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Online Gambling in British Columbia
The gambling industry in British Columbia is thriving and over the years, has had tremendous changes and improvements. Here's everything you need to know about online gambling in British Columbia and the big cities like Vancouver and Victoria including the best BC casinos.
Is online gambling legal in British Columbia?
Online gambling is legal in British Columbia (BC). An adult above 19 years can access any online gambling facility, including PlayNow, the government-ran gambling website.
BC is among the provinces that moved quickly to take up the gambling market and created barriers to entry for private developers. Its site, PlayNow, effectively captures the local market with nearly every game a gamer would wish to play, from slots to live table games.
Besides PlayNow, BC residents can access online casinos in Vancouver and other cities in British Columbia. But, players are urged to be careful because BC does not have jurisdiction over foreign sites. It cannot ensure the safety of players on these platforms. We therefore found the top lost of best online casinos in Vancouver here:
Top 3 Online Casino's in British Columbia
Who regulates online gambling in British Columbia?
The British Columbia Lottery Corp (BCLC) runs the games on PlayNow. It conducts and manages all forms of commercial gambling, including online gambling, in the entire province, on behalf of the British Columbia government. The Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch regulates charitable gambling, with BCLC as its oversight.
Latest Legal update
The latest legal update in BC and across the nation is that single-game sports betting is now legal. As of August 2021, the provinces can now allow, regulate, and tax the wagers. The law came into effect when Canadian lawmakers passed a bill to expand sports betting, allowing single-game wagers.
Previously, Canadians could only do parlay betting, which involved tying a single wager on two or more bets tied together. To win, all the bets involved would have to win and if even one bet loses, the entire parlay bet loses. But, with single-game betting, a player only needs to win one game and receive the winnings, making it more fun.
British Columbia takes pride in having a solid gambling community. And, with the recent changes that came with the amendment, the community will likely flourish even more.
Sports Betting Online
Sports betting have become popular in BC, with the single-game betting option available now. Online sportsbooks are gaining popularity because they offer a wider variety of events and have better odds than provincial sports lotteries.
Canadian sportsbooks are also enjoying the support and partnership of the Canadian Football League, the Canadian Gaming Association, and major American sports leagues like the NBA, NFL, NHL, and MLB. They hope to pull a bigger crowd and increase fan engagement between the leagues and BC gamers.
Legal Gambling in British Columbia
BC does not have too much regulation for the gambling industry because much of the gambling is done under government regulation. All other providers are foreign websites, and the government does not exercise control over them.
The only emphasized law is that all gamers must be 19 years or older. By extension, minors must not enter or even participate in any form of gambling. The law also provides that gambling proceeds be used for community projects, to fund key services like education and healthcare.
The law also allows organizations and groups to host gambling events to raise funds to benefit their communities. But, hosts must first seek licensing because there are stipulations for who is eligible to apply.
The duty of enforcing the gambling laws in BC lies with the Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch (GPEB). GPEB conducts its functions under Canada's Criminal Code, the Gaming Control Act, and Gaming Control Regulations. It oversees and ensures the integrity of all gambling companies in BC and investigates any allegations made against them. It also oversees BCLC, the horse racing industry, and other gambling services providers.
BC does not impose taxes on gambling winnings. But, persons who make their living gambling must pay an income tax on all their gains.
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Top 10 best Physical Casinos in British Columbia (BC Casinos)
BC and the city Vancouver have a reputation for its top-tier land-based casinos. It has a wide variety of excellent casinos to choose from. Here is a list of ten casinos you must visit when in BC. They include:
1. Hard Rock Casino Vancouver
Top of the list is the Hard Rock Casino, an unmatched entertainment hub with excellent gaming and dining options. Located at 2080 United Blvd, Coquitlam, BC.
The 80,000 sq ft is the best place to try your luck on various games, including slots, roulette, blackjack, poker, horse racing, baccarat, and electronic tables while listening to live music.
Hard Rock Casino is open 24/7 and free parking.
2. Cascades Casino Langley
Located in downtown Langley on 20393 Fraser Highway, Langley, BC, the Cascades Casino is the core of entertainment.
Besides its convenient location, guests enjoy fabulous dining, live shows, drinks, spa and games. The games featured include blackjack, slots, baccarat, poker, bingo and electronic tables.
The casino is open 24/7 and offers free parking.
3.Playtime Kelowna Casino
Test your luck at the stunning Kelowna Casino when visiting the Okanagan Valley. Located at 1300 Water Street, Kelowna, B.C., Kelowna Casino is one of the finest casinos in British Columbia. The casino is ideal for a fun-filled day or night of playing slot machines, blackjack, roulette, eTables, and poker.
Guests enjoy free parking and complimentary coffee. The casino is open from 10:00 am to 12:00 am.
4. Starlight Casino New Westminster
Excelling in entertainment, the Starlight Casino is a gaming haven with various games, including slots and table games. The casino is located at 350 Gifford Street in New Westminster, BC. It offers excellent dining options, drinks, and you can catch a live game on the TV.
The Starlight Casino is open 24/7. Guests enjoy free parking and complimentary coffee, among other benefits.
5. Lake City Casino Vernon
Lake City Casino is another excellent casino of the Okanagan region, located at 4900 Anderson Way, Vernon, BC. At 14,000 sq. ft., the Santa Fe-themed casino features more than 400 games of the latest slot machines and electronic gaming tables. Although the casino is relatively small, it is in great shape, and its staff is friendly.
Lake City Casino opens from 10:00 am to 12:00 am from Sunday to Wednesday and 10:00 am to 2:00 am from Thursday to Saturday. Guests enjoy free parking and a variety of dining options.
6. Treasure Cove Casino and Bingo
The largest casino in the north, Treasure Cove Casino and Bingo, is the designated center for fun and gaming. Located on 2003 Highway 97 South Prince George, BC., the casino features a full-board hotel, excellent food options, and excellent live entertainment. Guests have access to various games, including slots, horse racing, bingo, poker, and electronic tables.
Visitors also enjoy free parking and complimentary coffee. Treasure Cove Casino and Bingo opens every day between 9:00 am and 4:00 am.
7. Elements Casino Victoria
The 35000 sq. ft. hub of fun and excitement is the go-to center for all sorts of games. It has 750 slot machines and a variety of table games, including poker, baccarat, blackjack and roulette tables. You could also relax in one of the lounges, catch a show, and enjoy delicious meals from any of the four restaurants.
Elements Casino is located at 1708 Island Highway Victoria, BC, and it opens from 10:00, am to 3:00 am. Guests enjoy free car parking and complimentary coffee.
8. River Rock Casino Resort
River Rock Casino is the place to enjoy excellent service, a quiet clean and relaxing ambiance, and a fantastic view. Located at 8811 River Road, Richmond, BC, the casino is a popular destination with tourists and locals. Guests enjoy delicious meals from the restaurants therein and watch fun shows at the River Rock Show Theatre.
The casino features a variety of games for gamers, including 1100 slot games and table games. Visitors can park free and could rent bicycles to get around the area. The casino is open 24/7.
9. Billy Barker Casino Hotel
The unique and delightful Billy Barker Casino Hotel is at the heart of downtown Quesnel. It features a restaurant, complete lounge, banquet facilities, and a casino. The casino features numerous slot games, roulette, and mystery games.
Visit the Billy Barker Casino Hotel at 308 McLean Street, Quesnel, BC. It opens 9:00 am-10:00 pm Sunday to Thursday and 9:00 am-12:00 am on Friday and Saturday. Guests can park their cars free and enjoy complimentary coffee.
10. Parq Vancouver
At an impressive 60,000 sq ft, Parq Vancouver is the go-to gaming spot in downtown Vancouver. This casino is also ideal relaxation place with an excellent view of British Columbia's majestic mountains. There's also a variety of entertainment, good food, and gaming.
Parq Vancouver is located on 39 Smithe Street, Vancouver, BC, and opens 24/7. Guests enjoy a variety of slot games and table games.
