Online betting—and online gambling in general—is a fully regulated activity in Canada. However, unlike in other countries, there’s no federal framework. Online sports betting is legally managed by the different provincial governments including British Columbia.
Online betting in British Columbia went live in 2021. It’s all thanks to Bill C-218, a key turning point in Canadian online gambling regulations. We’ll discuss B.C. sports betting regulations and help our readers discover the best British Columbia sportsbooks in our detailed guide below.
British Columbia Online Sports Betting Laws
Gambling is a popular activity in the province of British Columbia. As soon as online gambling grew popular, the province bucked in to sports fans demand and made parlays official. Single-game sports wagering was still not legal, until 2021 when it was finally introduced.
The Bill C-218 impact on B.C. sports betting is underrated. It single-handedly ended the parlay era, introducing a fun new and much desired way for BC bettors to place bets. Thanks to it, online sports betting in British Columbia is completely legal, paving the way for many operators to continue hitting the market.
Some of the largest operators have already arrived, operating under BCLC online betting guidelines. That’s short for BC Lottery Corporation, which manages and conducts all kinds of commercial gambling businesses. This includes online betting services, with dozens of sportsbooks accepting players from British Columbia.
Key Aspects of BC Betting Laws Online
- The legal online betting age in British Columbia is in line with other provinces and Canada. No bettors under the age of 19 can join. All operators are also obliged to verify the identity of their customers via the KYC procedure.
- Currently, the only legal BC online betting site is PlayNow. But there are also many offshore betting sites that accept players from Canada and its provinces, including British Columbia.
- All types of single-game and parlay betting are legal online in British Columbia. There’s no law that specifically prohibits daily fantasy sports, which is also considered legal.
- The BCLC runs various programs for responsible gambling. They offer useful advice on how to bet responsibly and a variety of tools for self-exclusion or setting deposit and bet limits.
Best British Columbia Online Sportsbooks
New bettors looking to join the best online sportsbooks in British Columbia should take a look at the table below. We’ve handpicked the top betting sites for your convenience. They’re licensed and legal to join, offering a variety of single-game markets across dozens of sports.
How To Bet Online in British Columbia
Betting online in British Columbia is easy. Bettors should first choose one of the licensed BC betting sites from this page. Registration should pass in just a few minutes. We have a step-by-step guide below to make things easy for you.
Find a Trusted Betting Site
The first step is to find a trusted and reliable sportsbook. No need to look further than our pages. Make your pick, visit using our links, and proceed to the next step.
Register and Verify Your Account
Now that you’ve made your choice, it’s time to sign up. The process is usually simple – find the registration button and click on it to start the process. Verify your account via email in the end.
Make a Deposit
As soon as you’re logged in, you can proceed to make a deposit. Use any of the trusted payment methods available at the online betting site of your choice.
Start Betting
Deposits are usually instant, which means you’ll have real money at your convenience shortly. Head to the betting section, choose your favorite markets, and click on the odds to add them to your bet slip.
Most Popular Sports to Bet Online in BC
The top British Columbia betting sites feature a long list of sports to bet on. All popular Canadian sports are on offer, including the likes of soccer, ice hockey, Canadian football, and basketball.
Ice Hockey
Ice hockey is Canada’s national winter sport, so it’s no surprises that it’s the most popular one to bet on. The NHL features numerous Canadian teams, many of which are among the most successful in the sport.
The top Canadian betting sites cover all the regular season action and the playoffs, culminating with the Stanley Cup. Bettors are free to place bets on all the matches, or predict the winner of the prestigious trophy.
NFL/CFL
Online betting in British Columbia heavily relies on the popularity of the NFL and CFL. American football and Canadian football see a lot of betting action. BC online betting sites have dozens of markets on offer, including match winners, spreads, totals, and Super Bowl/Grey Cup winners.
Basketball
Basketball is another popular sport at the top British Columbia online betting sites. The NBA draws in a huge betting crowd, with hundreds of available markets and live streams of the most important playoff and NBA Finals matches.
Mobile British Columbia Sports Betting Apps
Online betting British Columbia sites are available on desktop and on the go. Mobile betting apps in BC are easy to install, and even if a site doesn’t offer such an app, it can rely on a mobile-optimized website.
App or a mobile site, mobile online betting in British Columbia is a hit among bettors. It gives them freedom to bet on any sport they want anytime and almost anywhere. The markets are the same, and there might also be other incentives for using mobile betting apps such as exclusive bonus offers.
British Columbia Responsible Gambling
Responsible gambling is one of the pillars for online betting in British Columbia. The province takes this matter seriously, helping players prevent their habit from spiraling out of control.
For that reason, the province has set up several agencies. They offer practical advice, assistance, information, and tools. Some of these organizations include:
Bettors who believe they need help shouldn’t hesitate contacting these agencies from help. Additionally, the top online sportsbooks in BC also offer links to responsible gambling organizations that can help.
FAQ
Is Online Betting in British Columbia Safe?
Yes, it is, as long as you pick trusted betting sites. Use our pages to find reputable BC online sports betting sites and you can safely join and wager.
Where Can I Bet Online in BC?
PlayNow is the only official outlet sportsbook recognized by British Columbia. However, BC bettors can join various Canadian online betting sites that operate legally on the market.
Can I Place Single-Game Wagers in British Columbia On the Go?
Yes, you can. Single-game wagers have been introduced in BC a few years back. As a result, bettors can place single-game wagers on a range of sports, including ice hockey, soccer, American and Canadian football, tennis, basketball, and more.
What’s the Minimum Age for Online Betting in British Columbia?
The legal betting age limit for online sports betting in BC is 19. No bettor under that age can join reputable online sportsbooks in the province.
