Play Now Reviewed: What to Expect from Play Now Online Casino?

Last Updated: June 13, 2024 Overall Rating: 4.5/5

PlayNow Online Casino operates under the British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC), and offers a legal and secure online gambling experience to players in British Columbia. It's notable for being the province's only licensed iGaming site, providing a mix of casino gaming and sports betting options on both desktop and mobile platforms. With games developed by industry leaders such as IGT and Bally, PlayNow caters to a wide range of gaming preferences, from slots and table games to poker and bingo. Despite its solid offerings, PlayNow competes in a market with global online casinos, continually striving to enhance its services and gaming selection to meet the diverse needs of Canadian players.

Playnow Casino website Playnow Casino website
Pros and Cons for Playnow Casino:
  • Exclusive legal platform in British Columbia
  • Diverse games from leading developers
  • Comprehensive sportsbook with varied bet types
  • Tailored customer support for regional players
  • Optimized for a broad mobile compatibility
  • Bonuses less competitive than global casinos
  • Smaller game selection than offshore sites
  • Limited and slower banking methods
  • Withdrawals can be slow with fewer options
Rating Summary: Games and Software Rating: 0/5 Usability & Compatibility Rating: -/5 Banking Rating: 0/5 Fair Play and Safety Rating: 0/5 Responsibility Rating: -/5 Customer Support Rating: 0/5
Casino Info: Available in BC Yes Since: 2013 Live Chat: Yes Payout Speed: Live Dealers: No Ongoing Promotions: Yes
A mobile phone with a PlayNow logo on it

PlayNow Casino Quick Analysis

Date of Establishment 2004 Ownership British Columbia Lottery Corporation Licensing The Gaming and Enforcement Branch (GPEB) Software Developers IGT, NextGen, NetEnt, Microgaming, Novomatic and more Gaming Categories Casino (Slots, Keno, Lottery, Poker, Bingo, Live casino) and Sportsbook Sports Coverage Yes Bonus and Promotions Welcome Offers, Lottery Promos, Casino Promos, Poker Promos, Sports Betting Promos, Bet-Back Bonus Safety Measures Secure Firewalls, SSL Encryption, Login Protection, Use of Cookies Payment Options AM Express, Mastercard, Visa, Interac Online, PayPal, WebCash, Online Bill Payment Customer Support Working Hours 24/7 Contact Options Email, Live Chat, and Phone Number Average Withdrawals 1 to 3 Business Days Most Popular Payment Options Mastercard, Visa, Interac Online, and PayPal

PlayNow Key Features

Few mobile phones with different bonuses promotions news at PlayNow

PlayNow Bonuses and Promotions

PlayNow rolls out a variety of bonuses and promotions aimed at casino players and sports bettors. These deals highlight PlayNow's focus on giving back to its users, keeping things exciting for both new and regular players.

Casino Promotions

Upon successful registration and the Playnow login process, players are greeted with a welcome bonus specifically designed for the casino segment.

The offer includes:

Sports Betting Promotions at Playnow BCLC

The sportsbook section of PlayNow boasts a variety of promotions tailored to enhance the betting experience:

Poker and Bingo Promotions

For poker players, PlayNow offers:

Bingo promotions include:

Unique Promotions and Challenges

Welcome Offers for New Users

New players at PlayNow can take advantage of several welcome offers, including:

Personalized Promotions

PlayNow differentiates itself by offering personalized promo codes and promotions tailored to the individual preferences of each player. This approach ensures that promotions are more relevant and engaging, enhancing the overall user experience.

Competitor Comparison

This BC Casino has low casino welcome bonuses. When you think about casinos like Jackpot City that give 100% up to 1600 CAD as a welcome offer or no deposit bonus casinos like Zodiac Casino, you realize that Play Now is lacking in this area. The casino only appears great in isolation or when compared to average-ranked offshore sites.

Bonus Rating 3/5

The casino's bonus offers are less competitive when compared to industry leaders and require a substantial playthrough on casino games to redeem, making it less appealing for those seeking more immediate value. To add to that, the casino does not offer any no-deposit bonuses. In sports betting, the inclusion of free bets and odds boosts adds some appeal, but the overall promotional value still trails behind larger competitors. Based on our hands-on experience and comprehensive analysis, we rate PlayNow's bonuses and promotions at 3.0 out of 5, recognizing the effort in personalization and segment-specific promotions but highlighting the need for more competitive offers.

PlayNow Casino Game Selection

PlayNow Casino, backed by the British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC), offers a diverse selection of games catering to various preferences. This selection is enriched by its collaboration with renowned developers like IGT and Bally, presenting an appealing alternative to the usual offerings from NetEnt and Microgaming found at many online casinos in BC.

Slot Game Developers at PlayNow Casino

PlayNow Casino partners with several leading game developers to offer a diverse and high-quality slot game selection. Each developer brings it's unique style and innovative features to the games, enhancing the overall gaming experience.

Comparison to Competitors:

PlayNow BC impresses our review team with its games and offers. However, being a government-run iGaming site, it falls short in certain departments compared to the best offshore operators like Jackpot City, 888 Casino, Slotimo, and Bet 365, among others. For one, the Play Now casino has a less robust gaming catalog than the top offshore sites.

Casino Game Selection Rating 3.5/5

In evaluating PlayNow Casino's game selection, we noted its wide range of offerings, including slots, table games, poker, bingo, keno, and scratch cards. The collaboration with renowned developers like IGT, Bally, and Big Time Gaming introduces a blend of classic and unique games, with exclusive slots. While the casino's portfolio is slightly narrower compared to global leaders, PlayNow's strengths lie in its tailored game selection and special events. This approach positions PlayNow as a somewhat competitive choice within the BC market, meriting a Casino Game Selection Rating of 3.5/5

PlayNow Sportsbook Overview

PlayNow is recognized as the sole online sportsbook available in British Columbia, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan. It has seen notable enhancements over the years, broadening its appeal with the addition of various sports, including Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). This sportsbook facilitates a variety of bet types such as single bets, parlays, teasers, and systems across well-followed sports leagues like the NHL, NBA, NFL, NCAA, and the CFL.

Sports Coverage

The sportsbook's coverage is extensive, offering betting opportunities on more than 20 sports. This includes a rich selection of markets in popular Canadian and international sports, making it a competitive player among the best sports betting sites in Canada.

Live Betting Experience

Live sports betting is a key feature of PlayNow, enhancing the BC gambling experience by allowing bets to be placed in real time. This segment is well-developed, providing easy navigation with live events prominently displayed. Bettors can engage with a variety of markets across Canada, Europe, and the US, complemented by real-time stats and virtual displays.

Two Esports gaming consoles at PlayNow BC

eSports Betting

PlayNow has adapted to the rising trend of eSports within the BC sports betting community by offering an impressive array of eSports betting options. The platform's live betting capabilities extend to eSports, offering an experience that competes with, and sometimes exceeds, those offered by offshore bookmakers in BC.

Betting Markets and Tools

The sportsbook supports a number of betting markets and tools, including:

Sportsbook Rating 4/5

After testing PlayNow Sportsbook ourselves, we found its sports coverage, betting market variety, and features like live betting and early cash out really stand out. It's clear they've tailored their service for Canadian players, especially those in British Columbia, providing a solid and varied betting experience. Based on what we've seen, we're giving PlayNow Sportsbook a solid 4 out of 5 rating. Our hands-on experience showed us they offer a dependable platform that meets the needs of sports betting fans looking for diversity and functionality in their betting choices.

A mobile phone with PlayNow games page

How to Sign Up at PlayNow

Signing up at PlayNow Canada involves a straightforward process designed to quickly introduce players to the world of online gambling.

Here's a step-by-step guide to creating your account, from your initial visit to making your first deposit and beginning to play.

Additional Information

By following these steps, players can quickly and securely set up their PlayNow account, making it simple to start enjoying the diverse range of online gambling options available. Whether you're interested in casino games, sports betting, or lottery tickets, PlayNow offers a comprehensive and regulated platform for Canadian players.

PlayNow User Interface

PlayNow's interface is noted for its direct and functional approach, showcasing a strong dedication to designs that focus on the user, merging straightforward aesthetics with operational effectiveness to meet online gamblers' requirements.

Design: High-Contrast Visuals and Layout

PlayNow adopts a high-contrast visual theme coupled with a clutter-free layout, aiming to simplify navigation and information retrieval. This approach ensures that options and tabs are easily visible and this enables users to quickly find games or betting markets. While the simplicity of the website's design is intended to appeal to users looking for a straightforward experience, it may not satisfy preferences for more complex designs.

Navigation: Intuitive Website Layout

Our team found the website structure to be exceptionally intuitive, facilitating easy navigation for users across a wide spectrum of experience levels with online gambling platforms. We explored the site's various offerings, from sports betting to lotteries and casino gaming, and were impressed by the platform's versatility and its ability to cater to a diverse audience..

Comparative Advantage: Ease of Use vs. Quality and Functionality

This is one of the few departments where the PlayNow Casino holds its own against top-rated offshore sites. PlayNow differentiates itself with a user interface that emphasizes ease of use without sacrificing quality or functionality. This strategic balance provides a distinct comparative advantage, positioning PlayNow as the go-to platform for users in search of an efficient and straightforward experience in online gambling in BC.

User Interface and Design Rating 4.5/5

After our team's comprehensive testing and evaluation of the PlayNow platform, we've given it a rating of 4.5 out of 5 for its user interface and design. This rating reflects our appreciation for the platform's high-contrast visuals and uncluttered layout, which significantly facilitated our navigation and access to various gambling options. The intuitive design and recent enhancements impressed us, underscoring PlayNow's dedication to user satisfaction and engagement. Although the simplicity of the design might not meet every preference, it effectively balances functionality with aesthetic appeal

A person is playing games at PlayNow with mobile devices

PlayNow Mobile Compatibility

PlayNow's mobile casino stands out for its significant role in the online gambling industry, providing Canadian players seamless access to its services without the need for downloads, directly through smartphones and tablets.

Compatibility and Accessibility

The platform is compatible with a wide range of devices including iOS, Android, and Blackberry. It operates smoothly across various devices thanks to its HTML5 technology.

These include:

Mobile Gaming Experience

The mobile version of PlayNow mirrors the desktop experience, offering optimized mobile gaming. However, it's important to note the limited game selection on mobile, primarily slots and some table games, reflecting a common challenge in mobile casino offerings.

Features and Performance

Testing on iOS and Android devices showed PlayNow's mobile site to be highly responsive, with fast loading times and retaining all desktop version features. The platform allows for straightforward account management, deposits, withdrawals, and gameplay, all facilitated by HTML5 technology, eliminating the need for any downloads and clearly indicating which games are mobile-friendly.

Mobile Casino and App Insights

PlayNow offers mobile site access and has launched a poker app, yet does not provide a full casino app covering all slots and games. Our team encountered stability issues with the PlayNow poker app, aligning with recent user feedback which pointed out stability and customer support issues

Mobile Gaming Limitations

While PlayNow offers excellent mobile access for sports betting and lottery ticket purchases, the variety of casino games available on mobile is limited. The poker app's restrictions further narrow the scope for users seeking a diverse mobile casino gaming experience.

Mobile Compatibility Rating 4/5

Our evaluation of PlayNow's mobile platform results in a rating of 4 out of 5 for mobile compatibility. The site's broad device compatibility and the ease of access it provides stands out as a significant strength. However, we also recognize the necessity for PlayNow to enhance its app offerings and diversify its game selection to better meet the expectations of Canadian mobile casino players.

Safety and Fair Play at PlayNow Casino

PlayNow Casino operates in British Columbia, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan under the regulation of the British Columbia Lottery Commission (BCLC), which ensures a secure and fair gaming environment. This regulation is augmented by partnerships with Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries (MBLL) and the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority (SIGA), reinforcing PlayNow's compliance with strict legal and regulatory standards.

Regulatory Compliance

The Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch (GPEB) provides oversight, ensuring PlayNow's operations align with principles of fairness, integrity, and social responsibility. This oversight is a testament to the platform's adherence to high regulatory standards across the provinces it operates in.

Safety Measures

PlayNow has implemented multiple safety measures to protect its users and ensure a secure online gambling experience:

Guarantee of Fairness

A pivotal aspect of PlayNow's operation is its commitment to fairness, underscored by several initiatives:

PlayNow Casino's framework of regulatory compliance, advanced safety measures, and a steadfast commitment to fairness places it at the forefront of secure and equitable online gambling platforms in Canada. This structure not only protects players but also instills confidence in the fairness and integrity of the gaming experience offered.

Fairness and Security Rating 4.5/5

Our comprehensive review of PlayNow Casino's safety and fair play protocols shows a firm commitment to BCLC regulatory standards and its eCOGRA certification demonstrates a strong commitment to a strict security infrastructure. The use of SSL encryption and secure firewalls reassures us of its dedication to player security. Based on our findings, we assign PlayNow Casino a rating of 4.5 out of 5. This rating reflects our trust in their ability to maintain high standards in safety, fairness, and overall operational integrity, affirming PlayNow's reputation as a trustworthy option for online gambling in Canada.

Few credit cards on a cell phone for Banking options at PlayNow

PlayNow Banking Methods

PlayNow's banking services offer a limited array of payment options, focusing on security and reliability. While the inclusion of a wider range of payment methods, such as e-wallets, debit/credit cards, prepaid cards, and cryptocurrencies, would improve user experience by providing more accessibility and convenience, the available options are designed to facilitate secure and efficient transactions for all users.

Deposit Options

PlayNow's banking system supports a variety of payment methods, specifically aimed at Canadian players. It allows for instant and fee-free transactions in CAD for depositing funds into players' accounts. The platform's inclusivity of payment methods, such as:

The minimum deposit set at C$5 is notably accommodating, enabling players to start with low amounts.

Withdrawal Options

Withdrawal options at PlayNow, while secure, are fewer compared to deposit methods. The site processes withdrawals within three business days, with no limit imposed on the withdrawal amount, a notable feature for high-stake players. The absence of transaction fees by PlayNow, although players should check for potential fees from their payment service providers, is a significant advantage.

Detailed Transaction Process

Making a Deposit:

Deposits are generally instant; however, any delay beyond 30 minutes should be reported to customer support.

Initiating a Withdrawal:

The withdrawal process emphasizes security and compliance, with PlayNow's internal processing timeframe set at three business days. Following approval, the time it takes for funds to reach the player's account varies by the selected banking method, often within five days.

Competitor Comparison

PlayNow offers a variety of banking options for deposits, including credit/debit cards, bank transfers, e-wallets, and local Canadian services like MuchBetter. This mix provides users with both traditional and modern ways to manage their funds. However, the absence of widely used e-wallets such as Neteller and Skrill, typically available at international online casinos, is noticeable and largely due to Canadian regulatory frameworks. Over time, PlayNow has expanded its payment methods but still falls short of the variety seen at leading offshore casinos like 888 Casino and Ruby Fortune. Currently, PlayNow accepts American Express, Visa, Mastercard, Interac, PayPal, WebCash, and Online Bill Payment for both withdrawals and deposits, indicating a concerted effort to accommodate various user preferences despite the limitations.

Banking Rating: 3.0/5

After taking a close look at PlayNow's banking setup, we've given it a 3 out of 5 rating. The platform has some strong points like a good range of deposit options, including PayPal and American Express, which is pretty unique in Canada. However, when it comes to withdrawals, things could be better. There are not enough options, and it's slower than what you'd find at other top casinos in BC, with some withdrawals taking up to 3 days. So, while PlayNow does have its perks, especially with some of the payment methods it offers, there's definitely room for them to beef up their banking services.

PlayNow Customer Support

PlayNow Casino provides several contact methods for customer support, each with its specific operational times and capabilities. This analysis aims to offer an in-depth look at the effectiveness and responsiveness of their support services.

Contact Methods

Filing a Complaint Form

PlayNow Casino offers a streamlined process for handling complaints, guiding players to use an online form on their website for initial concerns. Responses are guaranteed within ten business days, ensuring swift communication. If issues persist post-response, players can escalate matters to the Information and Privacy Commissioner for British Columbia or a third-party dispute resolution provider, accessible through PlayNow's website. This approach highlights PlayNow's commitment to efficient and transparent resolution practices.

FAQs Section

PlayNow Casino's website features a detailed FAQ section, designed to efficiently address a wide range of player inquiries without the need for direct contact with customer support. This section is neatly organized into three main categories:

Customer Support Rating 4.5/5

In our detailed review of PlayNow Casino's customer support, we tested every available channel, including bot-assisted live chat, phone support, and email forms. Each channel was responsive and provided helpful assistance. Notably, the around-the-clock support for poker players and the detailed FAQ section highlighted PlayNow's commitment to customer service. Despite these positives, we believe extending live chat and phone support hours for all players would enhance service quality. Consequently, we rate PlayNow's customer support at 4.5 out of 5, recognizing its strengths but also identifying areas for improvement, particularly the need for additional language options like French to accommodate all Canadian players more inclusively.

Responsible Gambling at PlayNow

Gambling is a fun activity with certain risks. Addiction, anxiety, stress, and depression are some of the negative impacts that can arise from uncontrolled gambling. Thankfully, the Play Now casino is dedicated to reducing these risks through improved safeguards and responsible gambling tools like:

GameSense

While there are a handful of responsible gaming tools available, what we are most impressed about is the GameSense program. This practical tool enhances a controlled gambling atmosphere and regulated gaming behavior. It has pop-up reminders of money and time spent, play breaks, problem gambling referral information, and self-exclusion. Moreover, program advisors can be contacted anytime through live chat for a controlled and safe gambling experience.

Responsible Gambling Rating 4/5

PlayNow demonstrates a significant commitment to responsible gambling, evidenced by its strategic implementation of various protective measures. These features are specifically designed to encourage a responsible gaming environment, offering players tools to manage their gambling behavior proactively. In light of the effectiveness and user-friendliness of these measures, PlayNow's dedication to promoting safe and conscious gambling practices earns a rating of 4.5 out of 5 from us.

About PlayNow

PlayNow, established by the British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC) in 2004, represents the province's approach to offering online gambling services. This platform is distinguished as the first North American online casino initiative led by a provincial government, specifically catering to British Columbia and Manitoba residents. As a government-operated entity, PlayNow is deeply integrated with the local community, ensuring that all proceeds from the operation are reinvested into sectors such as education and healthcare, thereby directly benefiting the residents of these provinces.

Operational Insight

Owned and operated by the BCLC, PlayNow's inception was driven by the desire to provide a safe and regulated online gambling environment for Canadian players. Over the years, the website has expanded its offerings, including a historic partnership with Manitoba Lotteries to extend its services to Manitobans, emphasizing the site's role in promoting responsible gambling through tools like GameSense.

PlayNow BC vs. PlayNow Manitoba

The extension of PlayNow into Manitoba marked a significant milestone in legal online gambling in Canada. This move, facilitated through a collaboration between BCLC and Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries, mirrored the successful BC model, offering Manitobans access to a trusted online gambling platform. Both iterations of PlayNow feature GameSense, an innovative tool designed to assist players in making informed decisions, thus promoting a balance between enjoyment and responsibility.

Will the Casino Get Competition Any Time Soon?

With the look of things, and especially considering the regulatory realities in BC, PlayNow Casino will not get any licensed competition soon. The British Columbia Lottery Corporation is the board with the legal power to carry out online gambling operations in the province. The casino is the only operator allowed to operate by the board.

Consequently, GPEB (Gaming Policy & Enforcement Branch) will not issue licenses to new online casinos in BC anytime soon to keep competition away from the provincially regulated operator.

Offshore Alternatives to Play Now in BC

As we have established previously, though the casino has the full backing of the provincial authorities, it is not the best online casino in Canada. Top offshore sites have better offerings than PlayNow in Canada. From better welcome packages to a higher gaming catalog to a better payment department and no deposit-free spins in BC – these casinos are the leading operators in the province. Our experts have put together a list of the best offshore casinos in BC.

Land-Based Alternatives

If you want to take a break from playing online, consider playing at land-based casinos in BC. You'll have a livelier atmosphere in the middle of the action. However, you'll have to get out of your comfort zone, cough up some fuel money or even dress up. Some of the land-based casinos you can visit include:

FAQs

Conclusion: Is the PlayNow Casino Worth Your Attention?

PlayNow is a major player in British Columbia’s online betting sector, providing a safe environment with government backing and a range of games. While it partners with top game developers and offers services tailored for Canadians, it still struggles to match the wider game selection and bigger bonuses found at international casinos. The sportsbook side of PlayNow is strong, but the casino could use more variety and updates to keep up with global standards. There’s a clear need for PlayNow to keep improving its games and user experience. The British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC) needs to step up with significant updates to keep PlayNow competitive in the fast-changing online gambling market.

Review details Reviewer: Meri Zimic Date Reviewed: December 10, 2022 Reviewed Casino: Playnow Casino Editor's Rating: 4.5/5
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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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