings cannot be taxed because the money won is not from a viable source. In fact, the Income Tax Act doesn't make a big distinction between online and offline gambling and it's safe to apply the same rules to both. On the other hand, BCLC's published data for 2020/21 shows a net revenue of over $430 million.

A slot reel with cash & coins and a big Bonus logo for the best bonuses in BC

Best Bonuses for iGaming Fans From British Columbia

It's a difficult task to stand out among the best online casinos in BC nowadays. So, giving players bonuses in different forms certainly helps. To attract players' attention, BC iGaming operators typically emphasize their welcome bonuses and other promotions in large, bright letters.

Top online casinos make it a priority to provide players with free spins on specific games and match their initial deposit because sign-up bonuses have become a standard. Specific incentives can be found in every online casino review in BC you can find here on the site.

How to Choose the Right Bonus?

Understanding the welcome bonus parameters and how they interact with one another is the only way to determine which is the best among many BC gambling offers based on your preferences. Below, we discuss what to look out for when browsing bonuses.

Terms and Conditions to Keep in Mind

Almost all casinos’ terms and conditions conceal a few things. Before signing up for a bonus at BC casinos, you might not have much time to think through all of the terms and conditions. Experts, on the other hand, recommend at least skimming the most important parts that will affect your decision.

A full fledge casino model of BC Players are playing different games

Online Casino Games for British Columbia Players

When a player joins an online BC casino, they can play a wide variety of table and live dealer games, slots, as well as instant-win games, while many offer extensive sports betting markets too. On hundreds of province-specific online casino sites, you can find a vast pool of different games.

Most British Columbia online casinos add to their libraries on a regular basis, to make the experience more exciting and appealing for their regular users. Let's find out which ones are the most popular among BC players nowadays.

Slots

Online slots in BC feature computerized versions of the traditional fruit machines found in reputable casinos. There is hardly any reputable online casino that doesn’t offer slots and these are usually listed first and take up most of the space in the gaming libraries.

Table Games

Table games are not as social online as they were first intended to be. However, they still get a lot of attention with higher RTPs and games such as Blackjack, Craps, Roulette, and Baccarat are simply a must on most popular casinos such as Bodog, Twin, Wazamba, and many others.

Jackpots

Jackpot games are especially popular among Canadian players and the majority of casino websites have these games in their libraries too, so finding them won't be difficult. Some are more rewarding than others but the added value is there and the likes of Microgaming’s Mega Moolah have made many players millionaires.

Live Casino

A live streaming video link shows a live casino game in real-time from a casino table. While placing bets from their PCs or smartphones, online casino players can communicate with the dealer through the chat feature and enjoy as close as it gets to a brick-and-mortar casino experience.

Video Poker

Five-card draw poker is the basis for the casino game of video poker. It is played on a computer console that is about the same size as a slot machine. 888, Omni casino, and Casumo are some of the BC gambling sites offering this type of game in their libraries.

Poker Games

This most widely played table game in history is represented at least to some degree at all online casino sites. Its popularity lies in elements of skill and luck mixed in and while casino variations can differ, it all boils down to the same thrills.

Playing Your Favourite Games in Free Mode

Demo mode is merely a means by which players can test out a game without risking any real money. If you're new to slots or want to learn more about the game before you start betting, this can be helpful. To give players a taste of their favourite slot games, the best British Columbia casinos provide demo versions of at least some of the games.

A futuristic design of a mobile phone sports betting site is covering all kinds of sports

Sports Coverage at British Columbia Sports Betting Sites

BC betting growth was accelerating prior to Bill C-218 too. However, the bill made it possible for sports bettors in British Columbia to access numerous sportsbooks, which is unquestionably a positive change. With it came a shift in what players are wagering on and what’s on the table.

According to the British Columbia Lottery Corporation, a lot of money was bet on popular boxing matches and UFC fights. Now, major sporting events are expected to bring in even more money. The following leagues, competitions, and betting options are just some of the highlights of what’s available to BC and Canadian bettors: NHL, NBA, MLB, NFL, CFL, UEFA Champions League, English Premier League, as well as other basketball and soccer tournaments from across the globe.

Live Betting

Live betting allows spectators to wager on the game as it unfolds rather than just before it begins, thereby altering the odds accordingly. Some of the sports betting sites with this feature are featured down below:

Betting Options?

At BC sports wagering venues, you have many choices to pick from regardless of which sports you like to bet on. From odds-on parlays and prop bets to spreads and teaser bets, with all other wagers in-between with very competitive betting odds more often than not. It’s safe to say there’s something for just about everybody.

Is Daily Fantasy Sports Legal?

When Bill C-218 received royal assent, daily fantasy sports (DFS) became legally recognized too. FanDuel and DraftKings are already present in British Columbia as fantasy heavyweights. DFS quickly became a common social activity that is an important part of the entire Canadian sports culture, just as it did in the US.

Best British Columbia Mobile Casino and Sports Betting Apps

A mobile app is designed to be used on the go as many players switch from desktop or laptop computers to smartphones and tablets. Simply go to the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android), and locate the app for your preferred operator. Download it, login and start betting on sports or playing online casino games on your mobile device. Once you have registered, just tap the ‘Play now’ button and the fun can begin. We list some of the top choices you can go for below.

Top 3 Online Casino Mobile Apps Top 3 Sports Betting Apps Jackpot City Bodog Spin Casino Bet365 Betway 888sport

How Do You Start Playing on the Go?

Best Instant-Play Mobile Casinos and Sports Betting Sites

From the convenience of their own homes, British Columbia players can access iGaming sites and enjoy all the excitement of a real casino. Smartphone gamers can enjoy HTML5 optimization and many popular picks available. Based on their popularity, we compiled the list of top mobile online casinos where you can login and play now in BC. These are also highly ranked in the Canadian mobile casino industry.

A credit card with a lock and secured mobile betting site for payment options in BC

Payment Options for British Columbia Players

There are now more payment service providers than ever before. The majority of customers are able to effectively fund their gaming accounts because of this. A reputable casino operator will provide comprehensive information regarding your online casino account's deposit and withdrawal options.

How to Make Deposits?

The most popular deposit options today include:

Most of the time, funding your account is simple and straightforward. If you are new to this, here is a short step-by-step guide on making deposits.

However, keep in mind that each British Columbia online casino has its deposit method policy, so it may differ from one casino to another. The procedure can be broken down into a few straightforward steps that, in most cases, can be completed in a few minutes.

  1. To begin, you will need to access your profile and then head to the cashier's section.
  2. Here, you will be able to view the various payment options that each online casino provides.
  3. After that, you need to choose a payment option. In general, it's best to stick with the most common payment methods because they tend to be the most dependable and easy to use.
  4. You will be required to provide some private information, such as your financial and personal information, after selecting your payment method.
  5. The final step is to select the amount you want to deposit and enter it in the appropriate field. The processing time is determined by the particular payment method but is usually immediate so you can play now!

How to Make Withdrawals?

As we said, there are plenty of payment methods. Yet, when it comes to safety and speed, we’d strongly recommend using credit and debit cards, cryptocurrency or e-wallets.

It is usually pretty simple to withdraw your money from an online casino site too. Although this may slightly vary from casino to casino, these should be the basic steps you’ll normally have to take:

  1. Head into the profile section (online casino or app)
  2. Click the cashier icon
  3. Look for the withdrawal button, and click it
  4. Select your preferred method of payment
  5. Enter the amount you wish to withdraw
  6. Submit your withdrawal request

Brief History of Gambling in British Columbia

Over the course of time, gambling has always served as a source of entertainment for adults in British Columbia. Here, we consider significant turning points that have shaped our perception of gambling in British Columbia today.

What the Future May Hold for the BC iGaming Scene

Although it is perfectly legal to engage in online gambling in British Columbia, the applicable BC gambling laws and regulations are extremely stringent - much more stringent than those in some other Canadian provinces.

Another problem for iGaming enthusiasts is that the primary regulatory body in BC does not grant licenses to international casinos. In particular, players can only play at one legal province-based casino. The bottom line is that BCs iGaming laws and regulations are not very affable when it comes to international corporations, and it doesn’t seem that any legal new online casinos in BC will emerge soon.

Will PlayNow Get Its First Real Competitor?

Yes, PlayNow is an online casino site that is put together more than fairly, but the fact is that one way to improve it is the presence of competition, even for the best ones on the market. The way things are now, it doesn’t seem that PlayNow will get its first real competitor, at least not any time soon.

New International Sites Operating in British Columbia

We’ll now list some of the new online casinos in BC based offshore and iGaming sites emerging onto the BC gambling scene, where you can freely login aside from PlayNow.

A lock pad, hourglass, and 18+ sign with a security logo for responsible gambling at online casinos in BC

Responsible Gambling at Online Casinos in BC

The Province of British Columbia is committed to ensuring that gaming events and products are offered in a socially responsible manner and that gaming is conducted and managed with integrity in BC.

The majority of people in British Columbia gamble for fun and do so responsibly. However, research indicates that a small percentage of players, roughly 3.3%, may experience issues related to excessive gambling.

The government developed its Responsible Gambling Strategy in 2003. This system advances capable betting and actually resolves betting issues. Awareness and education of the public, treatment and prevention, as well as concrete policy formulation, are its primary components. The Problem Gambling Program offers problem gamblers and others who might be affected by their gambling behaviour free counselling as part of this strategy.

More information can be found here: www.bcresponsiblegambling.ca

Call 1 888 795-6111 (Toll-Free, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week) for assistance in identifying the warning signs of problem gambling and for details on free programs, services, and resources available to problem gamblers and their families.

How to Start Playing at a British Columbia Casino

Make sure you are of legal gambling age in BC (19), as some form of identification will be required at some point of registration.

Is Online Gambling Popular in British Columbia?

In Canada, online gaming is one of the major industries. The reason Canada is ranked eighth in terms of which country spent the most money on online gambling is that the country has at least 19.3 million active online gamblers. Hence, British Columbia is not an exemption. British Columbia players enjoy Video Poker, Roulette, Blackjack, Baccarat, Online slots, and sports betting.

What to Do When You Take a Break from Gambling?

While taking a break from gambling in British Columbia, make sure to visit:

Land-Based Gambling Establishments in British Columbia

There are 17 brick-and-mortar casinos in British Columbia, and the biggest among them is River Casino Resort in Richmond. It has 1,200 slots and 114 table games. Vancouver’s biggest casino, though, is Hard Rock Casino. On the other hand, Boulevard Casino is a dedicated French-themed casino and is equally impressive. See some of the other places to check below.

CASINO No. of Slots/Poker Tables/Table Games Casino floor square footage Cascades Casino | 201-553 Vees Dr, Penticton, BC V2A 8S3 400+/7/11 45,000 Starlight Casino | 350 Gifford St, New Westminster, BC V3M 7A3 850/9/45 100,000 Casino Of The Rockies | 350 Gifford St, New Westminster, BC V3M 7A3 234/2/45 100,000

British Columbia iGaming Sites - Pros and Cons

Play Now is an online casino with a lot of successes and just as many failures. If you have to choose between Play Now and an offshore casino, you should go with an international casino brand instead because it has more casino bonuses, banking options, and promotional offers.

However, PlayNow is a completely legal casino website that can provide you with the safety and personal assurance that an offshore casino cannot. This is what attracts many players to the platform, especially since there are so many good international online casinos that don't care about your best interests.

What you should have in mind while counting pros and cons though, is that PlayNow is extremely user-friendly, making it ideal for novice players and those seeking something straightforward yet effective.

FAQ

Meri Zimic - Author
Meri Zimic - Author & Contributor

Meri Zimic is our Head Content Publisher on BCGambling.ca, with more than five years of expertise she is well versed in the online gambling space. Not a native of BC, but following the British Columbian market since the release of the first BCLC website.

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