Online & Offline Gambling in British Columbia

Gambling is growing by the day. It's estimated that C$100 million is gambled yearly by BC residents online, which is a pretty big part of the C$610 million coming from the country as a whole.

Though the nation has taken a loosely anti-online gambling position, each province has the power to create its own legislation and British Columbia is actually quite progressive. Let's take a look at what the laws say and what they mean for you. On this page, you'll learn:

  • Current legislation regarding offline & online casinos
  • How much BC residents spend on gambling
  • The future of online gambling in British Columbia
Quick Facts
  • British Columbia is home to 36 total Electronic Game Machine (EGM) venues
  • Players can play at more than 9,907 slots at local casinos in the province
  • Total Government-operated casino revenue for 2014-2015 was over C$2 billion
BEST CANADIAN ONLINE CASINOS

Back to the Beginning

Gambling here has its roots all the way back in 2300 B.C, but it's relatively recent beginning dates back to 1497, when John Cabot discovered the Natives who enjoyed playing games of chance. Their games revolved around using pebbles and sticks, but the concepts of gambling were similar to those of modern day games. Older games were attributed to the development of cognitive, spiritual, and physical evolution.

It was Richard III who initially added the dice game ban in the legislation because far too many soldiers back then spent time playing backgammon. Therefore, Richard III thought that the integrity and security of his country was at stake. After the ban was removed and up to current times, gambling has provided Canadians with an exciting way to pass time and enjoy their money.

BC & In Province Gambling

1999 marked a historic landmark decision in the history of Canadian gambling, when the prohibition on dice games was removed by the federal government of Ottawa.

The Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch (GPEB) should be at the center of any discussion about gambling in British Columbia casino online websites. This organization regulates the British Columbia Lottery Corporation, horse racing, casino gambling, and all other forms of gambling in the province. They are also responsible for limiting the effects of problem gambling as it relates to BC casino online gambling.

There is also a government sanctioned British Columbia casino online today! This operation has seen some successful, but other online gambling venues (off shore brands) are still the market leaders by far. The fact, though, that there is a local casino online is evidence that this particular province is open to the idea of online gambling. The Kahnawake Gaming Commission also licences and regulates online casinos from the Mohawk Territory of Kahnawake. Besides just online gambling, BC is home to some fantastic land casinos.

Popular British Columbia Casinos

Billy Barker Casino Hotel

Billy Barker Casino Hotel

A relatively small casino stretching 9,000 square feet, the Billy Barker Casino Hotel still packs a punch as far as gambling is concerned. The casino is open Sunday - Thursday, 10am - 11:30pm, and Friday - Saturday, 10am - 12:30am. Table games start at 4pm Friday - Sunday. Players are welcome to try blackjack, a variety of slot machines, and poker. The electronic roulette tables feature cutting-edge technology that allows you to use touch screen features to place bets, adding a great twist to a classic.

River Rock Casino Resort

River Rock Casino Resort

  • 8811 River Road
    Richmond, BC, V6X 3P8
  • +1-877-473-2818
  • riverrock.com

Known as one of the largest casinos in British Columbia, the River Rock Casino Resort spans over 70,000 square feet and contains plenty of gaming action for Canucks. Open 24 hours a day, the Resort is the first stop for players who love to gamble, whether it be poker, roulette, blackjack, craps, or slots. The casino boasts 1000 slot machines, 78 table games, 20 poker tables, and plenty more casino games. Equipped with five eateries, namely Tramonto, Curve, The Buffet, Lulu’s Lounge, and Food Court, you’ll have no trouble finding quality food & drink here.

View Royal Casino

View Royal Casino

Another terrific casino located in BC, the View Royal has plenty of games to lure players into its 72,000 square foot facility. Operating hours from 10am - 4am daily, the exhilaration of casino games hardly takes a break here. Take your pick from 435 slots machines and 24 table games. You can enjoy Caribbean Stud Poker, blackjack, Fortune Pai Gow, roulette, Sic Bo, and many more. Players are invited to visit View Royal Casino’s Restaurant & Bar to enjoy some fine dining & delicious cocktails after winning some real cash prizes.

Gambling in Popular Cities

Vancouver

Within five minutes from Vancouver International Airport in Richmond is the dazzling River Rock Casino along the Fraser River. Welcoming an average of 10,000 visitors per day, River Rock Casino is the largest casino in British Columbia. With the legal age set at 19, River Rock, which is open 24/7, is packed with young and old gamblers from Vancouver and its neighboring regions. Poker fans will love the seven varieties of the game including Texas Hold ‘Em Bonus Poker, Fortune Pai Gow Poker, and Pot Limit Omaha Poker in the dedicated Poker Room along with video poker terminals. If you love games of chance, you'll be amazed with the 1,100+ slot machines to choose from.

For a downtown boutique casino experience, head to the Edgewater Casino located in the vicinity of BC Place and GM Place. In the 36,500 square foot gaming space, you will find more than 600 slots and 70 table and poker games to have fun with. Become an Encore Rewards card member to get free play, cash gifts, free bonus ballots, and exclusive invitations to special events.

Gamblers will also find other casinos around Vancouver such as the Hard Rock Casino Vancouver and the Grand Villa Casino in Burnaby.

Surrey

Home of the successful professional poker player, Matthew Jarvis, Surrey in British Columbia is a calm, small residential city located adjacent to the metropolitan city of Vancouver. Gamblers in Surrey can enjoy the excitement of big casinos such as Edgewater and River Rock in the vicinity. Apart from that, Surrey has its very own casino called Elements that comes with the excitement of casino gambling together with gaming promotions and world class food at four restaurants.

The 60,000 square feet gaming facility also offers 12 poker tables and 24 table games. Try to get the best hand at Four Card Poker, Ultimate Texas Hold'em, Pai Gow, Fast Action Hold’em, Limit Hold'em, No Limit Hold'em, and Pot Limit Omaha. Popular table games include blackjack, free bet blackjack, EZ baccarat, Squeeze baccarat, and roulette.

Players who want to gamble within the comfort of their home in Surrey can enjoy playing at online casinos that accept Surrey players.

Make a Pit Stop at Top Sites

Top Sites

Even though the province still has a stranglehold on the legal market, the simple fact that they're involved in the BC casino online industry shows that they may become even more flexible in the future. Legal issues aside, there is a lot of variety out there, with only a select few top sites that are totally committed to helping local Canada players find what they're looking for.

The sites that we recommend here are known for accepting Canadian players, the most popular deposit options, and even Canadian Dollars! Since you can sign up for free today, there's nothing stopping you from getting started.

Enjoy BC online casinos today!

FAQ

Just like most of Canada, BC gambling law dictates that only players of or over the age of 19 can set foot in a casino. For players under 19 who really want to experience the lively casino environment, provinces such as Manitoba, Quebec, and Alberta are slightly more relaxed and allow people aged 18 and over to enter real money casinos. The same age restrictions apply to casino online play within each respective Canadian province.
Canadian law states that each province must govern its own casinos and gambling laws, therefore, like in the rest of the country, British Columbia regulates its casinos and general gambling activity. The Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch is in charge or regulation here, while the BC Lottery Corporation manages most gambling facilities.
Residents or visitors in BC are not liable to pay any tax on winnings if gambling isn't their main source of income. As long as you're playing casually and have a full time job elsewhere, you will not be taxed on the amount you win at a casino. However, if gambling is your only profession, your winnings will be taxed according to Canadian law.
Land based casinos are a billion dollar industry in British Columbia, therefore, the opportunity for more institutions to enter the market and establish themselves is available. As more people start enjoying the thrill of gambling at a casino and online, more outlets will be at their disposal over time.
Even though you won't find many locally accredited casinos online in BC, there are hundreds of quality sites that have been approved by large and famous international gambling authorities such as eCOGRA. Feel free to browse through our list to find one that suits you.