Canada · British Columbia · Updated October 2026

Online casinos in British Columbia: PlayNow, offshore sites and the law

British Columbia has one government online casino, PlayNow, run by BCLC. Offshore casinos also accept B.C. players. Here's how the two compare and what the 2026 changes mean for you.

The law in B.C.

Legal age: 19.
Provincial site: PlayNow.com, operated by the British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC).
New regulator: B.C.'s Gaming Control Act came into force on April 7, 2026 and created the Independent Gambling Control Office, separate from BCLC.
Private online licensing: not yet. Unlike Ontario and Alberta, B.C. has no system for licensing private online casinos, and commentators don't expect one soon.

Offshore casinos licensed in places like Curaçao accept B.C. players, but they're outside the province's oversight. That affects disputes and self-exclusion, as the table shows.

PlayNow vs offshore casinos

	PlayNow (BCLC)	Offshore casinos
Regulated in B.C.	Yes	No
Disputes	Provincial process	Offshore regulator
Self-exclusion	Provincial programme	Per site only
Game library	Smaller	Often thousands of slots
Welcome bonuses	Limited	Large, with wagering
Profits	Go to the province	Go to the operator

Offshore casinos B.C. players use

All the casinos we review accept players in B.C., hold CAD balances (except Hit'n'Spin) and offer deposit limits and self-exclusion in the account settings.

Ice Casino 4.4/5

Welcome package up to €1,500 + 270 free spins (shown in CAD at sign-up)

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New players only. Wagering applies to bonus funds; check game weighting, max bet and expiry before you opt in. 19+ (18+ MB, QC). Not available in ON or AB.

V.Vegas 4.3/5

Welcome bonus reported at 150% up to C$1,500 + 150 free spins

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New players only. Bonus wagering, eligible games and a maximum bet apply; confirm the current offer on the casino's promotions page. 19+ (18+ MB, QC). Not available in ON or AB.

Verde Casino 4.1/5

Multi-deposit welcome package with free spins (amount set by the casino at sign-up)

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New players only. Wagering, game weighting, max bet and expiry apply; read the bonus terms in the cashier. 19+ (18+ MB, QC). Not available in ON or AB.

Getting help in B.C.

The B.C. Problem Gambling Help Line is free, confidential and open 24 hours: 1-888-795-6111. BCLC's GameSense programme also has advisers at B.C. casinos and on PlayNow. If you use offshore sites as well, exclude from each one separately; a PlayNow self-exclusion doesn't reach them.

FAQ

Is online gambling legal in British Columbia?

Yes, through BCLC's PlayNow. Offshore casinos also accept B.C. players but aren't regulated by the province.

What is the gambling age in B.C.?

19.

Will B.C. license private online casinos?

Not yet. The Gaming Control Act that took effect on April 7, 2026 created a new independent regulator but didn't open a private online market.