Sports betting is fully legal in B.C., with the BCLC-run PlayNow platform and its partner casino lounges/kiosks providing the province’s only regulated online and retail options. These channels offer single-event odds, built-in GameSense tools, and guaranteed payouts, but their prices can trail the sharper lines found at offshore sportsbooks that serve Canada’s grey market. Offshore sites compensate with bigger bonuses and deeper markets; however, they sit outside Canadian oversight, so dispute resolution and bankroll protection depend entirely on a foreign licence.
This page will provide readers with everything they'd want to know about sports betting in BC, from provincial laws, available betting sites, bonus offers, responsible gambling, and more.
Top 10 Sportsbooks in BC 2025 Ranking
1xBET 120% first deposit bonus up to $540 CAD
- Wide range of payment options including 45+ cryptocurrencies
- Good selection of niche sports
- Customer service was ineffective
- Cannot implement responsible gambling limits ones own account
- 1xBET is not licensed in Canada
- Lack of transparency and information for non-members
- Wagering requirements on bonuses are complex and encourage excessive wagering
LeoVegas Welcome Bonus: $50 in Bonus Bets When You Bet $25
- Availability: LeoVegas is available in all 10 provinces and 3 territories in Canada.
- Competitive Odds: LeoVegas has competitive odds and numerous markets on a range of sports.
- Dedicated Responsible Gambling Site: Although tough to find, LeoVegas provides a dedicated website for responsible gambling.
- Wagering Requirements: LeoVegas Welcome Bonus has very high wagering requirements for new bettors.
- Responsible Gambling Hard to Find: LeoVegas makes finding responsible gambling content hard to find including limiting tools.
- Margin (Vig) on certain markets can reach upwards of 10%, which is very high comparable to other sportsbooks.
BetVictor Up to $400 in Bet Credits
- Available across Canada
- Responsible gambling tools that users can self-govern their accounts
- Bonuses with realistic wagering requirments
- Licensed only in Ontario. In the rest of Canada BetVictor operates as an offshore sportsbook
- Few banking methods
- Customer support is relatively slow compared to many other sportsbooks in Canada
BC Game 120% Bonus + 5 Free Bet In Sports
- Responsible gambling tools and resources enabling players to set limits.
- Member of the Crypto Gambling Foundation for fair gaming.
- Thousands of live sports events.
- Fast and attentive customer support.
- Wagering requirements on some bonuses are difficult.
- Not available in Ontario.
- No native app for iOS or Android.
22Bet Welcome Bonus: 100% Up to $180
- Dozens of payment options
- Licensed in Canada (outside of Ontario)
- Customer service is inconsistent and does not have grasp of 22Bet details
- No option to set responsible gambling limits in the account
- No license in Ontario
- Difficult wagering requirements on bonus offers
Bet99 First Bet Encore Up To $800. Code:
- Licensed throughout Canada
- Many responsible gambling tools, including deposit limits, time-outs, loss limits, among others
- Live streaming of many games
- Does not accept crypto
- Sportsbook margin (Vig) is up to 10% on some niche sports
20Bet Welcome Bonus: 100% UP TO $150. Code:
- Customer service is fast to respond.
- Accepts cryptocurrency transactions for instant payouts.
- Licensed in Canada (outside Ontario) by the Kahnawake Gaming Commission.
- Difficult 5x wagering requirement on welcome bonus.
- Not available in Ontario.
- Many users have complained about the mobile app disconnecting.
Sports Interaction Welcome Bonus: 125% up to $250. Code:
- Licensed and regulated in all 10 provinces and 3 territories of Canada
- Sports Interaction app is available for iOS and Android
- Self-regulating responsible gambling tools, including deposit and time limits
- Limited promotions overall
- No horse racing betting markets
TonyBet First Deposit Bonus Up To $350
- Licensed and regulated across all of Canada.
- Highly competitive odds
- Numerous responsible gambling tools and resources.
- Very fast and professional customer service.
- Promotions with difficult wagering requirements.
- VIP programs may lead to excessive gambling to have any chance of winning.
BetPlays Sports Welcome Bonus: 100% Match on First Deposit
- Knowledgeable and attentive customer support
- Accepts cryptocurrency for instant transactions
- No fees on transactions by the sportsbook
- Difficult wagering requirements on many bonuses
- Does not have a Canadian sports betting license, rather an off-shore license in Cyprus
- There is no mobile app for iOS or Android
- Bettors cannot self regulate accounts (cannot set limits)
- Not available in Ontario
Pinnacle Enhanced Odds
- Enhanced odds on all sports markets with greater returns on winning bets than other sportsbooks
- Available across Canada
- Accepts cryptocurrency for fast transactions
- Responsible gambling tools enabling players to set limits, timeouts and similar restrictions
- There are no dedicated mobile apps available
- Response times of Pinnacle customer support can have lengthly wait periods
- There are no sportsbook bonus offers or promotions available
19+ only. Gambling involves risk—set limits and play responsibly.
The Best BC Sportsbooks
| Sportsbook | Welcome Bonus | Promo Code Required? |
|---|---|---|
| 1xBET Sportsbook | 120% First Deposit Bonus up to $540 CAD | No Promo Code |
| 20BET Sportsbook | 100% Up to $150 | RG150 |
| 22Bet Sportsbook | 100% Up to $180 | No Promo Code |
| Bet99 Sportsbook | First Bet Encore Up to $800 | RG99 |
| BetVictor Sportsbook | Up to $400 in Bet Credits | No Promo Code |
| BC Game Sportsbook | 120% Bonus + 5 Free Bets in Sports | No Promo Code |
| BetPlays Sportsbook | 100% Match on First Deposit | No Promo Code |
| Pinnacle Sportsbook | Enhanced Odds on All Sports Markets | No Promo Code |
| TonyBet Sportsbook | First Deposit Bonus Up To $350 | No Promo Code |
| Stake Sportsbook | 200% Deposit Bonus Up to $3,000 | No Promo Code |
| 888sport Sportsbook | 100% Bonus Up to $250 on Your First Deposit | No Promo Code |
| Casumo Sportsbook | 100% Profit Boost Up to $1,000 on First Bet | No Promo Code |
| Coolbet Sportsbook | 100% Deposit Bonus up to $200 | No Promo Code |
| LeoVegas Sportsbook | $50 in Bonus Bets When You Bet $25 | No Promo Code |
| NorthStar Bets Sportsbook | 100% up to $100 + 100 Bonus Spins | No Promo Code |
| PowerPlay Sportsbook | Deposit Match up to $500 in Bonus Bets | No Promo Code |
Active BC Welcome Bonuses
10bet Welcome Bonus: 125% up to $250 + $10 Free Bet
BC Game 120% Bonus + 5 Free Bet In Sports
BC Game 120% Bonus + 100 Free Spins In Casino
20Bet Welcome Bonus: 100% UP TO $150
Northstar Bets Welcome Bonus: 100% up to $100 + 100 Bonus Spins
22Bet Welcome Bonus: 100% Up to $180
Shangri La Welcome Bonus - 100% up to $50 + 20 Free Spins
Betway Free Bet Refund Up to $200 + 20 Free Spins
Betway Welcome Bonus: Up to $200 Bet Token + 20 Free Spins
Betway Get a Bet Token Refund Up to $200
Coolbet Deposit Bonus: 100% up to $200
1xBET 120% first deposit bonus up to $540 CAD
BetPlays Sports Bonus up to 120%
BetPlays Sports Welcome Bonus: 100% Match on First Deposit
Powerplay Welcome Bonus: Deposit Match up to $500 in Bonus Bets
TonyBet First Deposit Bonus Up To $350
Casumo Welcome Bonus: 100% Profit Boost Up to $1,000 on First Bet
Bet99 First Bet Encore Up To $800
LeoVegas Welcome Bonus: $50 in Bonus Bets When You Bet $25
Stake Welcome Bonus: Up to $3,000
Current BC Sports Betting Laws
The provincial government governs sports betting in British Columbia under the Criminal Code exemption granted by Bill C‑218 in 2021. The British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC) operates and regulates all legal sports wagering activities, both online through PlayNow Sports and via PROLINE at approved retail locations.
Types of Legal Betting in BC
- Online Betting (local): Available exclusively through PlayNow Sports, BCLC’s secure platform offering single-event and parlay wagers.
- Retail Sportsbooks: PROLINE is offered at gas stations, grocery stores, and convenience outlets, featuring parlay-only formats (PROLINE+ launched in 2024).
- Lottery‑Style Sports Betting: Traditional Sports Action pools, now integrated into PROLINE+, let bettors participate in parlay-style pool betting.
- Offshore Online Sportsbooks: Still a legal grey area in Canada, offshore sportsbooks are accessible to BC bettors, but they are not licensed by the BC government, meaning player protections are not enforceable.
As of 2024, PlayNow reported over $442 million in iGaming revenue, of which 64% ($282 million) funded provincial programs.
How to Find the Best BC Sportsbooks
Before online sports betting took hold, British Columbia (B.C.) sports betting was limited. The scene transformed when the British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC) introduced PlayNow in 2004, and especially after single-game betting became legal on August 27, 2021.
Today, British Columbia bettors can choose from reputable online sportsbooks offering:
- 🏅 Competitive odds
- 🎁 Generous bonuses
- 📲 Excellent mobile apps
- 🛟Responsible gambling tools
- 💳Secure payment options
- 📞 Responsive customer support
Key Facts about B.C. Sports Betting
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| 🚀 Launch Date | August 27, 2021 (single-event betting) |
| 🎰 Retail Sports Betting | Yes |
| 📱 Online Sports Betting | Yes |
| 🎮 Esports Betting | Yes |
| 🎂 Legal Betting Age | 19+ |
| 👥 B.C. Population | 5.8 million (Feb 2025 estimate) |
| 🎯 Regulator | British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC) |
Choosing a Sportsbook: What to Look For
When evaluating B.C. sportsbooks you should always prioritize:
- Legality & Licensing: Choose regulated online sports betting sites or reputable offshore sportsbooks.
- Bonuses & Promotions: Compare welcome bonuses, free bets, and ongoing promotions.
- Betting Markets: Look for various sports and bet types, including prop and live bets.
- Competitive Odds: Ensure the sportsbook consistently offers the best odds.
- User Experience: Prefer sportsbooks with positive user reviews, check the App Store and Google Play ratings.
Who Can Bet in British Columbia?
To legally bet on sports in B.C., you must:
- Be at least 19 years old.
- Verify age and identity with the sportsbook.
- Be physically located in B.C. to wager with PlayNow or an offshore sportsbook.
- Sports professionals and gambling industry employees are also restricted.
Future Regulation
Commercial sportsbook regulation is anticipated but currently not authorized. Provinces like Ontario and Alberta demonstrate growing profits, encouraging future market expansion in B.C.
How to Register at B.C. Online Sports Betting Sites
Follow these straightforward steps:
- Click "Register" or "Join" at your chosen sportsbook.
- Provide required personal details:
- Name
- Address
- Date of Birth
- Mobile number
- Submit and verify via email/SMS.
- Deposit funds to start betting.
Depositing & Withdrawing Funds at B.C. Sportsbooks
To start placing bets, you’ll need to fund your sportsbook account. B.C. sportsbooks offer multiple secure and convenient payment methods. Here’s everything you need to know.
✅ How to Deposit at Online Sportsbooks
- Log In → Access your account.
- Navigate to Cashier or Banking → Usually found near your account balance or user profile.
- Select Deposit Method → Choose your preferred payment option from available methods.
- Enter Deposit Amount → Ensure you meet minimum deposit limits.
- Apply Bonus Code (if applicable) → Enter any promotional codes to claim deposit bonuses.
- Confirm and Submit → Funds are usually credited instantly.
🏦 Popular Deposit Methods in B.C.
B.C. bettors primarily use these reliable deposit options:
| Payment Method | Type | Typical Speed | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Interac e-Transfer | Online Banking | Instant | Popular, secure, easy in Canada |
| Credit/Debit Cards | Visa, Mastercard | Instant | Widely accepted, may have fees |
| E-Wallets | PayPal, Skrill, Neteller | Instant | Convenient, secure, low fees |
| Cryptocurrencies | Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin | Near-instant | Available mostly at offshore sportsbooks |
| Prepaid Cards/Vouchers | Paysafecard, Vanilla | Instant | Secure, anonymous deposits |
| Bank Wire Transfer | Direct from bank | 1–3 business days | Ideal for large deposits, secure |
- Interac e-Transfer is extremely popular due to its ease and widespread availability across Canadian banks.
- Crypto is generally not available at provincially regulated sites (like PlayNow), but common at offshore sportsbooks.
- Deposits typically carry no fees, though banks and e-wallet providers may charge minimal transaction fees.
📤 How to Withdraw from B.C. Sportsbooks
When you win, withdrawing is straightforward but involves a few extra security steps:
- Log In → Go to your account and select Cashier.
- Choose Withdrawal Method → Options may include e-wallets, bank transfer, or Interac.
- Enter Withdrawal Amount → Respect minimum and maximum withdrawal limits.
- Verify Your Account (first-time withdrawals) → Provide:
- Government-issued ID (passport or driver’s license).
- Proof of address (utility bill or bank statement).
- Proof of payment method (if required).
- Confirm and Submit → Await processing.
⏳ Popular Withdrawal Methods and Processing Times
| Withdrawal Method | Typical Speed | Additional Notes |
|---|---|---|
| E-Wallets (PayPal, Neteller) | Few hours up to 24 hrs | Fastest option, low/no fees |
| Interac e-Transfer | Within 24 hrs | Commonly used, reliable for Canadians |
| Cryptocurrencies (Offshore sites) | Within hours up to 24 hrs | Fast processing at offshore sportsbooks |
| Bank Transfers (ACH/Wire) | 1–7 business days | Secure, suitable for larger withdrawals |
| Credit/Debit Card Refunds | 1–5 business days | May have small fees, not always available |
🔐 Important Information on Withdrawals
- Withdrawal processing usually takes longer than deposits due to necessary verification and compliance checks.
- Provincially regulated sportsbooks (like PlayNow) don't support crypto methods.
- Most sportsbooks have a verification ("Know Your Customer," KYC) procedure for your first withdrawal to prevent fraud and money laundering. This typically adds 1–3 days to the first withdrawal.
- Always read the sportsbook’s banking terms to be aware of any hidden fees or minimum withdrawal amounts.
Popular Alberta Sports Wagering Types
| Bet Type | Definition | Example (Alberta Teams) | Difficulty | Why It’s Easy/Hard |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Moneyline | Bet on the outright winner of a game. | Oilers to beat Flames at -125 | ⭐ Easy | Straightforward win/loss bet. No point spreads to track. |
| Point Spread | Team must win or lose by a set number of points. | Stampeders -4.5 vs. Elks (+4.5) | ⭐⭐ Medium | You must understand the margin of victory. |
| Totals (Over/Under) | Bet on combined score of both teams. | Over 6.5 goals in Oilers vs. Jets | ⭐ Easy | Just predict the total score, not the winner. |
| Parlays | Multiple bets combined into one. All must win to cash. | Oilers ML + Flames Over 6.5 + Stampeders -3.5 | ⭐⭐⭐ Hard | One loss = no payout. High risk, high reward. |
| Same-Game Parlay | Multiple bets within a single event. | Flames ML + Kadri to score + Over 5.5 goals | ⭐⭐⭐ Hard | Correlated outcomes = higher variance. |
| Prop Bets | Bets on player or team stats/events. | McDavid to score + Over 3.5 Oilers power plays | ⭐⭐ Medium | Great for stat-savvy bettors. Fun and varied options. |
| Teasers | Modified parlays with adjusted spreads/totals. | 6-point teaser: Stampeders -6 → 0, Over 44 → 38 | ⭐⭐ Medium | Better odds of winning, but lower payouts. |
| Futures | Bet on a season-long or tournament outcome. | Oilers to win Stanley Cup at +1600 | ⭐⭐ Medium | Long wait for payout; good for loyal fans. |
| Live Betting | Place bets in real time as the game unfolds. | Bet Stampeders to win after trailing in Q2 | ⭐⭐ Medium | Fast-paced, data-driven. Great for hedging or reacting live. |
| Totals by Period | Over/Under on a specific period/quarter. | Over 1.5 goals in 1st period (Oilers vs. Flames) | ⭐ Easy | Focused segment; easier to analyze for hockey fans. |
| Winning Margin | Predict the victory range. | Elks to win by 1–6 points | ⭐⭐⭐ Hard | Small ranges = tough to hit. Big payouts if correct. |
| Exact Score | Predict final score. | Cavalry FC 2 – 1 Valour FC | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Very Hard | Very risky but massive payout; best used as a novelty wager. |
| Double Chance | Cover 2 of 3 outcomes in 3-way markets. | Cavalry FC win or draw | ⭐ Easy | Low risk, low reward. Great for risk-averse soccer bettors. |
| BTTS (Both Teams to Score) | Both teams must score at least once. | Yes on BTTS in Cavalry FC vs. Pacific FC | ⭐ Easy | Popular in soccer; great for stat-based analysis. |
Top Sports and Leagues to Bet On
Popular sports among British Columbia bettors:
- 🏈 Football (NFL, CFL)
- ⚽ Soccer (MLS, EPL, Bundesliga)
- 🏀 Basketball (NBA, NCAA)
- 🏒 Hockey (NHL, AHL)
- ⚾ Baseball (MLB)
- 🥊 Boxing/MMA (UFC)
- 🎾 Tennis (Grand Slams)
- ⛳ Golf (Masters, PGA Tour)
Plus niche sports like darts, lacrosse, esports, politics, and entertainment events.
B.C. Teams and Sports to Follow
| Team | League | Relevant Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Vancouver Canucks 🏒 | NHL | Stanley Cup odds, player props |
| Abbotsford Canucks 🏒 | AHL | Moneyline, spreads, totals |
| B.C. Lions 🏈 | CFL | Extensive props, in-play betting |
| Vancouver Whitecaps ⚽ | MLS | Player props, match specials |
| Pacific FC & Vancouver FC ⚽ | CPL | Regional rivalry, limited markets |
| Vancouver Warriors 🥍 | NLL | Select betting markets |
| PWHL Vancouver 🏒 | PWHL | Expansion team, upcoming 2025–26 season |
| Seattle Mariners ⚾ / Seahawks 🏈 | MLB / NFL | Popular across the border |
Other Gambling Options in B.C.
| Option | Details |
|---|---|
| 🎲 Casinos | 36 land-based casinos plus legal online casinos with slots, table games. |
| 🏇 Horse Racing | Legal betting at tracks and online sportsbooks. |
| 🃏 Poker | PlayNow poker room, international poker sites available. |
| 🎟️ Lottery | 6/49, Scratchers, Keno, bingo. |
| 🗳️ Political Betting | Elections wagering, allowed in Canada. |
| 🧙 Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) | Separate from standard sportsbooks. |
| 🎮 Esports | Games like Call of Duty, League of Legends; moneyline, spreads, totals. |
Responsible Gambling in British Columbia
Responsible gambling is a core pillar of the B.C. sports betting framework. Whether you place the occasional bet or wager regularly, it’s essential to keep your gambling habits balanced and sustainable.
🛡️ Tools Available at B.C. Sportsbooks
All legal B.C. sportsbooks, including provincially regulated platforms like PlayNow and international betting sites, offer built-in responsible gambling tools to help bettors maintain control:
- Deposit Limits – Set daily, weekly, or monthly limits on how much you can add to your account.
- Wagering Limits – Cap how much you're able to bet over a set period.
- Session Time Reminders – Get notified after extended periods of play.
- Cooling-Off Periods – Temporarily pause your account for 24 hours up to several weeks.
- Voluntary Self-Exclusion – Take a longer break from gambling, ranging from several months to permanent exclusion.
- Activity Statements – Review detailed betting history to monitor habits.
- Self-Assessment Quizzes – Gauge your risk level through confidential interactive questionnaires.
These features are accessible through your account settings or the sportsbook’s dedicated responsible gambling section.
💬 Expert Support from GameSense Advisors
PlayNow, operated by the British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC), provides access to GameSense Advisors — trained professionals available via live chat or in-person at select gaming venues. They’re available to:
- Discuss your gambling behavior confidentially
- Provide non-judgmental guidance
- Share information about responsible gambling strategies
- Help connect you to support services when needed
This proactive support is designed to meet bettors where they are, offering guidance before a gambling issue becomes serious.
📞 Gambling Support Resources in B.C.
If you or someone you know may be experiencing challenges related to gambling, help is free and available 24/7:
| Resource | Contact Information |
|---|---|
| Gambling Support B.C. | www.gamblingsupportbc.ca |
| 24/7 Confidential Hotline | 1-888-795-6111 |
| Text Support (BC Only) | Text “CONNECT” to 686868 |
| Email Support | help@bccrisisline.ca |
These services are anonymous and designed to offer emotional support, information, and access to counseling or referrals.
🔒 Why Responsible Gambling Matters
Practicing responsible gambling helps ensure that betting remains a form of entertainment, not a source of stress or financial strain. It’s especially important in today’s digital age, where online sports betting sites offer instant access to wagers 24/7.
- Bet only what you can afford to lose.
- Avoid chasing losses.
- Take regular breaks and monitor your time online.
- Don’t treat gambling as a way to make money.
FAQs on the BC Sports Betting Scene
About Sports Betting in B.C.
Can I access offshore sportsbooks from British Columbia?
While many offshore sportsbooks accept B.C. bettors, you must never use a VPN to disguise your location. Doing so can violate the site’s terms of service, and in many cases:
- Your account may be permanently banned
- Winnings can be forfeited
- You may be blocked from withdrawals
It’s always safer to use sportsbooks that legally operate in British Columbia, such as PlayNow or trusted Canadian-facing operators like Sports Interaction.
Are mobile apps available for B.C. sportsbooks?
Yes. Most top B.C. betting sites offer apps on the App Store and Google Play, or provide mobile-optimized web versions. These apps let you:
- Register and verify accounts
- Place pre-game and live bets
- Deposit and withdraw securely
- Access same-game parlays, boosts, and promos
Are my winnings from sports betting taxed in British Columbia?
No. If you are betting recreationally, sports betting winnings are not taxed in Canada. However, if you earn consistent income from referrals, arbitrage betting, or professional wagering, consult a tax professional for personalized advice.
How long does it take to settle a bet?
Most online sportsbooks settle bets within minutes of official results being confirmed. That said:
- Props and futures may take longer
- Any disputed results or reviews (like VAR in soccer) may cause temporary delay.
Can I cancel or reverse a withdrawal?
Typically no for regulated sportsbooks like PlayNow—once you submit a withdrawal request, it begins processing immediately.
Some offshore sportsbooks do allow reversals if the funds haven’t been processed, but this can encourage poor bankroll management. For responsible gambling, it's better to view submitted withdrawals as final.
What happens if a bet is voided?
If a bet is voided, you usually get your original stake refunded. This can happen if:
- A game is canceled or postponed
- A player in a prop bet doesn’t participate
- The sportsbook made a line-setting error
- In parlays, the voided leg is removed, and odds are recalculated.
Can I track my betting activity?
Yes. Most B.C. sportsbooks provide full account history reports, including:
- Wagers placed and settled
- Deposit/withdrawal history
- Win/loss summaries
- Self-monitoring and limit tools
This is useful for both budgeting and supporting responsible gambling practices.
What is the legal age to bet in British Columbia?
You must be 19 years old or older to use any legal sportsbook in British Columbia. This includes retail betting at casinos and all online sports betting sites. Age verification is mandatory when registering.
Can I bet while traveling outside B.C.?
If you’re using PlayNow, the answer is no. The platform uses geolocation to ensure users are physically inside B.C.
If you're betting with an international site that accepts Canadian bettors, your access may depend on the local laws and the site’s licensing. Always confirm you're complying with local regulations before betting outside the province.
