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The Independent Gambling Control Office (IGCO) regulates all gaming in British Columbia, ensures the integrity of companies in the gaming industry, their employees and equipment, and investigates allegations of wrongdoing. This mandate includes regulatory oversight of British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC). IGCO conducts its mandate under the provincial Gaming Control Act and the Criminal Code of Canada.

BCLC is a provincial Crown corporation mandated to conduct and manage gambling in BC. BCLC offers socially responsible gambling entertainment while generating revenue to help health care, education and community groups across BC. It is responsible for the integrity and security of every game and puts policies and procedures in place so that standards are met and maintained.

Gaming operators have operational service agreements with BCLC. They own or lease gambling facilities like casinos and community gaming centres and maintain the facilities’ operations. They employ facility staff, provide surveillance and security, and operate to the standards set out by BCLC and IGCO.

Private corporations operate casinos, community gaming centres, bingo halls, hospitality locations with food and beverage and entertainment. One gaming operator may own and operate multiple locations.

The model for the gaming industry in the province is a positive one for British Columbians primarily because it is one of the most profitable for a provincial government in Canada. The Province of British Columbia receives approximately 53% of gross gaming revenue after deducting BCLC’s operating costs and payments to private sector gaming operators. Ontario receives about 39% and Quebec receives about 25%. BC is able to receive such a high percentage of gross gaming revenue largely by paying private sector gaming operators some of the lowest operating commissions in North America.

The 53% figure for BC is only surpassed by Alberta where the provincial government permits video lottery terminals (VLT’s) – similar to slot machines – in restaurants, bars and lounges across that province.

BC also employs a unique capital reimbursement program that provides an incentive for gaming operators to invest further in their facilities to ensure they reflect the tastes and expectations of the modern consumer and entertainment seeker.

Over the past 40 years, BCLC has delivered more than $30 billion to support communities, provincial programs and services, charities and major events. 

Gaming revenue is one of the top sources of income for the provincial budget along with monies from the fuel tax, BC Hydro, the Liquor Distribution Branch, and royalties from forestry and natural gas.

DISTRIBUTION OF GAMING REVENUE IN BC

Municipalities that host gaming facilities receive a 10% share of net gaming income after commissions and BCLC operating expenses are deducted. Host Local Government (HLG) payments can fluctuate based on local market conditions, variations in operating costs. Each host government decides how to distribute the funds. In 2024/25, $86.5 million was disbursed among 32 HLGs.

Through the Community Gaming Grant program, in 2024/25 the provincial government distributed $140 million of gaming revenue to approximately 5,000 charitable and community organizations throughout BC that support arts and culture, sports for youth and people with disabilities, public safety, human and social services, parent advisory councils, and district parent advisory councils.

All BCGIA members are committed to providing socially responsible gaming entertainment. Our members play an active role in the delivery of responsible gambling programs in partnership with BC Lottery Corporation and Independent Gambling Control Office.

RESPONSIBLE GAMBLING PROGRAMS:

GameSense Centres and Advisors

GameSense Centres are interactive information kiosks found within the casino which provide information on responsible play, odds of winning, gambling myths and facts, risk factors and where to find help for problem gambling. They are staffed by GameSense Advisors who can share valuable information and connect with guests on the gaming floor. It is important to note that the GameSense Advisors are contracted through and managed by BC Lottery Corporation. To learn more about GameSense, please visit http://gamesense.bclc.com/.

Responsible Gambling Literature

Gaming Operators showcase responsible gambling literature and brochures in various high traffic areas throughout their properties. The goal is to make responsible gambling information easily available for customers who want to learn about responsible gambling tips, odds of the games and other related information. To learn more about how gambling works, please visit http://gamesense.bclc.com/how-gambling-works.html.

No Minors Policy

No minors are allowed in casinos. The 19+ rule is strictly enforced at all BC casino locations. Gaming facilities are equipped with state-of-the-art ID scanning devices and require all individuals appearing under 30 to submit to an ID scan to ensure validity.

Responsible Gambling Marketing Standards

Gaming operators are committed to high ethical marketing standards that do not target minors or portray extravagant or misleading wins. Compliance with provincial gaming marketing standards is required. For a detailed description of the standards, please visit https://www.gaming.gov.bc.ca/legislation-policies/docs/stds-advertising-marketing.pdf.

Employee Training

Educating staff on responsible gambling practices is a key contributor to ensuring players stay informed and on top of their game. With appropriate training, casino employees have enhanced knowledge, awareness, and skills in the identification of possible gambling related issues and make every attempt to respond appropriately to guests who may be experiencing problems.

RG Check Accreditation

All gaming operators in BC have taken part in the RG Check certification process. RG Check is an accreditation program created by the Responsible Gambling Council (RGC) and is based on the RGC’s Responsible Gambling Index Standards. The standards are designed to provide objective and independent benchmarks for the content, quality, and breadth of responsible gambling programs designed and delivered by gaming companies. They represent the RGC’s view of efforts by gaming operators to reduce the risk of problem gambling among patrons. To learn more about the RG Check accreditation process, please visit http://rgcheck.com/.

PROGRAMS TO HELP PROBLEM GAMBLERS:

Gambling Support BC provides British Columbians with free information and resources to support informed choices and healthy behaviours with respect to gambling participation. Free treatment and support services are also available for anyone struggling with their own or a loved one’s gambling.

The program offers:

• A 24-hour, toll-free Gambling Support Line: 1-888-795-6111
• Free counselling and referral services
• www.gamblingsupportbc.ca provides information on gambling and gambling addiction(including the odds of winning and myths about normal gambling behaviour)
• Province-wide education and awareness services
• Brochures, help-line stickers and posters promoting responsible gambling and the Gambling Support BC program- available at casinos, bingo halls and lottery retail outlets.
• Research on responsible and problem gambling
• Education and training in problem gambling issues to addiction counsellors and allied professionals throughout the province

Voluntary Self-Exclusion Program

The Voluntary Self-Exclusion Program is one of the most important tools that can assist in supporting individuals in taking a break from gambling. This program allows an individual to voluntarily exclude him or herself from all casino properties in the province for a set period and offers counselling support. To learn more about the Voluntary Self-Exclusion program that is offered in BC, please visit http://gamesense.bclc.com/voluntary-self-exclusion.html.

Counseling and Treatment

For those who need additional support, the Province of British Columbia offers counseling and treatment for individuals or their families free of charge.