Online in BC
Online play in BC, plainly
In British Columbia, the province runs all legal gambling through BCLC, and PlayNow.com is the only legal online gambling site. This page puts that plainly and explains where the home page's paid links lead: a private online casino, not PlayNow.
By the Last Orders DeskChecked October 7, 2026; kitchen hours October 10, 2026
What BC law allows
Gambling in British Columbia is legal only when the provincial government runs it. BCLC, a Crown corporation, runs all commercial gambling in the province, online included. Its site, PlayNow.com, is the only legal online gambling site in B.C. The minimum age is 19, for casinos and for online play alike.
The provincial regulator is the Independent Gambling Control Office, known as the IGCO. It has held that role since April 13, 2026.
In plain terms, a BC resident aged 19 or over has one legal place to gamble online: PlayNow.com. The IGCO repeated the point on August 28, 2026. It said PlayNow.com is the only regulated commercial online gambling site permitted to operate in BC. Other online gambling sites accepting BC players, it said, operate illegally in BC.
Questions at the counter
Is online gambling legal in BC?
Only on PlayNow.com, which BCLC runs. On August 28, 2026, the IGCO said other online gambling sites accepting BC players operate illegally in BC.
Is this guide's online partner licensed in BC?
No, it is a private online casino that the province neither runs nor licenses. It has no connection with BCLC or the IGCO, and complaints about it cannot go to the IGCO.
Does Game Break cover private online sites?
No, Game Break does not reach private online sites. It excludes a person from casinos, community gaming centres and PlayNow.com for 6 months, 1 year, 2 years or 3 years. Once chosen, the term cannot be changed.