Guide to BC Online Casino Sites

Despite the popularity of gambling in Canada, online betting sites have been illegal or at least in the gray for decades. The Criminal Code does allow for exceptions where provincial governments have the power to regulate online gaming in their territories. Bill C-218 decriminalized new forms of betting in 2021 and as a result, players in British Columbia can enjoy well-rounded service online at the best BC online casinos. Similarly rewarding iGaming experience is also guaranteed at the best real money Victoria and Vancouver iGaming sites.

Top 10 Best Casinos For Online Gambling In British Columbia

The government places no strict restrictions so players can choose from a wide range of offshore online gambling brands as well. Let us go through a detailed review of the best online casinos in the province, as we also discuss the best bonuses, the games you must try, and other essential factors you need to be wary of.

A crowned slot machine, dice, playing cards and coins for the best online casinos in BC

Many great Canadian casino websites are available online. However, it does take proper guidance to find them, especially if you are a novice player. It’s important to note the casinos below do not hold licenses from the British Columbia iGaming Regulatory body but offer service with licenses from other reputable iGaming authorities.

Comparing Our Top Picks - What Makes A Great Online Casino in Canada?

Here is a quick overview summarizing all the key areas of our top picks.

Casino Salient Features Casumo With high-profit jackpots and no transaction fees, Casumo features in first place on our list. You can bag profitable bonuses of up to $1,800 with 115 free spins as a new user. In addition, all players have access to a wide range of over 2,000 quality titles to explore. JackpotCity JackpotCity is popular for its progressive jackpots and quality customer support. Though the bonus wagering requirement of 70X is a major downside, JackpotCity offers a lot of other offers that manage to cover up. Also, mobile optimization is vital in online gambling, and JackpotCity scores pretty high. Bodog Bodog is the only featured brand licensed by the Antigua and Barbuda Financial Services Regulatory Commission on this list. You can carry out deposits and withdrawals with Bitcoin, Litecoin, Tether, and Ethereum too. Also, their reward-packed VIP program raises them above most regular casinos here. Casino Tropez Like most gambling sites on the list, Casino Tropez holds a licence from the Malta Gaming Authority. This casino ranks high due to its great bonuses and a collection of 1,000+ games that should have you covered regardless of your preferences. Wazamba The British Columbia free spins no deposit offer is part of what players stand to get from Wazamba. This company reached the fifth spot due to its lucrative promotional offers and a huge selection of games. Players can access over 4,000 titles here, including Wolf Gold, Dark Woods, and 40+ live tables. Also, Wazamba offers 200 free spins to new users to witness smooth gameplay in the store. PowBet PowBet offers a big bonus of 100% up to $500 and 200 free spins added, just like Wazamba. However, unlike some other casinos on this list, PowBet makes it here as the best new casino for BC players. Ruby Fortune The major highlight at Ruby Fortune is its VIP program, which we rate as one of the best in the industry. While more inclined to satisfy high-rollers, VIP members have access to a dedicated support hotline for brief inquiries and eligibility to earn bonuses up to $5,000+. Spin Casino Spin Casino offers one of the best designs you'll find in Canada. Their user-friendly interface is suitable for all users, regardless of experience levels. Quality customer support is a major part of any online brand and Spin Casino also delivers in that regard, with a knowledgeable team of agents. Omni Casino Like most top online casinos in British Columbia on the list, Omni Casino offers players a huge bonus and a wide range of quality games. Also, the gameplay is always smooth with Omni, as they offer great game optimization across devices. Platinum Play Though their bonus offer is mouthwatering, Platinum Play's key feature is its customer support. Platinum Play has the best customer support to go with a great library of games. Availability via WhatsApp, Skype, Phone, email, and live chat goes to show devotion to player satisfaction.

The Legality Of Online Gambling in BC

With gambling laws now subject to provincial governments in Canada, the rules regarding online gambling platforms can be pretty confusing. Let us look at some of the crucial details you need to know about the legality of gambling in British Columbia.

Is Online Gambling Legal?

The Canadian Criminal Code has long prohibited all forms of gambling. However, Section 207 of the code allows for exceptions as provincial governments get to regulate the iGaming market of their territories. Due to this exception, online casino gambling is legal in British Columbia. However, PlayNow is still the only site fully licensed by the Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch.

How iGaming Laws In British Columbia Compare With Laws In Other Canadian Provinces?

There are obvious similarities in iGaming Laws across Canadian provinces but some markets are more open to changes than others. Ontario kicked it off in April 2022 and others are expected to follow in its footsteps.

Besides British Columbia, some of the most active regions with more lenient gambling regulations are Alberta and Manitoba. In Alberta, online gambling is legal when playing with PlayAlberta but no offshore site received a licence from the AGLC (Alberta Gaming, Liquor, and Cannabis).

Still, quite similarly to BC, players tend to go for offshore sites with licences from prominent regulatory bodies. In the provinces of Manitoba, MBLL (The Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries Corporation) has allowed gamblers to play on events via British Columbia's PlayNow too.

Agency Responsible For Monitoring Online Casinos in BC

The Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch (GPEB) regulates all gambling activities in British Columbia. This agency came into existence back in 2002 when the Gaming Control Act saw royal assent. The government established GPEB to regulate and maintain integrity in the gambling industry in British Columbia.

GPEB also oversees the British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC), the body directly responsible for the online gambling industry. BCLC has currently licensed only PlayNow, so it is the only officially licensed bc online casino operating in the province. There’s no official news of additional operators applying for licences.

PlayNow as the Only BC Online Casino Licensed By GPEB/BCLC

PlayNow is the only Canadian Online Casino licensed by the BCLC to offer services to players in British Columbia. This website welcomes players from British Columbia and Manitoba with a smooth pack including a $5 lotto sign-up bonus, a $20 Live casino bonus, and a $150 match deposit offer.

They all feature a 30x wagering requirement and feel attainable if used properly. There are over 300 quality games available. Most of these are from reputable software providers too, including the likes of NextGen Gaming, IGT, SG Interactive, and Novomatic.

Players can find titles like Mighty Black Knight, Luck It Link: Night Life, Lucky 8 Keno, and many others. PlayNow boasts great usability and compatibility, so these are also accessible whether you are playing on a mobile phone, tablet, or PC.

Though originally established in 2004, PlayNow became the first gambling website run by a Canadian province in 2010. Later, in 2012, the BCLC added sports betting in BC and launched the website in Manitoba the following year. When the amendment to online gambling regulations took effect in 2021, PlayNow began offering single-game sports betting. All revenues generated from PlayNow casino are channelled back into the development of education and healthcare, aiming to improve the living standard in BC.

Offshore Online Casinos in British Columbia

Online gambling in BC is only legal at PlayNow as we already mentioned it is the only platform licensed by the BCLC. However, there is no existing law prohibiting residents of British Columbia from playing online at offshore casinos.

Therefore, you can freely play your favourite games and cash out from any offshore website that accepts players from BC. Furthermore, most offshore platforms hold world-recognized licences from bodies like the Curacao Gaming Authority and Malta Gaming Commission and these see to the safety of casinos worldwide.

PlayNow Vs. Offshore Canadian Online Casinos

PlayNow does offer just about everything a player might need at an online gambling website. Upon signing up, players can bag a match deposit bonus offer of up to $150. However, we must note that some offshore websites offer bonuses up to $2,000 as well as great VIP rewards.

In terms of games, PlayNow offers quite a good library with about 300 games you can enjoy. Again, these games lack variety, as there aren’t enough options to explore in the long run. On the other hand, there are some offshore casinos with up to 4,000 games and these often span across all categories.

Security-wise, both PlayNow and offshore casinos have good security and website safety, as they all hold official licenses from regulatory bodies. PlayNow does feel more solid in its approach, though, and this is its prime selling point attracting players over and over.

Consequently, PlayNow casino offers fewer payment options, which are no more than traditional. On the other hand, some offshore online casinos in BC go the extra mile and offer e-wallets and even crypto services, allowing you to deposit and withdraw with Bitcoin or Ethereum.

Who Can Legally Play Online Casino Games?

The legal gambling age in British Columbia is 19. There are no other limits as to who can play games in BC and it’s just about the same across Canada, although the age at which you can start gambling differs in some provinces.

Will New Casinos Licensed by The Gaming Policy And Enforcement Branch Join the Market?

BC iGaming Authority solely focuses on the gambling market in BC and we have not witnessed any public intentions of expanding the market to include international operators. Nonetheless, we do hope we’ll see more licences issued in the near future as it would bring about healthy competition with players as the winners.

Best British Columbia Online Casinos - Our Selection

It’s only natural you are looking to sign up at a BC casino based on your preferences, which is what we had in mind when compiling our best of lists. Below, you can find the top online casinos in BC based on specific features, which should help you in such a search.

A 5-Star review icon and a happy person about our rating and reviews of the best BC casinos

How We Rate And Review The Best BC Casinos

We’ve listed some of the best options and rated them in separate categories too. Below, we highlight some of the factors we take into consideration when making such lists and reviewing the best gambling sites in British Columbia.

Licensing

Every online casino review in BC considers licensing first and foremost, as it is one of the crucial factors in gambling. Playing at an unlicensed website could put you at higher risks so we do not recommend unlicensed gambling brands, as we prioritize this factor. All offshore casinos must hold licences from official regulatory bodies governing gambling in their respective regions to be included to ensure player safety.

Safety Measures

All gambling platforms should have good safety measures to protect players against potential online risks. In addition, casino sites need to feature the latest SSL encryption technologies and other new security systems like two-factor authentication. We hope to ensure player protection and secure transactions.

Fairness of Gaming Sessions

Every online casino in Canada should feature only fair games. Players can usually trust games from major software providers while testing agencies also verify the fairness with regular audits. This minimizes any chance of a casino cheating on a player, together with a valid licence the company in question holds.

Game Lobby

The game lobby of a casino determines how many options a player has in terms of game selection. In addition, a diverse game lobby means more fun for the players, which is a crucial factor influencing our brand ranking as we believe online gambling in British Columbia should be all about fun. .

Availability Of Free Games

Playing on platforms with a huge selection of free games is always more entertaining. This way, players can test out some titles without real money deposits. On some casino sites, these free games come as demos in slots. They allow players to understand the concept of games before real sessions. The no deposit free spins in BC also give punters extra gaming time and the opportunity to play for free.

Mobile Compatibility

Mobile compatibility is a crucial factor that we also consider when rating gambling brands online. Top-level casino sites should offer compatibility and support for mobile devices and desktop PCs. This way, we ensure the platform is accessible and enjoyable for all players regardless of their preferences.

Payment Services

Not all payment options work in British Columbia, so BC casinos with a variety of payment methods are better, providing acceptable payment methods for more players that are gambling in British Columbia.This means covering most traditional methods but also including e-wallets, prepaid cards, and even crypto payments.

Withdrawal Speed

As far as web-based gaming is concerned, payout speed is one of the most important factors. Players want to be able to get to their money both quickly and safely, which makes it key in our reviews. For a BC casino to be ranked top-tier, we feel at least several very fast withdrawal options must be available.

Reliability Of Customer Support

An online casino review in BC would be incomplete without inspecting the companies' customer support. Every gambling platform should have an active customer support team, as players are bound to encounter complications at some point regardless of the quality of the platform. We look for 24/7 availability via email, phone, live chat, and other channels.

Tips For Finding Great Canadian Casinos

Online gambling in BC can be tricky sometimes, so beginners may get confused when finding a perfect casino. Here are quick tips you can use as boxes to be ticked when looking for the best offers out there:

A surprise gift box with a lot of cash and casino bonuses

Popular British Columbia Online Casino Bonuses

There are a handful of casino bonuses in British Columbia. We offer more details on some of these below, with all common bonuses you can grab covered.

Welcome Bonus

The welcome bonus offer is the most popular incentive on gaming websites worldwide. As the name implies, this is a bonus offer that new players receive when they sign up for an account. This could be in the form of a match deposit bonus, no deposit bonus, free spins, or even no deposit free spins in BC. A typical example is the $750 + 200 free spins deposit offer that PowBet gives new users on the site.

No Deposit Bonuses

No deposit bonuses do not require any real money deposits for activation. Instead, you become eligible for the offer upon signing up on the platform. This offer can be in the form of free bets, bonus credits or free spins. An example is the $25 no-deposit bonus you get by registering at Dreamz Casino.

Reload Bonuses

Unlike the welcome bonus, reload bonuses are for existing players who already play at a particular BC casino. These bonuses are often granted as a reward for loyalty and are pointed to keep users coming back for more, where players can get a 50% match on deposits of up to $50 on certain days, for example.

No Deposit Free Spins in BC

The British Columbia free spins no deposit offer is one of the most popular rewards in the province. Free spins often come in welcome and reload packages but no-deposit options are fewer. You gain free access to check the casino as well as winning potential with free spins. This bonus allows you to play the slots offered without fear of losing money.

Referral Programs

New BC casinos often feature referral programs to attract new users. Most casinos use this system to allow players to earn bonus money by referring others. Cafe Casino offers $100 per referral, for example. In some casinos, players also gain the chance to increase their VIP level by referring friends.

Loyalty Bonus

Online casinos give loyalty bonuses to users who actively use their services and this offer is more of an appreciation gift. However, it can get significant with higher levels in such schemes, where an example is the 100% match bonus of up to $600 that Bodog offers to VIPs.

Cashback Bonuses

The best BC online casinos offer cashback as an additional perk too. With a cashback bonus, players receive a certain percentage of their losses back over a particular time. Though low rollers can also enjoy this offer, it is more lucrative for high rollers. Fortune Jack Casino offers one of the most popular cashback bonuses to BC players, refunding 15% of the monthly losses in bonus credits.

Mobile Bonuses

Canadian mobile casino bonuses allow you to bag bonuses on the go or claim exclusive offers for trying out new mobile casino apps. A typical example is the Playzee app, which currently offers a whopping $1,500 + 150 free spins as a mobile bonus.

Exclusive Bonuses

As the name implies, an exclusive bonus is a personalized reward that is not common to other players on the same platform. These are most often seen as free spins on your birthday but can extend to more significant bonuses for high-rollers at certain BC casinos as well.

Critical Bonus Terms And Conditions To Keep In Mind

Before claiming any bonus offer online, you must first understand the terms and conditions attached. Here are some terms you need to understand when gambling online and pay close attention to when looking at casino bonuses.

A casino model of players are playing different games for best casino games in BC

Best Casino Games For British Columbia Players

Every online casino in Canada features a rather long list of games. One major advantage of gambling online is the ability to select from the variety of options available. Let us explore some of the most popular titles among British Columbia players below.

Game Type Online Slots 9 Masks of Fire Hyper Spins at Casumo Book of Dead at BitStarz Thor: Trials Of Asgard at PlayOjo Wheel of Wishes at Spin Casino Video Poker Bonus Deuces Wild at Bodog Joker Poker 100 hands at PokerStars Classic Table Games 21 Burn Blackjack at PowBet 3D Baccarat at Ruby Fortune Poker Red Dog at PlayOjo Caribbean Stud Poker at Wazamba Jackpot Games Mega Moolah at JackpotCity Reel King Mega Jackpot at PlayOjo Live Casino Texas Hold'em at JackpotCity Live Infinite Blackjack at Bodog Instant-Win Games Diamond Fortunes at Vegas Slots Dragon Hatch at Bitcasino.io

Logos of the best BC casino software providers

Most Popular BC Online Casino Software

Best Slot Games At New Online Casinos in BC

Slots are the most regular casino-based games on web platforms. Thus, there is a wide selection of games available. We will now offer some of the top picks in different categories, including RTP, jackpots, megaways, and more.

Game Type Best High RTP Slots Mega Joker by NetEnt (RTP: 99%) Ugga Bugga by Playtech (RTP: 99.07%) Blood Suckers by NetEnt (RTP: 98%) Best Low Volatility Slots Jackpot Giant by Playtech Guns N' Roses by NetEnt Blood Suckers 2 by NetEnt Best High Volatility Slots Extra Chilli by Big Time Gaming Dead Or Alive by NetEnt Razor Shark by Push Gaming Best Jackpot Slots Divine Fortune Jackpot by NetEnt Mega Moolah Jackpot by Microgaming Reel King Mega by Red Tiger Best Slots Inspired By Canada Untamed Wolf Pack by Microgaming Breakaway Deluxe by Microgaming Wild Gambler 2: Arctic Adventure by Playtech Best Cluster Pay Slots Sweet Bonanza by Pragmatic Play Shangri La Slot by NetEnt Mahjong 88 by Play'n GO Best Megaways Slots Vikings Unleashed by Blueprint Games Millionaire Megaways by Big Time Gaming The Dog House Megaways by Pragmatic Play Best Branded Slots Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? by Ash Gaming Justice League by NextGen Jumanji by NetEnt

Best British Columbia Online Casinos With Great Slots Gaming Lobbies

The best BC online casinos feature extensive slot lobbies as well as great variety among the games offered. While there are many to choose from, we’ve highlighted the best of them below with their numbers and licensing information.

Mobile Play For British Columbia Players

There are three forms of casino apps available, including native, web, and hybrid options. BC Casinos use these app forms to develop both downloadable and instant play platforms. With downloadable casinos, users must download a dedicated app to play on mobiles. At the same time, instant play platforms allow you to play with no download but often lack some features apps would have. Gambling on the go has never been easier!

Best Mobile Casino Apps

How To Start Playing On The Go?

We’ve covered a lot you need to be wary of when gambling online in British Columbia. Are you ready to begin your mobile gaming adventures? This step-by-step guide will be of good use if you are a first-timer and want to boost your experience early on.

  1. Select your preferred mobile casino app
  2. Download it either from the official website or the app store
  3. Register an account and log in
  4. Verify your account with the documents required
  5. Head to the deposit page and fund your account
  6. Claim any bonus offers if you wish
  7. Open the game lobby or search for specific titles seen above
  8. Enjoy and you’re ready to start playing on the go
A search, cart and infographic with a credit card on a mobile phone for the casino banking options in BC

Casino Banking Options For British Columbia Players

Gambling sites in British Columbia generally feature five major banking options. These cover most of the ground when it comes to funding your account, making it rather easy for players nowadays. The best ways to deposit and withdraw at BC online casinos include:

Deposit Options You Should Use

There are certainly many deposit options available on most of the betting websites we’ve listed above. These differ in limits but also processing times when it comes to withdrawals later on. Reliable options we would always recommend are listed below.

Deposit limits depend on the casino in use, but most casinos accept minimum deposits of $10 and $20 while maximum deposits range from $1,000 to $5,000+.

How To Sign Up And Start Playing At British Columbia Online Casinos

  1. Choose your preferred brand from our list
  2. Sign up with your email or phone and verify your account
  3. Deposit (and opt in if needed) to receive welcome bonuses if available
  4. Choose one of the fan-favourite games
  5. Play and have fun

As part of the KYC policies in casinos today, you may have to provide valid ID proof either during registration or when requesting your first withdrawal. The system enables these online casinos to verify identities, which is part of the Anti-Money Laundering system.

British Columbia Land-Based Casinos

British Columbia is home to 17+ land-based casinos, making it one of the provinces with the most gambling venues active. Most BC casinos in and around Vancouver are known to be homes of gambling in British Columbia, Canada. Here is a quick review of some land-based venues you can find in BC:

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

Responsible Gambling At British Columbia Online Casinos

Any online casino in Canada can easily draw players' attention with huge promotional offers. As a result, gambling can be quite overwhelming and difficult to resist on occasion. Thus, regulatory bodies encourage responsible gambling tools to ensure safe gambling and help players with issues. These tools are important, as they help fight gambling addiction and problem gambling in general.

Here are some of the responsible gambling organizations and tools in British Columbia. You can find our full overview of resources available to players on our RG page.

All the above feature helplines as well as tools that help players regulate their gambling habits if sessions become overwhelming and out of control.

Pros And Cons Of British Columbia Casinos

British Columbia players have plenty of choice when it comes to online casinos. Numerous reputable operators offer their services to British Columbians, who can enjoy generous bonuses and promotions, as well as the hottest casino games currently available on the market. However, as with everything else, there are some advantages and disadvantages you can look at below.

Pros

Cons

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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