Casinos: Bringing People Together

Across British Columbia, 36 casinos and community gaming centres create moments of excitement and opportunities for human connection—from slots and table games, to restaurants and live entertainment.

33

communities

host a gambling facility in B.C.

13,722

slot machines

in casinos and community gaming centres

467

table games

in BCLC gaming facilities

Our role

As the Crown corporation responsible for gambling in B.C., we set the standards, policies, and procedures for all gambling facilities, ensuring security, integrity, and responsible play.

We oversee gaming operations, monitor equipment, and work closely with private sector partners who manage day-to-day operations. Online, we offer lottery tickets, sports betting, and casino games through PlayNow, B.C.’s only regulated gambling website.

Where We Operate

We create shared moment in 33 communities across B.C. at:

  • 24 casinos (including two at racetracks)
  • 1 bingo hall
  • 12 community gaming centres

Understanding Gambling

Learn more about the games you play, including concepts like odds and randomness, to make informed choices.

Know the game

Casino Development and Community Benefits

We regularly assess the market to ensure gaming meets the needs of British Columbians. These assessments help determine where new facilities could be added, or existing ones improved—creating win-wins for communities across the province.

Gaming facility locations are developed in collaboration with host local governments, including municipalities and First Nations. These communities benefit directly through revenue-sharing agreements, receiving 10% of the net income from local gaming facilities to support vital programs and services that make B.C. a better place to live.

Read More

How We Evaluate New Gaming Facilities

At BCLC, we follow a structured process to ensure new gaming facilities align with community needs, economic potential, and our commitment to social purpose. Our evaluation process includes:

Market Review

We work with third-party experts to assess demand, considering factors like population, existing gaming facilities, and revenue potential.

Expression of Interest

If a market is identified, we invite local governments and First Nations to express interest in hosting a facility. An independent fairness monitor oversees the review process.

Selecting an Operator

We choose a private-sector operator to develop and manage the facility under an operating agreement with us.

Gaming Proposal

The selected local government is notified of our intent to move forward with a proposal.

Community Engagement

We’re committed to listening to British Columbians. The host local government is required under the Gaming Control Act to gather public input and consult neighbouring communities.

Final Approval

Once the local government approves, BCLC makes the final decision on whether to proceed.

All gambling revenues are delivered back to the province to support community programs, services and grants throughout B.C.

Where the money goes
Casino staff going over document

Service providers (Operational services agreement)

Service providers either own or lease gaming facilities and maintain these operations in co-operation with BCLC. They hire staff, provide surveillance and security, and manage day-to-day operations.

Every service provider must be registered by our provincial regulator, the Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch (GPEB), and must adhere to the rules and regulations as outlined by BCLC. Providers enter into a contract with BCLC by signing an Operational Service Agreement and receive commissions based on the gambling revenue that facilities generate. As part of the partnership, service providers must agree to:

  • Provide and maintain facilities
  • Follow BCLC gambling standards, policies and procedures
  • Provide and operate surveillance equipment
  • Manage slot machines, table games and bingo games
  • Provide accounting and financial management
  • Comply with provincial and federal laws regulating commercial gambling
  • Participate in compliance reviews and audits

BCLC has lottery operations in nearly every community across the province, including nearly 3,500 lottery outlets and 36 casinos or community gaming centres in municipalities and First Nations’ communities. The revenue generated through gambling is used to fund important community initiatives, programs and infrastructure throughout B.C.

Continue reading

Related links

Gaming control act
Find nearby gaming locations
Security measures
What's Played Here, Stays Here

Related Articles

Winners

A Dream Trip to Fiji for Coquitlam Resident After $125K Slot Win on PlayNow.com

May 01, 2025

BCLC Logo

Winners

“Nothing Could Take the Smile off of my Face!”: Nanaimo Resident Wins $213K ‘Jack Up The Jackpot’ Grand Prize Draw

April 28, 2025

BCLC Logo

Winners

“No Way!”: Fort St. John Resident to Pay off Mortgage After $687K Slot Jackpot Win on PlayNow.com

April 04, 2025

BCLC Logo

Winners

No Joking Matter: Coquitlam Resident Scores $100K PlayNow.com Slot Win Days Before April Fools’ Day

April 01, 2025

BCLC Logo