Frequently Asked Questions

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Casinos
Lottery
eGaming
Corporate
GameSense

About casino games

A computer program (called an RNG, or Random Number Generator) ensures a random outcome on each play. For more information about how slot machines work, visit www.gamesense.com.

On average, more than 92 per cent of the accumulated credits played on B.C. slot machines over the lifetime of the game is returned to the player as prizes. It does not mean that you will leave with 92% of the money you started with.

Please visit our Casino website for more information on the different games offered at casino's.

You can choose from 1¢, 2¢, 5¢, 10¢, 25¢, 50¢, $1, $2, $5, $10 and $20 slots. Check with your local casino for information about the slot machines offered in each facility.

BCLC is a Crown corporation and the agent of government responsible to conduct, manage and operate commercial gaming in B.C. BCLC does not sell or lease gaming equipment.

You may be interested to learn that the Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch (GPEB) has regulatory oversight over all gaming in the province. This includes ensuring the integrity of gaming, gaming industry companies, people and equipment. You may wish to contact them directly through their website for more information regarding slot machines.

Gaming facilities

Please visit our Casino website to find out more information about what deals and promotions the casinos are currently offering.

There are seventeen B.C. casinos to choose from please visit our casino website to find the one closes to you and their hours of operation.

Yes, as of June 26, 2023, government-issued photo identification is required to enter all gaming facilities in BC. See Rules and Regulations for more information. For more information, please visit: https://www.casinosbc.com/about/id-required.html

Game Break: BCLC's self-exclusion program

You are not eligible to win while in the Game Break program, in accordance with the Rules and Regulations. So if you gamble, win a major prize and are identified as self-excluded, BCLC will not pay the prize.

To take a Game Break, visit a casino's GameSense Info Centre and speak with a GameSense Advisor. Or ask any staff member at any casino, community gaming centre or commercial bingo hall for help.

You can also voluntarily self-exclude on PlayNow.com by logging into your account and accessing “Game Break” from within the “My Account” section. The screens will guide you through the process of entering the Game Break program.

Visit www.gamesense.com for further information.

As of June 26, 2023, government-issued photo identification is required to enter casinos and community gaming centres in B.C. If you attempt to or enter a casino or the gaming area while enroled in Game Break and are identified, security will be alerted, and you will be asked to leave.

You can visit other areas within the building such as hotels, show theatres, restaurants, lounges, and meeting rooms as long as these are accessible from an entrance separate from the gaming floor. Individuals who are in the Game Break program cannot enter the gaming floor.

If you are struggling with your gambling and would like to review your Game Break goals and commitments, please contact the Virtual GameSense Advisor by calling 1-866-815-0222 or accessing Live Chat via GameSense.com.

If you are an Encore Rewards member and you exclude from gambling facilities, your Encore Rewards account will be deactivated and any points may be eligible to be redeemed for cash.

Individuals who feel that returning to play is right for them are able to reinstate by completing our new Game Plan course. Players who choose to take a break from gambling always have the option to extend their Game Break term.

Rules and regulations

You can report any complaint or concern by contacting Consumer Services toll free at 1-866-815-0222; agents are available from 7:00 a.m. to midnight daily or you can email us.

Table game play is conducted in English. If a patron needs direction or help in another language, a staff member will assist the patron in the best way possible.

We do not recommend giving your chips away to anyone while at the table or while in the casino. We ask that you please keep a hold of your own chips and cash out prior to leaving the casino.

Tips to gaming employees at B.C. casinos are permitted.

All cash and bank draft / certified cheque buy-ins for $10,000 or more, in one or more transactions within a 24-hour period, will require a source of funds receipt. The original receipt must be from the same day of the transaction and show the financial institution, branch number and account number. This information will be required before a customer is allowed to buy in. In addition, a customer will be required to sign a source of funds declaration form.

In General, Canadian tax authorities do not treat lottery, casino, bingo and eGaming prizes as taxable income, as they are considered to be windfalls. However, tax implications may arise, for example, if a prize is paid as an annuity or taken out of province/country. BCLC recommends consulting a tax advisor about the specific tax implications of a particular prize to a prize winner.

B.C. casinos will accept the following forms of photo identification:

  • B.C. or North American driver's licence
  • B.C. Identity Card (BCID)
  • B.C. Services Card
  • Canadian or international passport
  • Canadian citizenship card
  • Canadian permanent resident card
  • Secure Certificate of Indian Status card, issued by the Government of Canada
  • Canadian identity card, issued by Global Affairs Canada
  • Membership cards issued by First Nations, Metis or Inuit bands
  • Government-issued foreign ID

For more information, please visit: https://www.casinosbc.com/about/id-required.html

The system will not store any personal information of individuals who are permitted to enter casinos. 

For individuals who are not permitted to enter the casino, such as those who are self-excluded in BCLC's Game Break program or prohibited, their information will be stored as their attempted entry would be a reportable incident to regulators.

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