Gambling laws, regulations and policies
Last updated on September 12, 2023Learn about laws, regulations, and policies governing gambling in British Columbia including those related to lotteries, gambling facilities, gambling industry workers and companies, and more.
Learn more:
- Overview
- Legislation
- Directives
- Public Interest Standards
- Policies
- Enforcement Bulletins & Advisories
- Technical Gaming Standards
- Sanctions & Penalties
Overview
The Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch (GPEB) regulates all gambling in British Columbia, ensures the integrity of gambling industry companies, people and equipment, and investigates allegations of wrongdoing.
This includes regulatory oversight of the British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC) (which conducts and manages lotteries, casinos and commercial bingo halls), all gambling services providers and gambling workers, B.C.'s horse racing industry and licensed gambling events. GPEB also manages provincial responsible gambling programs. GPEB carries out its activities under the provincial Gaming Control Act and Gaming Control Regulations and Canada's Criminal Code.
- Key Regulatory Responsibilities of GPEB and their Application to BCLC (PDF)
- Roles and Responsibilities of Participants in British Columbia's Gaming Industry (PDF)
The following document outlines the GPEB audit plan for the British Columbia Lottery Corporation's conduct and management of commercial gambling.
A list of laws and regulations governing gambling in B.C. is available below. This list should not be considered complete for legal purposes. Some regulations are not listed here, but are included in other sections of this website, for example regulations related to gambling event licence fundraising.
Legislation
- Gaming Control Act
- Gaming Control Regulation
- Canada's Criminal Code (See Part VII)
Directives
- General Manager's Directive - Responsible Gambling Standards for Internet Gambling Conducted by BCLC (PDF)
- General Manager's Directive - Advertising and Marketing Standards for the BC Gambling Industry (PDF)
- Minister’s Direction - Gaming Control Act, Section 7 (reopening of gaming facilities) (PDF)
- General Manager's Directive - Gaming Control Act, Section 28 (Internal Review Procedures Rescinded (PDF)
- General Manager's Directive - Gaming Control Act, Section 28 (amended formula for gaming revenue) (PDF)
- Minister's Directive - Gaming Control Act, Section 26 (limit on the number of horse racing teletheatres) (PDF)
- Minister's Directive - Gaming Control Act, Section 18 (move casinos, change lottery schemes) (PDF)
- General Manager's Directive - Gaming Control Act, Section 28 (Technical Integrity of BCLC Lottery Schemes) (PDF)
- General Manager's Directive - Gaming Control Act, Section 28 (BCLC Employees' Reporting Requirements Concerning Conflict of Interest) (PDF)
Public Interest Standards
- Responsible Gambling Standards for Internet Gambling Conducted by BCLC (PDF)
- Safe and Respectful Workplace Standard (PDF)
- Advertising and Marketing Standards (PDF)
- Security and Surveillance Standards (PDF)
- Responsible Gambling Standards (PDF)
- Independent Review of Money Laundering - Terms of Reference (PDF)
Policies
General Policies:
- April 22, 2022 - Letter to BCLC and Gaming Service Providers (Requirements for Reporting wrongdoing under Section 86(2) Gaming Control Act, and Section 34(1)(t) Gaming Control Regulation) (PDF)
- November 25, 2013 - Letter to all Gaming Event Licensees and Grant Recipients (Requirements for Reporting Wrongdoing for Licensees and Grant Recipients) (PDF)
- Internal Review Procedures (appeal a decision): for community gaming grant decisions (PDF)
- Standards of Conduct Requirements for Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch Employees (PDF)
Horse Racing Policies:
- Horse Racing Policy: Designated Scratch Time (PDF)
- Establishing, Relocating or Substantially Changing a Teletheatre (PDF)
- Cornell Collar Usage: July 2, 2012 (PDF)
- Breathalyser Testing of Licensees: June 18, 2010 (PDF)
- Licensee Drug Testing: January 1, 2010 (PDF)
- Erythropoietin or Darbepoetin Testing: May 12, 2008 (PDF)
- Shock Wave Therapy: April 26, 2006 (PDF)
Enforcement Bulletins & Advisories
Technical Gaming Standards
- Technical Gaming Standards (TGS) - Master Document (PDF)
- TGS1 - Electronic Gaming Devices (PDF)
- TGS2 - Progressive Gaming Devices (PDF)
- TGS3 - Online Monitoring and Control Systems (PDF)
- TGS4 - Electronic Bingo (PDF)
- TGS5 - Internet Gaming Systems (PDF)
Last updated: August 2023 - TGS6 - Electronic Raffle Systems (PDF)
- TGSNE1 - Non-Electronic Pull Tab (Break Open) Tickets (PDF)
- TGSNE2 - Non-Electronic Scratch and Win Tickets (PDF)
Sanctions & Penalties
Contact information
Contact the Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch if you have questions about gambling in B.C.