British Columbia is situated at the westernmost point of Canada. It’s quiet, serene and embodies nature but don’t let that fool you. Residents of B.C. love them some action and gambling for entertainment purposes plays a big part of that.
Gaming Laws in British Columbia
Gambling in B.C. is governed by the Gaming Control Act. Under this law, anyone over the age of 19 can participate in different forms of gambling such as play in a casino, bingo, lotteries and sports betting. Other than this restriction, and the fact that you may only bet in licensed facilities, there are no other regulations in place.
Are There Provincial Regulations in British Columbia?
Yes. Unlike the majority of the provinces in Canada that follow the Alcohol and Gaming Regulation Act, B.C. follows the Gaming Control Act of 2002. As stated earlier, the act aims to regulate the age of people that participate in betting. It also regulates the businesses that aim to facilitate gaming.
British Columbia Sports Betting
There are no laws prohibiting sports betting in British Columbia. You can even bet on offshore online sportsbooks without any repercussions. However, you do assume the risks that can be associated with betting on a lesser-known website. Generally, you should stick to the well-known websites and companies so that you know your funds are safe, like Sports Interaction.
PlayNow
PlayNow.com is a website regulated and licensed by the British Columbia Lottery Commission, and it’s regarded as one of the best sports websites out there for Canadians. PlayNow is also the gateway to the only live online sports wagering site in Western Canada.
Sports Action
An alternative to PlayNow for British Columbia residents is Sports Action. It is also licensed by the BCLC, however, it offers fewer options for sports bettors.
British Columbia Lotteries
Sports betting isn’t the only option available to you if you want to dip your beak in gambling. Lotteries are also available to gamblers in British Columbia. The good thing is, you have a number of options that you can choose to participate in. Some of them are:
Lotto Max & Extra
Lotto Max is a national lottery game that is played across the country that is capped at $60 million. There are two draws every week, on Tuesday and Friday. Lottery tickets can be purchased at any authorized retail location.
Lotto 6-49 & Extra
Lotto 6-49 is a national lottery game that is played across the country. Six numbers are drawn from a set of 49 and there are two draws every week, on Wednesday and Saturday. Lottery tickets can be purchased at any authorized retail location.
BC-49 & Extra
BC-49 is a regional version of the national 6-49. It holds draws on the same days and the main prize is capped at $2 million. Lottery tickets can be purchased at any authorized retail location.
Daily Grand & Extra
Daily Grand is a national lottery game that is played across the country. Winners take home $1,000 a day for life. Draws are held every Monday and Thursday and tickets can be purchased at any authorized retail location.
Scratch & Win
Scratch and win tickets are available at any authorized retailer. As the name suggests, they are scratch card games with different themes that can range in price from $1 to $30.
Poker Lotto
Poker Lotto is a game where players purchase tickets that have poker hands on them. Each hand costs $2 and players can have up to three hands on one ticket. There are two ways to win: a $5,000 instant prize and a nightly draw prize that can be up to $100,000.
Keno & Keno Bonus
The player selects up to 10 numbers between 1 and 80. Draws are held every three and a half minutes and players can win up to $200,000. Tickets can be purchased at any authorized retail location.
Pacific Hold’Em Poker
This is a daily lottery game that holds draws every six minutes. Players get two cards and can receive up to five hands per draw depending on their wager. Players can raise their bet by $4, $6, $8 or $10. If you win, each $2 raise gives you an extra share of the prize.
BC 50-50
Sports fans should be familiar with this one. There are four draws every day and the prize amount depends on how many people are playing and the size of the prize pool.
Pull Tabs
Pull Tabs are similar to scratch and win. Tickets cost anywhere from 50 cents to $1. These are available at most local bars and retail locations in the province.
With this number of choices, you’ll be sure to find the lotto you’d like to play. It’s important to note that all of those listed above are regulated by the BCLC. That means all of them are legitimate lotteries that you need not worry about. The winning numbers are drawn accordingly, and posted on the BCLC website, bclc.com.
Poker and Casinos in British Columbia
If you’d like to take advantage of a little bit of skill thrown in with luck, British Columbia also offers various casino and poker rooms that you could visit. Listed below are some of the most popular options available to you.
River Rock Casino Resort
This casino is set on the banks of the Fraser River, so if you’d like a scenic view of the ocean, this resort would be perfect for you. Reviews boast of amazing rooms, great customer service and, most specially, great food. With over 6,000 reviews online, you won’t go wrong with River Rock.
Cascades Casino
Cascades has two locations in B.C. You can book a room in either Langley City or Kamloops, depending on your preference. Both locations offer a great room with kind staff. The most important thing about Cascades, however, is that it sports a variety of slot machines that won’t require you to wait in line. This means that you can play to your heart’s content without queuing or holding up a line.
St. Eugene Golf Resort and Casino
If you want to play golf after spending a few dollars on gambling, then St. Eugene’s is the place for you. It sports an 18-hole golf course that you can play once you’ve quenched your thirst for gambling in their casino.
British Columbia has a lot more venues to offer, but choosing one will depend mainly on your personal preferences. Gambling will always offer the thrill and rush of winning, as well as the despair of defeat regardless of your location.
Other Gaming Options in British Columbia
If you’re looking for some other gaming options in British Columbia, there’s also horse racing and other gaming events. However, the Gaming Control Act doesn’t specify other types of games or how to license them, therefore, you’re left with the choices listed above.
