Top Online Casinos List In British Columbia
Gambling is a popular pastime in Canada. This also applies to British Columbia, which is one of the most active and gambling-friendly provinces in the country. Home to numerous land-based casinos, BC has quickly become a huge tourist attraction among worldwide gambling enthusiasts.
In this guide, we talk about all things related to the BC casino online scene. This includes the importance and recent surge of high-quality online casinos. By taking the time to read our guide, you are sure to gain a deep understanding of the scene as a whole and find the best online casinos for Canadian players.
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History of Gambling in BC
The history of gambling in British Columbia (BC) dates back several decades.
The introduction of organized gambling in BC can be traced back to the late 19th century. The first form of gambling to gain popularity in the province was horse racing in 1889 when the first-ever race track in Vancouver opened.
In 1985, the BC government established the British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC) to oversee and regulate gambling activities in the province.
Land-based casinos first appeared in the early 1990s. The first of many full-fledged casinos, the Great Canadian Casino, opened its doors in Richmond in 1997.
In 2004, the province introduced the Gaming Control Act, which aimed to regulate and control the gaming industry further. Also in 2004, the province legalized slot machines, which are now found in casinos, as well as other locations such as pubs and community centers.
Online gambling in British Columbia became a topic of discussion and debate in the early 2000s. The legality of online gambling in BC was clarified in 2004 when the province launched PlayNow.com, the first government-operated online gambling site in North America. This move allowed BC residents to engage in various types of online casino bc games.
Over the years, there have been various changes in legislation. Foreign off-shore online casinos, too, are technically legal as long as they operate from outside of the country and do not advertise their services to Canadian residents.
Canada Online Casinos Statistics:
| 🥇 Casino Reviews | 283+ |
| 💳 Payment Methods | 216+ |
| 🎮 Game Suppliers | 576+ |
| 🃏 Live Casinos | 14+ |
| 💎 Crypto Casinos | 12+ |
| 📍 VPN Friendly Casinos | 2+ |
| ⚽️ Betting Sites | 1+ |
| 💻 Casino Platforms | 84+ |
| 📃 Casino Licenses | 29+ |
| 📦 Casino Products | 9+ |
| 💲 Affiliate Programs | 508+ |
| 🏢 Operators | 363+ |
| 🚫 Blacklisted Casinos | 1+ |
| 🪦 Casinos Out of Business | 5+ |
British Columbia Gambling Laws & Regulations
Gambling in British Columbia is regulated and legal—under certain conditions. Here is a brief overview of all the relevant things you need to know:
Governing Body: Gambling in British Columbia is overseen by the aforementioned British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC), a crown corporation of the province that manages all forms of gambling.
Legal Forms of Gambling: Legal forms of gambling in a British Columbia online casino include lotteries, casino games, slot machines, bingo, horse racing, and online gambling. The BCLC runs an online gambling site known as PlayNow.
Legal Age for Gambling: The legal age for gambling in British Columbia is 19 years old.
Player Protection and Responsible Gambling: Both BCLC and GPEB have implemented measures to promote responsible gambling and to protect players.
Playing at offshore casinos is not punishable by law.
Top British Columbia Casino Games
The British Columbia casino scene has a rich selection of games that are available to everyone. Below is a short list of some of these games and their rules:
- Slots: While this is the simplest form of gambling that there is, modern casino slots are filled with bonus features, free spins modes, and several other new and entertaining features.
- Poker: A brick-and-mortar favorite, poker is a game that tests both your skill and luck.
- Blackjack: In blackjack, players try to land as close to the elusive 21 as possible and beat the dealer’s cards.
- Roulette: Roulette is all about putting money on your lucky number and keeping your fingers crossed as the ball decides the winner.
- Baccarat: Favorite amongst Asian businessmen, Baccarat is a simple game with a somewhat complex flow.
- Lottery: Gamblers in British Columbia love their lottery Canada games that always have massive jackpots on offer.
With so many games available, most BC players should have no problem finding their favorites.
How To Choose Best BC Casinos
Are you looking for the best BC casinos? Under the following subheadings, we list important things to consider when you want to make an informed decision.
License and Regulation
As we mentioned before, playing at offshore online casinos is technically not illegal or punishable by law. Even so, it is important to stick to online casinos that operate under trustworthy licenses and are owned by safe companies. Please always read our expert casino reviews to make sure you are dealing with good online casinos in BC.
Bonuses and Promotions
A good casino will provide players with attractive promotions such as welcome bonuses, no deposit bonuses, free spins, and loyalty programs. Just be sure to read the associated bonus terms before you jump in!
To make things as simple as possible, you will find the list of these best online casino bonuses in Canada here:
Game Selection & Providers
A high-quality casino should offer a wide range of games. Preferably, you want to see bclc online slots, online table games, poker, bingo, and live dealer games. Reputable software providers known for producing good quality and fair games are also a must.
Security
Players should prioritize safety when choosing a casino. A secure casino should prominently display its security measures (for example SSL encryption) and certifications on its website.
Customer Service
Customer support is the link between you and the casino staff. Popular options for support include live chat, contact forms, email, and phone. 24/7 support is always a good thing to see.
Casino Payment Methods
At your casino, you want to see secure and convenient payment options such as credit and debit cards, e-wallets (PayPal, Skrill, Neteller), bank transfers, and Interac. The speed of withdrawals is also a key element.
Mobile Compatibility
All casinos BC today should be fully optimized for mobile play. Mobile-responsive websites that adapt to different screen sizes are the norm as they allow you to enjoy your favorite games on the go.
Online Casino Bonuses in British Columbia
When playing at the new casinos Canada has to offer, players can take advantage of various types of bonuses and promotions. These bonuses can enhance your gaming experience and potentially increase your chances of winning. Under the next subheadings, we list common types of bonuses offered by your typical BC online casino.
Welcome Bonuses
Welcome bonuses are the kind given to players upon signing up and making their first deposit. Depending on the casino, there could be either bonus money (in the form of deposit bonuses) or free spins available. Sometimes, casinos might even combine the two to create something extra special.
Our advice is to always sign up for casinos with the best casino bonuses. This includes making sure that the available bonus terms are also to your liking.
Choosing an online casino in Ontario or BC with a great welcome bonus can start you off on the best possible foot.
Deposit Bonuses
The most standard of deposit bonuses looks like this: 100% up to 100. With a bonus like this, the casino matches your deposit with its very own bonus money.
In order to turn bonus money into real, withdrawable cash, players will usually need to complete casino-specific wagering requirements. These requirements can vary greatly between casinos, which means you should always check them before making your deposit.
Free Spins
Free spins are bonuses that allow players to spin the reels of specific slot games without using their own funds. Winnings from said spins are usually subject to wagering requirements as well as certain other limitations.
Free spins are often a fun way to get to know new slots. However, more often than not, free spins come with the lowest bet level available.
No Deposit Bonuses
No deposit bonuses are a rare breed of casino bonuses. They allow players to play for free while still being able to win money. Suffice it to say, no deposit bonuses tend to come with strict win limits and harsh wagering requirements.
Casinos that offer no deposit bonuses to Canadian players:
VIP Programs
VIP programs are designed to reward loyal players who consistently play at the same casino. Such players can, for instance, receive regular free spins, cashback offers, and extra deposit bonuses.
How to Start Playing Online Casino
Signing up to new online casinos in BC is fairly uncomplicated. Below, you will find a step-by-step guide to get you up and running:
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1 Choose a casino from our list
There are dozens of great options available for everyone involved.
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2 Check the footer and terms
Before you sign up, it is best to browse the site a little bit to make sure everything looks as safe and secure as possible.
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3 Sign up
Registering a new account is easy. You only need to type in your name, address, and other similar information. After this, you pick your username and password.
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4 Make a deposit
Once your account has been created, you are free to go to the cashier and choose your preferred payment method. Just follow the instructions on the screen, choose the bonus you want to use, and complete your deposit.
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5 Choose a game
The casino lobby should be filled with all kinds of game categories, including new and popular ones. Going for games that many like with high payout rates could be an efficient way to go about it.
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6 Withdraw your winnings
If you are lucky, you could actually end up winning good money from Alberta online casinos. If this is the case, withdrawing your winnings is normally a pretty straightforward process—as long as you first complete the KYC (Know Your Customer) verification process.
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More Gambling Activities in BC
In addition to slot machines, various other forms of BC gambling are also being enjoyed in British Columbia online casinos. The top two things are sports betting and BC lotteries online casino. Next, we will take a look at both of these mega-popular leisurely activities.
Sports betting
People in British Columbia love their sports. As a result, online betting in BC has also become extremely popular. In a sense, this form of gambling lets customers enter the field and compete right alongside their favorite athletes and sports teams.
Sports enthusiasts in BC can bet on an army of different kinds of sports. The types of bets available also tend to vary depending on the sport and the specific event in question. Whatever sport is currently on television, chances are you can bet on it.
Lotteries
The lottery is another favorite among Canadians. This BC lottery casino online game allows its players to win amazing jackpots with minuscule costs. While the odds of winning might be slim, buying a coupon should not hurt anyone’s bottom line too much.
Lotteries are widely available in British Columbia, with tickets sold at a variety of retail locations. The province’s lottery organization, the British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC), operates several province-wide draws. What is more, BC lottery online ticket purchases are also available.
List of the Top British Columbia Land-Based Casinos
There are numerous luxurious land-based casinos in British Columbia. The vast majority of them are popular among tourists and locals alike. Next, we list a few of the most notable British Columbia casinos for your perusal.
River Rock Casino Resort in Richmond, BC
River Rock Casino Resort is one of the largest and most renowned casinos in BC. It offers plenty of gaming options, including slots, table games, poker, and high-limit VIP rooms. The resort also features multiple dining options, entertainment venues, and a luxurious hotel.
Parq Vancouver in Vancouver, BC
Parq Vancouver is a premier entertainment destination with a sophisticated atmosphere. In addition to the casino, it consists of two luxury hotels, restaurants, and more. Table games, slots, and a dedicated poker room are all available.
Element Casino in Surrey, BC
Elements Casino is a new casino in Surrey BC. It includes a variety of gaming options as well as dining options, live entertainment, and special events.
Hard Rock Casino Vancouver in Coquitlam, BC
Hard Rock Casino Vancouver is undoubtedly the best casino Vancouver has for rock ‘n’ roll fans. This combo restaurant offers slots, table games, and a poker room, as well as plenty of live shows and concerts.
Grand Villa Casino in Burnaby, BC
Grand Villa Casino is part of a large Grand Villa Entertainment Complex. Included are a hotel, dining options, and live entertainment venues. As per usual, you can find slots, table games, and poker.
Chances Casinos in various BC locations (Dawson Creek, Kamloops, Kelowna, etc.)
Smaller-scale Chances Casinos are spread out in multiple locations across BC. Each Chance offers a selection of slots, bingo, and table games in a bit more intimate setting.
Responsible Gambling in British Columbia
Wherever there is a huge gambling market, playing responsibly becomes of vital importance. We, too, encourage players to always stick to their budget and never play above their means. Betting more than you can afford to lose can be a telling sign of problem gambling.
Below, you will find a list of the top 3 best live casinos available in the Canadian market. These casinos are loaded with different kinds of live-action games from the hottest studios of today.
The Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch (GPEB) is responsible for regulating and overseeing gambling activities in BC. This body aims to ensure that gambling is conducted fairly, responsibly, and in compliance with provincial laws.
On top of the above-mentioned governmental authority, BC also offers a voluntary self-exclusion program, which allows customers to exclude themselves from entering brick-and-mortar gambling venues.
Lastly, here are a couple of resources for those experiencing signs of problem gambling or addiction:
- Problem Gambling Help Line: This helpline offers confidential support and information for both people experiencing gambling-related problems and their loved ones. The number is 1-888-795-6111.
- GameSense Website: Here you can find educational material and tools to find out more about healthy responsible gambling in BC.
As is always the case in life, you should never be too embarrassed to ask for help.
Canada Online Casino FAQ
Yes, online gambling is legal in British Columbia. The province has embraced online gambling as a form of entertainment and offers its residents a regulated online gambling platform called PlayNow. Foreign-regulated online casinos, on the other hand, are technically not illegal either.
The legal gambling age in BC is 19 years old. This includes all forms of gambling in the province: slots, lotteries, BC betting, and so on. At land-based casinos, photo verification is needed to get in.
There is a broad provincial regulatory framework in place in British Columbia. The primary regulatory body responsible for overseeing casino in BC is the Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch. Please read our article for more depth on the issue.
Yes. Sports betting is very popular in British Columbia. All kinds of sports are available for betting at online sportsbooks, including ice hockey, lacrosse, baseball, soccer, basketball, tennis, and several others.
In British Columbia, as well as in Canada as a whole, people do not need to pay taxes on their gambling winnings. They are not considered taxable income by the Canada Revenue Agency. However, we encourage you to always check with your local authorities in matters such as these.
Conclusion
On this page, we have comprehensively gone over just about everything there is to know about the British Columbian casino scene. During this time, we have established the importance of playing at legal, reputable casinos with strong licenses and proper safety and security measures.
By choosing one of the bclc casino online on our top list, you, too, can enjoy the best of what the BC gaming scene is all about. However, if you do indeed choose to play at real money online casinos, make sure to first lock down the amount of money that you can comfortably put in. As exciting as online casino gambling is, you should never bet enough to actually make you worried about whether you win or lose.
