Online in BC

Online casino play in British Columbia

In British Columbia, PlayNow.com, run by BCLC, is the only legal online gambling site. This guide's home page also carries paid links to a private online casino, and this page explains what that means.

By Mika TanabeChecked October 7, 2026

The rules in BC

Gambling in B.C. is for people 19 or older. That age limit covers casinos, lottery tickets, online gambling and charitable events. People under 19 may not enter gambling venues.

PlayNow.com, run by BCLC, is the only legal online gambling site in B.C. On August 28, 2026, the Independent Gambling Control Office (IGCO) said PlayNow.com is the only regulated commercial online gambling website permitted to operate in BC. It added that all other online gambling websites that let BC players in operate illegally in the province. The IGCO has regulated all gambling in BC since April 13, 2026, when it replaced the former provincial regulator.

Under the Gaming Control Act, online gaming means play through the lottery corporation's online platform. In June 2026 the IGCO said it will seek amendments to the Act to reduce the presence and impacts of unregulated online gambling operators in BC.

Elsewhere in Canada

Alberta opened a regulated private online gambling market in mid-July 2026. That made it the second province with such a market, after Ontario.

No such market has been announced in BC. For a BC resident, PlayNow.com remains the only legal online gambling site. Game Break covers play on PlayNow.com, not on private online casinos.

Questions by the clock

Is online casino play legal in BC?

PlayNow.com, run by BCLC, is the only legal online gambling site in B.C. Anyone who plays there must be 19 or older.

Does Game Break cover the site behind the paid links?

Game Break does not cover it. A Game Break agreement covers entering and playing at BC gaming facilities and playing on PlayNow.com. It does not cover private online casinos, and the paid links on the home page lead to one.

Does this guide take bets?

This guide takes no bets. It is an independent guide, not a casino, and it has no accounts. Its only paid links are on the home page, each marked Ad.