Online in BC

Online play in BC, briefly

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

By the Glyph WorkshopChecked October 7, 2026

The rules in B.C.

Gambling in B.C. is for people 19 or older. The 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.

Alberta opened a regulated private online gambling market in mid-July 2026, the second province after Ontario. No such market has been announced in BC.

Questions about the marks

Is PlayNow behind the paid links on this site?

PlayNow is not behind them. The paid links lead to a private online casino. It is not run or licensed by the province, and it has no connection with BCLC or the IGCO.

Does Game Break cover private online casinos?

A Game Break agreement covers entering and playing at BC gaming facilities and playing on PlayNow.com. Private online casinos, including the one behind this site's paid links, are outside it.