Gambling in B.C.

Buying lottery tickets, playing casino games, online gambling, and betting on horse races are just a few of the types of gambling that adults can choose from in B.C. Learn more about the gambling industry, responsible gambling and player safety, and how revenue supports people and communities in B.C.

On this page

• What is gambling?
• Ways to play and where to play
• How gambling helps B.C. communities
• How gambling is regulated in B.C.

What is gambling?

Gambling means playing games where you bet money in hopes of winning more money. These games are based on chance, like lotteries, slot machines, poker, and sports betting.

In B.C., gambling is legal only when it's run by the provincial government. The BC Lottery Corporation (BCLC) manages all commercial gambling, including casinos and online gambling, for the B.C. government.

charitable gambling, like 50/50 draws or raffles, is licensed by the Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch (GPEB). GPEB also makes sure gambling is fair and safe in B.C.

Visit Gambling laws, standards, policies and reports to learn more about how gambling is regulated.

How and where you can gamble in B.C.

You must be 19 years or older to gamble in B.C. This includes casinos, lottery tickets, online gambling, and charitable events. People under 19 are not allowed to enter gambling venues or take part in any gambling.

You can gamble in B.C. in different ways, including:

• Casinos – play games like poker, blackjack, roulette, and slot machines
• Bingo halls – play bingo for prizes
• Lottery tickets – buy tickets at stores or online
• Online gambling – PlayNow.com is the only legal online gambling site in B.C.
• Licensed charitable events – like 50/50 draws or raffles
• Horse racing – watch and bet at one racetrack or teletheatres across the province

To find places to gamble near you, visit the Gambling locations page.

How gambling helps B.C. communities

Gambling in B.C. does more than offer entertainment—it helps fund important services and supports local communities.

Supporting public services

Money from gambling goes toward key services like:

• Health care
• Education
• Public safety
• Social programs

This revenue helps the provincial government deliver services that benefit everyone in B.C.

Funding community organizations

Each year, the Community Gaming Grants program gives grants to thousands of non-profit organizations across the province. These grants help fund programs in:

• Arts and culture
• Sports for youth and people with disabilities
• Environmental initiatives
• Public safety
• Human and social services
• Parent advisory councils (PACs) and district parent advisory councils (DPACs)​

Applications are open at different times depending on the type of program.To learn more or apply, visit the Community Gaming Grants page.

Sharing revenue with local governments

Cities and towns that host casinos or community gaming centres receive a percentage of the revenue. This money helps fund local projects, such as parks, recreation facilities, and infrastructure improvements.

Sharing revenue with First Nations

First Nations in B.C. receive a percentage of gaming revenue through the BC First Nations Gaming Revenue Sharing Limited Partnership.

Supporting horse racing

The B.C. government also supports the horse racing industry by sharing a portion of slot machine profits from casinos located at racetracks. This funding helps maintain racetrack operations and supports jobs in the industry.

How gambling is regulated in B.C.

The Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch (GPEB) regulates all gambling in British Columbia. We make sure casinos, lotteries, bingo halls, and other gambling places follow the rules. This includes carefully monitoring the people and equipment involved in the gambling industry and investigating any problems or reports of wrongdoing.

Who and what GPEB regulates

• British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC)
  BCLC runs lotteries, casinos, and large bingo halls

• Other gambling providers
  All businesses and staff involved in gambling, such as betting websites or people working in casinos

• Horse racing industry
  GPEB also monitors betting on horse races

• Licensed gambling events
  These are special, permitted events like charitable poker nights

Learn more:

• Key Regulatory Responsibilities of GPEB and their Application to BCLC (PDF)
• Roles and Responsibilities of Participants in British Columbia's Gaming Industry (PDF)