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?
• How gambling is regulated in B.C.
• About money laundering in B.C.
• Gambling support services
• How gambling helps B.C. communities

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 only legal when licensed. 

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 online or at teletheatres across the province

How gambling is regulated in B.C.

The Independent Gambling Control Office (IGCO) regulates all gambling in British Columbia. The IGCO makes sure casinos, lotteries, bingo halls, and charitable gambling events follow the rules. This includes carefully monitoring the people and equipment involved in the gambling industry and investigating any problems or reports of wrongdoing.

Learn more by visit the Independent Gambling Control Office website.

About money laundering in B.C.

What is money laundering

Money laundering is a process that is used to hide the source of money or assets obtained through criminal activity (e.g., drug trafficking, smuggling, fraud) to make the money appear legitimate. There are many ways to launder money; some of them are very complicated and methods are constantly changing to avoid detection.

Money laundering compromises the integrity of legitimate businesses and financial systems, which are often unaware they are being used to launder money.

Money laundering in B.C. casinos

In response to concerns that B.C. casinos were being used to launder the proceeds of crime, in September 2017 the B.C. government appointed Dr. Peter German to conduct an independent review of B.C.’s anti-money laundering policies and practices in the gambling industry, with a focus on the Lower Mainland casinos. Dr. German included 48 recommendations in his final report, Dirty Money: An Independent Review of Money Laundering in Lower Mainland Casinos, and government accepted all recommendations in principle.

Government actions to address money laundering in B.C. gambling facilities

Government is working closely with law enforcement, the BC Lottery Corporation (BCLC) and gaming services providers to strengthen anti-money laundering practices in B.C.’s gambling industry, including:

• Requiring a source of funds declaration for buy-ins of $10,000 or more within a 24-hour period
• Increasing the presence of government regulators at Lower Mainland casinos during peak hours
• Modernizing the provincial Gaming Control Act, which came into force on April 13, 2026, establishing an updated regulatory framework and new regulations for the gambling industry to prevent illegal activities, such as money laundering and fraud.
• Transitioning the former Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch (GPEB) to the Independent Gambling Control Office (IGCO).
• Improving cross-organizational collaboration between the IGCO, casinos, BCLC and police of jurisdiction

Government is committed to disrupting illicit behaviour within B.C. and keeping dirty money out of gambling facilities. Government is continuing its work to identify money laundering activities in casinos, and establish policies and practices that deter the proceeds of crime from being used to gamble in B.C.

Money laundering in other sectors

In an effort to get a better understanding of the breadth and depth of money laundering in the province, the provincial government has commissioned three independent reports since September 2017.

Dirty Money Part 1 (2018) looked at money laundering in B.C.’s Lower Mainland casinos and Dirty Money Part 2 (2019) reviewed money laundering within the real estate, horse racing and luxury vehicle sectors. The third report, Combatting Money Laundering in B.C. Real Estate, looked at gaps in compliance and enforcement of existing laws, consumer protection, financial services regulations, regulation of real estate professionals and jurisdictional gaps between B.C. and the federal government.

Government also established a public inquiry to look at the full scope of money laundering in the province, including real estate, gambling, financial institutions and the corporate and professional sectors, the Commission of Inquiry into Money Laundering in British Columbia (the Cullen Commission).

Building on the work done to date, the Anti-Money Laundering Secretariat (AMLS), along with a multi-ministry working group, and private and public sector partners, has developed a provincial anti-money laundering strategy. This strategy provides a framework to guide and support anti-money laundering efforts of government, regulators and non-regulators in all sectors. It incorporates and builds upon the findings of the Cullen Commission.

The B.C. government is striving to be the toughest jurisdiction in which to launder money. Working in partnership with our partners in the federal government, law enforcement, regulators and non-regulators, the goal is to reduce money laundering in B.C. to the greatest extent possible for the safety and security of British Columbians and the protection and integrity of our economy.

Gambling support services

Gambling should be fun and safe for everyone. If you or someone you love needs help, visit Gambling Support BC. It's free for all people in B.C.

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

Municipalities and First Nations that host casinos receive a percentage of the casino’s revenue. This money helps fund local services, such as policing, transportation, recreation, and infrastructure improvements.

For information on the process of becoming a host local government for a gaming facility, please visit the British Columbia Lottery Corporation website.

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.