British Columbia Sports Betting - Best BC Sportsbooks December 2024

How to find the best B.C. sportsbooks

Like in most gambling jurisdictions, the British Columbia sports betting scene was pretty dull before the internet came along and shook things up. The landscape started to shift with the launch of the first online gambling sites in the mid-1990s. However, British Columbia didn't join the party until 2004, when the provincial government launched its sports betting site, PlayNow.com. Fast forward to today, and you can access several of the best sportsbooks in Canada.

Canadian sports fans can choose from many sportsbooks that welcome British Columbia bettors. Many internationally-licensed betting operators adhere to the highest privacy, security, and responsible gambling standards. B.C bettors can pick from sportsbooks that offer generous bonuses, competitive odds, sleek mobile apps, and attentive customer support. Better yet, check our experts' takes on which B.C. sportsbooks are the cream of the crop.

Registering at multiple sportsbooks 

Remember, you're allowed to make an account with each sportsbook, meaning you don't have to worry about sticking with one. This is a good way to ease the line shopping process, as you'll be able to easily navigate between sportsbooks depending on which one has the best odds. You can also claim each welcome bonus once, so there's a lot of value to be found for those that use multiple books at once.

Playthrough requirements

The only thing to be aware of is something called a 'playthrough requirement'. Essentially, bonus bet credits cannot be withdrawn as real cash until they have been 'used' or 'played through'. For example, if a sportsbook has a 'Bet $5, get $150 in bonus bets' offer with a 1x playthrough requirement, you would need to wager the $150 in bonus bets before any of it could be withdrawn as a real cash prize.

Ongoing promotions for existing users

Furthermore, having an account with each sportsbook will give you the opportunity to take advantage of any ongoing promotions being held at each sportsbook. For example, some books will periodically offer incentives including boosted odds, special parlays, and even deposit match bonuses.

Essentially, you can go bonus shopping in addition to line shopping, which can help you decide with operator to go with on a given day. For example, let's say bet365 has +200 odds on a Connor McDavid anytime scorer prop bet. Alternatively, Bet99 has +180 odds on that same market, but is offering a 'no sweat NHL bet' on that day. bet365 may have the longer odds, but the bonus bet can make it worthwhile to use the sportsbook with the shorter odds instead.

Best British Columbia sportsbooks

A team of industry experts vetted this guide to British Columbia sports betting. It will tell you everything you need to know about placing safe and legal sports wagers in B.C. We'll also guide you through the legality, available betting markets, and how to find the best sportsbook.

So read on to get all the information you need to choose a reliable online sportsbook and embark on an exciting B.C. sports betting adventure.

Our top-rated B.C. sports betting sites

The B.C. sports betting scene can be a bit confusing. The British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC) owns and operates PlayNow, the province's single officially licensed online sports betting outlet. However, several other reputable international and offshore sportsbooks are also open to customers in the Pacific Province. 

We examined every B.C. sports betting site you could choose and evaluated it based on strict criteria. We looked at odds quality, market coverage, key features, welcome bonuses and ongoing promotions, security, deposit and withdrawal methods, mobile app performance, and customer support. 

We judged the very best, so you don't have to. Check out our picks for the best B.C. online sportsbooks.

1. Betway 🏒

Betway is another terrific option for bettors from B.C. With a huge betting market of 30+ sports, plenty of smooth banking options, and competitive odds across the board, Betway serves Canadian customers in all the most important ways.

New users can snag a . The bonus funds come with a 10x playthrough, but you don't need a Betway promo code to activate this deal. 

Head over to our in-depth Betway review to learn more about one of Canada's best online sportsbooks. 

2. bet365 🟢

Bet365 first opened its virtual doors in 2000. Founded and still managed today by the Cotts family from England’s Stocke-on-Trent, the British gambling giant now employs over 7,000 people and serves over 90 million customers worldwide. 

Bet365 Sportsbook happily welcomes B.C. bettors. If you’re looking for free live streaming of sports events, super-competitive odds, and an epic selection of betting markets, bet365 should be one of your top choices.

Although the user interface isn’t as visually appealing as other betting sites in British Columbia, bet365’s desktop and mobile sites make it easy to navigate, find odds, and place bets. Funding your account with standard payment methods like bank cards, Interac, Instadebit, iDebit, Paysafecard, and EcoPayz is also simple.

If you've never held an account with this sportsbook, you'll be able to choose between two different , in the form of either a $1,000 first bet safety net or a bet $10, get $50 in bonus bets offer. Just use the bet365 bonus code SBRPROMO when registering to claim your choice of bonus. 

Bettors using bet365 will also find betting lines on all of the most popular sports in Canada, with highly competitive odds. Its platform is among the easiest to use of all B.C. sportsbooks. With decades of experience, bet365 is well-versed in providing excellent service for bettors.  

For more information, check out our full bet365 review.

3. Sports Interaction 🏀

Sports Interaction is a sportsbook made by Canadians, for Canadians. It launched in 1997 with a headquarters in Montreal. Since then, it has become the sportsbook of choice for millions of bettors in Canada and around the world. 

Owned and operated by Avid Gaming, one of Canada’s leading betting operators, Sports Interaction is licensed throughout Canada by the Mohawk Territory of Kahnawake and the Jersey Gambling Commission. In September 2022, Entain, a global betting giant, purchased Avid Gaming and, in turn, Sports Interaction. 

Sports Interaction provides competitive odds on an extensive Canadian and international sports market. New customers can take advantage of their for even more value. Unsurprisingly, this sportsbook offers its site, support, and betting opportunities in both English and French.

To learn more about the platform, read our in-depth Sports Interaction review.

4. William Hill ⚽

B.C. bettors looking for decades of betting tradition and experience will love William Hill, the world’s oldest bookmaker. William Hill was founded in 1934, long before anyone imagined online gaming would ever exist. Players in British Columbia using William Hill will find a well-designed, uncluttered platform with a straightforward desktop client, mobile site, and native app. Customer service is also attentive, in line with the operator’s old-school brick-and-mortar traditions.

William Hill accepts many payment methods, including Visa, MasterCard, Instadebit, iDebt, PaySafeCard, Entropay, and ecoPayz. The variety of options lets you safely deposit and withdraw your money from the site. There is also a generous William Hill welcome offer, funding your account with if your initial wager loses. Read the terms and conditions for the full details.

William Hill is one of the best sportsbooks in British Columbia thanks to its experience, easy-to-use platform, range of payment methods, and lucrative bonus. It may be old-school, but nothing is boring about William Hill!  

If you're interested in opening an account, read our full William Hill review first.

5. BetVictor 🏒

BetVictor is a longtime offshore sports betting operator that residents of B.C. should consider as one of their top choices. It has a ton of appealing features, like live betting, free live streaming of select sports, early cash-out, and casino games. It will give you  with their BetVictor welcome offer. You don't need a BetVictor promo code to qualify for this deal. 

The BetVictor mobile sports betting app receives consistently strong ratings in both the App Store and Google Play Store. Its clean, simple, and intuitive user experience makes it a breeze to find your desired betting markets, which all feature competitive odds.

This sportsbook has been in business since 1946 and is licensed and regulated in multiple jurisdictions around the world. Bettors from British Columbia can be confident that BetVictor is a safe and secure sports betting site for them to use.

Check out our detailed BetVictor review for more information about their online sportsbook.

Responsible Gaming: 

6. LeoVegas 🦁

LeoVegas is another strong option for Canadian bettors, especially if you're into live betting. LeoVegas has a terrific live betting section, showing you all the current in-game action and up-to-the-second odds.

New customers can easily claim the  welcome offer. There are a few important terms and conditions to know about, like a 1.8 (-125) odds restriction and a limited timed window to make your bet. However, you don't need a LeoVegas sports promo code to qualify for this deal, which is a plus. 

If you want to know about this online sports betting site, head over to our detailed LeoVegas review.

7. Stake.com 🟦

Stake is emerging as a popular option for bettors in British Columbia, with partnerships with the UFC, Everton FC, and hip-hop icon Drake as its celebrity spokesman. 

Although Stake doesn't have native mobile apps yet, it's desktop website is perfectly optimized for mobile devices. You'll barely notice you're not actually using an app, which is a great thing. One of Stake's best features is offering instant deposits and withdrawals using cryptocurrencies, something many competing sportsbooks have stayed away from so far.

Stake welcomes new customers with a potentially massive bonus: a . You have to deposit at least $50 to qualify for this offer, which is more than the average minimum deposit. However, the maximum reward also outshines most competitors in terms of sheer dollar value. Remember to use the Stake promo code SBR3000 when you register and deposit. 

If you want to know about this BC betting site, head over to our detailed Stake review.

8. Bet99 🍁

Bet99 has a strong Canadian appeal, which is made even more obvious by using UFC legend (and Montreal native) Georges St-Pierre in all of its marketing. Even if the former welterweight champ doesn't convince you, let us be the first to reassure you: Bet99 brings the goods.

Bet99 has a terrific user interface that makes finding your desired betting market a breeze. The odds have gotten more competitive in recent months, which is something Bet99 struggled with when it first launched. 

Although it took longer than we would have hoped, Bet99 finally released dedicated mobile apps for iOS and Android devices in late 2023. These immediately pushed Bet99 back amongst the other leading sportsbooks in B.C.

New users can use our exclusive Bet99 promo code SBRBONUS to claim a . Just register, use the code SBRBONUS, and make your first qualifying bet within seven days. 

9. TonyBet ⚽

TonyBet (formerly known as OmniBet) technically launched in 2003, but was rebranded to TonyBet in 2012 after it was purchased by world-renowned poker star Antanas Guogo — aka 'Tony G'. As such, TonyBet has typically provided a much stronger casino product than it has sportsbook. However, the sportsbook side of TonyBet has notable advantages too.

Admittedly, we found TonyBet to have a somewhat messy layout and less competitive odds compared to the field. On the other hand, this operator has helpful 24/7 customer support as well as a large selection of live betting and esports markets. 

New bettors will begin their TonyBet experience with a boost as well, with the sportsbook currently offering a $350 free bet promotion. Click the link in the table below or see our TonyBet bonus code section to learn more.

10. 888sport 🎱

888sport's reputation is founded on its commitment to delivering an enriched betting experience. Renowned for its exceptional live betting, 888sport offers users an immersive platform for in-play wagers, and great payout options.

Incorporating innovative software enhances user navigation and interaction, setting it apart as a cutting-edge operator. The website is easy to navigate and has many cool features throughout.

As a trusted name in the industry, 888sport garners user confidence through its reliable operations and strong reputation. One of the better sportsbooks available to residents in Canada.

Use promo code 'SBRBONUS' when signing up today! Be sure to visit the 888sport promo code page for the full breakdown of how to claim the 888sport welcome offer.

B.C. sports betting summary

*Note: Before August 2021, 2021, British Columbia's government-run PlayNow sports betting platform only offered parlay betting options. 

Who can bet on sports in British Columbia?

Even though British Columbia sports betting laws are pretty liberal, you must be at least 19 years old to place wagers at a B.C. sportsbook. PlayNow and all other reputable international online betting sites will require you to verify your age before playing. Those working in the gambling or professional sports industry may be excluded from making bets in B.C.

There is also the issue of location. If you bet with a Canadian-friendly international bookmaker, you can place your bets anywhere a wireless signal is available. However, those who bet at PlayNow must be physically within B.C.’s borders. If PlayNow detects that you are outside of British Columbia, then you will not be able to place bets until you return.

Future regulation plans

There's optimism surrounding whether or not British Columbia will ever authorize commercial sportsbooks to enter the province's sports betting market, but that's still a ways away from happening at the moment. It's hard to imagine that the legalization and regulation of commercial sportsbooks wouldn't bear fruit, given how well PlayNow has done since first launching.

Much of that is evidenced by the 2024 Super Bowl, as PlayNow's 2023 record of $1.8 million in bets placed on the big game increased by upwards of 70% in 2024. The profits made from Ontario sports betting have definitely caught the eyes of other provinces and territories as well. The push for a fully regulated online betting market could pick up even more steam in B.C. when neighboring Alberta opens its own commercial sports betting market, which is expected by the end of 2025. 

Registering with a B.C. sportsbook

Before you start your sports betting journey, you must find the most suitable B.C. online sportsbook. Click any of the links on this page to head directly to a trusted and vetted sportsbook. We've verified every sportsbook on this page as legitimate and reliable, so you can be sure they will treat you fairly. 

Once you have settled on a sportsbook, you can open a new account by following these simple steps:

1. Click the “Register,” “Sign Up,” or "Join" button. You can usually find it in the upper-right corner of the page.
2. Fill out the registration forms. You must provide essential personal details such as your full name, address, date of birth, mobile number, and email address. 
3. Submit the completed form.
4. You may be asked to click on an activation link that you will receive via email. Alternatively, you might have to enter a one-time two-factor authentication PIN that your sportsbook will send you via SMS text message.
5. You should now have an active account at the B.C. online sportsbook.

Depositing and withdrawing from a B.C. sportsbook

Now that your account is ready, it’s time to make your first deposit. Make sure you check the terms and conditions of any welcome bonus offered. It may require you to make a certain minimum deposit or use a specific banking method. You may need to use a bonus code, which you can usually find on the site's promotions page.

Welcome promos like deposit or first bet matching have a maximum dollar value. Choose a comfortable deposit amount that allows you to take maximum advantage of these offers. Now that you are ready to make your deposit, it’s just a matter of doing the following.

1. Log in to your B.C. online sportsbook account
2. Go to the banking or cashier section. You can easily find it in your player profile or by clicking on your account balance
3. Select the “Deposit” option
4. Choose your preferred payment method. These typically include credit/debit cards, e-wallets, and online banking, although other options exist.
5. Enter the amount you wish to deposit. At this point, you may also be prompted to enter a bonus code or opt-in to a welcome bonus
6. Submit the deposit. You might be redirected to your payment provider to complete the transaction. If so, just follow the on-screen instructions.
7. Once the transaction is complete, the sportsbook will immediately credit your account with the funds. 
8. Choose an initial wager and an amount to risk. Keep your welcome bonus in mind.
9. If you win your initial bet, feel free to cash out. Go back to your Cashier section and find the "Withdraw" button. 
10. Select an amount and a withdrawal method.

Withdrawal times will depend on the payment method you select. While e-wallet withdrawals can take a few hours, other withdrawal methods, like bank transfers, can take one-to-seven business days to process.

Most B.C. sportsbooks will require verifying your account before your first withdrawal, and they are required to do this to prevent fraud, underage gambling, or money laundering schemes. You may need to email or upload a copy of your government I.D. (driver's license, passport, etc.), proof of address (utility or tax bill), and proof of payment method (bank statement).

This verification process may take a few extra days, but you only have to do it once. You can still use the sportbook to make additional bets during this time. Check out our ratings on the best online sportsbooks for payouts for more information about withdrawing. 

Popular B.C. bet types

The best British Columbia online sportsbook operators serve many betting opportunities. If there is even a small chance that something could happen during a match, a bookie likely offers odds. 

The B.C. sports betting scene has significantly evolved from the BCLC official Sports Action days, when you could only make a parlay bet on moneylines, spreads, and totals. You can now bet on single games in British Columbia. Below, we’ve reviewed some of the most popular bet types modern online sportsbooks offer.

Remember: If this is your first time wagering, ensure you read our guide on how to bet on sports

Moneyline

Moneyline bets are the easiest to understand and remain trendy among B.C. bettors. All you need to do is pick the winner. If the team you bet on wins, then so do you. If they lose, then better luck next time. Some matches that end in a tie result in a push, depending on the sport. 

Favourites are given odds of -100 or better, while underdogs start at +100 or longer. Check out this article on how to read betting odds for more explanation.

Point spread

When you bet on a point spread, it’s not just a matter of one team winning or losing. Instead, the team must win or lose by a specific margin. For example, let's say you bet on the B.C. Lions at -6.5 over the Edmonton Elks. You're wagering that the Leos will win by at least seven points. If they only win by 3, you've lost the bet.

Conversely, betting on the Elks at +6.5 means you win if Edmonton loses by less than seven points or wins the game outright.

Totals (Over/Under)

Totals refer to the number of points both teams combine to score. If you see that a game between the Vancouver Canucks and Dallas Stars has a total line of 6.5, you can bet the over, meaning both teams will combine for seven or more goals. Or you can take the under, meaning you think they'll combine for six or fewer.

Most top B.C. online sportsbook sites offer various over/under bets. You can bet on the totals for the whole game, individual periods in hockey, each quarter (or half) or basketball, football, and soccer games, or a certain number of innings in baseball. You can usually bet on the totals for a single team, too, instead of both.

Parlay

Those who played Sports Action in B.C. are undoubtedly familiar with parlays. A parlay is simply a bet that has multiple selections on it. For instance, you could bet the Canucks moneyline, the Seattle Seahawks spread, and the Bruins/Habs game total on a single ticket. While the odds get longer with each added selection, the potential payout increases.

To win a parlay, you must get every selection right, and even one losing pick can sink your other correct bets.

Most sportsbooks now offer same-game parlay (SGP) betting options too, letting you parlay multiple picks from the same game. For example, you could take the B.C. Lions on the moneyline, over 34.5 total points, and Nathan Rourke over 175.5 passing yards, all on one bet slip. All legs must win in order to cash your ticket, but these SGPs come with attractive longshot odds compared to straight bets. 

Props

Prop bets relate to specific events that can occur during a match. For example, you could pick Elias Pettersson to score at any time during the game. If he scores, your bet is a winner, regardless of the game's final score.

You can also bet on specific game events, like whether a Whitecaps game will feature a red card or over/under 6.5 total corner kicks. The Super Bowl is a popular game for prop bets, as fans bet on things like the national anthem length or the colour of Gatorade dumped on the winning coach.

Teasers

A teaser is a parlay involving point spreads or totals for football or basketball matches. Like standard parlays, you need each selection to hit. The main difference is that teaser bettors can adjust the spread or total to their liking. 

Let’s say you considered the following standard parlay of the Denver Broncos at +6.5, Los Angeles Chargers at -3, and K.C. Chiefs at -9.5. So, you decide to tease those selections. For our purposes, we’ll go for a 6-point tease, giving you far more favourable spreads. 

You would end up with a teaser of Denver Broncos at +12.5, Los Angeles Chargers at +3, and Kansas City Chiefs at -2.5. As you can see, these teased spreads give you a much better shot at winning. Of course, the potential payout will be significantly lower.

Futures

Do you want to bet on the Vancouver Canucks to win the Stanley Cup this year? How about a wager on Thatcher Demko to win the Vezina or Patrick Mahomes to win the NFL’s MVP? These are examples of futures bets, which is a long-term bet made on the outcome of a future event pertaining to a specific player or team.

Most sportsbooks offer betting markets for these picks, with odds being released well in advance of when these bets typically settle. Seeing as these wagers won’t have an outcome for weeks, months, or even longer, it's important to be smart about what you can financially afford to invest.

That said, early futures bets can return unparalleled value, as oddsmakers are at their least accurate when it comes to predicting outcomes well in advance. For example, Super Bowl futures odds for the next year are often set soon after the most recent Super Bowl ends, meaning they're available to bet on well before the offseason gets underway.

Live betting

The best live betting sites add a new dimension to the British Columbia sports betting experience. Whereas a pre-match betting menu closes as soon as the game begins, the live betting menu offers ever-changing odds throughout the game. 

One of the benefits of live betting is that you can watch a match and get a sense of the flow before making your bet, and it also provides plenty of hedging opportunities since the lines constantly change as the game progresses. 

Sportsbooks that offer live betting often provide tools and perks as well. One of the most popular is live streaming, when a bet on a live event will let you watch the game for free through the app instead of requiring a subscription to cable or another streaming service. Some will even offer live analytics, roster information, or play-by-play updates, giving you key information that can be used to inform live bets in real time.

B.C. sportsbook markets

Older B.C. sports bettors will remember the Sports Action era. Back then, you could only bet on limited markets, which included basic bets on the major North American pro sports and sometimes other significant events like the Super Bowl or tennis Grand Slams. And that was about it.

Oh, how things have changed! When you bet with one of our recommended B.C. sports betting sites, you can wager on almost any league or event. Do you want to bet on football? Then you can wager on the NFL, CFL, NCAA, and even the XFL.

If you are a soccer fan, you can wager on big leagues like EPL, Bundesliga, and MLS or small-market leagues operating in countries like Colombia, Portugal, and Zimbabwe. This also goes for major international tournaments including the World Cup. At the moment, the Euro Cup as well as the Copa America are in full swing. Think Canada has what it takes to win the Copa? Perhaps it's worth wagering on.

Without further ado, the most popular sports betting options in B.C. are listed below.

• Football
• Soccer
• Basketball
• Hockey
• Baseball
• Motorsports
• Boxing/MMA
• College Football and Basketball
• Tennis
• Golf

Then there are the many niche sports the best bookies offer odds on, such as cycling, handball, horse racing, and beach volleyball. You can bet on darts, snooker, lacrosse, eSports, and even politics or entertainment, like who be the next Prime Minister of Canada or who will win the next Oscar for Best Actor.

B.C. sports teams to bet on

British Columbia teams may not be some of the most successful in Canada, but they have diehard fans across the province. Below, we’ll examine the most popular B.C. sports teams and their histories. 

Vancouver Canucks 🏒

Vancouver Canucks joined the NHL in 1970 as an expansion franchise alongside Buffalo Sabres. They play their home games at the Rogers Arena. While Vancouver has had some great regular seasons and three Stanley Cup Final appearances, it is still searching for the ultimate glory. The Canucks did win back-to-back Presidents’ Trophies in 2011 and 2012. 

If you feel good about the Canucks going into next season, you can wager the Over/Under on its season win total or place a futures bet on it to win the Pacific Division or the Stanley Cup. Those who want to wager on the Canucks during the regular season can bet moneylines, spreads, totals, and a wide range of props bets through the best NHL betting sites. 

Abbotsford Canucks 🏒

Prior to the 2021-22 American Hockey League (AHL) season, the Vancouver Canucks decided to move the New York-based Utica Comets to Abbotsford, BC. From there, the Abbotsford Canucks were born, becoming the second AHL team to play in Abbotsford (as the 'Abbotsford Heat' played there from 2009-2014).

The team's home venue is the 'Abbotsford Centre', which is a 7,000-seat multipurpose arena located right in Abbotsford. Most of the regulatory betting markets are available for AHL games including moneylines, spreads, and totals. Prop bets may be on the rarer side, but some books will have them.

B.C. Lions 🏈

BC Lions is a member of the West Division of the Canadian Football League, which first took to the gridiron in 1954. The Lions struggled in their first few years but won their initial Grey Cup Championship in 1964. The Lions have won six Grey Cups to date, with its last title coming in 2011.

The 2023 season ended in bitter disappointment for a Lions team that went 12-6. Fortunately, the 2024 team has started off with a 3-1 record and looks poised to compete for a CFL Championship once again. The team's last title in 2011 is now the second-longest drought in the league, with only the Hamilton Tiger-Cats (1999) having gone longer. Will this be the year it all breaks right?

Luckily, Lions fans have quite a number of betting options amongst the top B.C. sports betting sites. In addition to moneylines, spreads, and totals, punters can wager on bets like winning margin, exact score, and alternative spreads. Many books also offer prop bets like quarterback passing yards, rushing yards, or the number of field goals. Then there are the many in-play betting options like the next team to score, both teams to score, and whether the game will go into overtime.

Vancouver Whitecaps ⚽

Vancouver Whitecaps entered MLS as an expansion team in 2011 as a member of the Western Conference. They play home games at B.C. Place. 

Along with competing for the MLS Cup, it competes for the Cascadia Cup against fellow Pacific Northwest sides Seattle Sounders and Portland Timbers, and in the Canadian Championship alongside the other Canadian MLS team, the Canadian Premier League, and some semi-pro teams from across Canada. It has won the Cascadia Cup three times and the Canadian Championship twice. 

One of the best things about betting on soccer at a premier British Columbia sportsbook is the massive number of betting options. A Whitecaps pre-match betting menu can offer hundreds of unique options far beyond sides and totals. You can wager on exciting props, including player props, corner kicks, yellow cards, throw-ins, and more.

Pacific FC and Vancouver FC ⚽

Sticking with soccer, British Columbia hosts two more professional footie teams. Pacific FC and Vancouver FC play in the Canada Premier League, which played its first season in 2019. Even though the CPL cannot compete with the higher-spending MLS, it technically remains Canada's top domestic soccer league. 

Pacific and Vancouver have a not-so-friendly local rivalry, playing just across the Straight of Georgia from each other; Pacific in Victoria on Vancouver Island, and Vancouver FC on the mainland in Langley, BC. You can find odds for all CPL games on most BC online sportsbooks, although some have been slow to add the upstart league to their betting markets. 

Vancouver Warriors🥍

British Columbia has a complex history with professional lacrosse. In 2002, the Vancouver Ravens briefly joined the National Lacrosse League (NLL) before disbanding in 2004. It wasn't until 2013 when the NLL returned with the Vancouver Stealth, which became the Vancouver Warriors we know today.

Canadian sportsbooks have started carrying select NLL games, giving casual and hardcore Warriors fans the ability to bet on their team while watching the action. With 15 NLL teams in all, including six based on Canada, there are many opportunities to get in on the action. 

Seattle Mariners ⚾ and Seahawks 🏈

British Columbia doesn't have a pro baseball team of their own, but many fans regularly cross the border to see the Seattle Mariners play. They are the closest thing to a "home team" for B.C.-based baseball fans. 

Alternatively, some people embrace the Toronto Blue Jays as "Canada's team" and turn Seattle's T-Mobile Park into a defacto home game whenever the Blue Jays come West to visit.

If you're not into the CFL, the closest NFL team is also in Seattle. The Seahawks are a popular draw for B.C. football fans regarding attendance, T.V. rating, and sports betting interest. 

BC residents who want to wager on the Mariners (or Blue Jays!) and Seahawks can get started by checking out the best MLB betting sites and NFL betting sites, respectively.

Other B.C. gambling options

While sports betting is one of the most popular legal forms of betting in British Columbia, it isn’t the only one. The following types of gambling are also legal:

• Online and land-based casinos: Besides the many legal online casinos, B.C. is home to 36 regulated retail casinos that offer games like slots, video poker, and a variety of table games like roulette, blackjack, and baccarat.
• Horse racing: Betting on horse racing isn’t just legal but wildly popular in B.C. Horse bettors can place wagers at race tracks like Hastings in Vancouver or get their action at any top B.C. online sportsbook.
• Poker: Poker is another legal type of gambling that B.C. players can participate in. While PlayNow has a busy online poker room, residents can also choose from many international poker rooms like PokerStars and PartyPoker.
• Lottery: Lotteries have been legal in Canada for decades. In addition to lotteries like 6/49, B.C. residents can play Scratchers, Keno, bingo, and other instant-win games.
• Politics: Many don't realize that it's possible to bet on the outcome of elections. This form of betting is illegal in the U.S., but there aren't any laws against it in most parts of Canada. Many of the best political betting sites will carry anything from a Canadian provincial election to the Presidential election itself.

Fantasy sports

Season-long fantasy sports leagues have long been legal in British Columbia. Although traditional sportsbooks don't typically offer fantasy sports, DraftKings and FanDuel offer daily fantasy sports (DFS) contests to B.C. residents. Ironically, those two companies don't offer their regular sportsbook to B.C. bettors, as they don't have a license from the BCLC.

DFS contests can range from 'Double Ups' to 'Tournament Satellites', with the latter giving players a chance to win a spot at the DFS world championships for a variety of different sports. It's a very fun way to bet on sports, for those looking to try something a little different.

Esports

Esports are a fun way to get involved for those seeking a loose alternative to sports betting. Competitions are frequently held on any day at all different times, making it more accessible for anyone who perhaps works evenings or has other prior engagements during traditional sports hours.

The betting market selection is fairly small, given that esports is still an emerging sports betting option. Most competitions will offer money line, spread, and totals markets, with some offering limited props. Call of Duty and League of Legends are among the most popular esports to bet on, but there are others as well including virtual sports (for example, betting on an esports athlete to win a game of NBA 2K). In all, it's a fun experience and a great way to try something a little different.

Land-based casinos in B.C.

As mentioned above, B.C. is home to 36 land-based casinos that offer a full range of casino games, like slots and table games. Many also feature world-class entertainment, restaurants, hotels, and shopping among other things.

One of the most popular B.C. land-based casinos is the St. Eugene Golf Resort & Casino. Conveniently located near the Canadian Rockies International Airport, this picturesque resort offers a unique getaway experience featuring 210 slot machines, a par-72 championship gold course, and a variety of table games.

Some of the other busiest retail casinos include:

• River Rock Casino Resort in Richmond
• Elements Casino in Victoria
• Starlight Casino in New Westminster
• Great Canadian Casino in Nanaimo
• Cascades Casino in Penticton

Recent B.C. online sports betting updates

Single-game sports betting has been legal in B.C. since Aug. 27, 2021. However, there's still plenty of room left for improved legislation and regulation. Right now, the provincial government only recognizes PlayNow as a regulated sportsbook. Will B.C. ever push to regulate private-sector sportsbooks, which could potentially open the door for the likes of FanDuel, Caesars, or DraftKings? We'll have to wait and see.

Here are the latest updates from the B.C. sports betting scene:

Nov. 21, 2024: The B.C. Lions fire their head coach and Co-GM Rick Campbell after a lackluster 9-9 season that saw the team lose in the first round of the playoffs. The Lions are +600 to hoist the Grey Cup in 2025, as of Campbell's firing. 

Nov. 4, 2024: PlayNow, the only officially regulated sportsbook in B.C., is allowing bets on the U.S. Election between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris, along with the outcomes of select states.

Oct. 28, 2024: The recent provincial election resulted in the BC NDP Party winning a thin majority government, which will likely slowly (or stall) any progress of B.C. moving towards a fully regulated iGaming situation. Ontario and Alberta, both currently governed by conservative parties, are the only provinces who have seem overly interested so far. 

Oct. 3, 2024: A B.C. lawyer is found guilty of stealing $1.4 million from clients to pay off gambling debts, and it sentenced to three-to-five years in prison. 

Sept. 24, 2024: The Canadian Senate is considering Bill S-269, a piece of legislation that would alter how sports betting companies are allowed to advertise in the company.

Sept. 4, 2024: The British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC) unveils new sports betting platform in the province, PROLINE.

June 26, 2024: The BCLC starts checking ID for all visitors entering brick-and-mortar casinos, aiming to increase responsible gaming efforts.

April 6, 2023: The British Columbia Lottery Commission signs a deal with Intralot, a Greek gaming company, to bring more than 700 self-serve betting kiosks and 3,400 clerk-operated betting stations tot he province. 

Feb. 28, 2022: A newly published study reveals that 64% of B.C. gamblers prefer to use the provincially-run betting platform, rather than a third-party offshore site. The study was, however, released by the government itself. 

Feb. 22, 2022: The government-run PlayNow sportsbook sees 7% in revenue growth for the 2022-23 fiscal year.

Aug. 27, 2021: PlayNow Sportsbook offers single-game sports betting to British Columbians for the first time. Previously, bettors could make parlays of three or more separate games. 

Responsible gambling in B.C.

The importance of gambling responsibly cannot be overstated. PlayNow offers a dedicated service of GameSense Advisors, who are essentially live counsellors and specialists for those who feel their betting is getting out of hand.

• B.C. Gambling Support Hotline: 1-888-795-6111

In addition, all B.C. sportsbook offer their own responsible gaming features. You can set deposit and wagering limits and even voluntarily self-exclude yourself for a set period, from 24 hours to a few months. Some operators also offer a self-assessment test that allows you to gauge your gambling health.

Legal sports betting in Canada

In a nutshell, sports betting is technically legal in every Canadian province and territory. However, different provinces have adapted to the new regulations at different speeds. Basically, we have to look at the country in terms of Ontario and then everywhere else.

In most of Canada, residents can place sports bets at any Canadian-friendly international online sportsbook. Most provinces also operate their own sports betting platforms like B.C.’s PlayNow.

Things are slightly different in Ontario following the province’s move to regulate online gambling in 2022. If you live in Ontario, you can only legally bet with any of the 30+ licensed Ontario bookmakers that have opened their virtual doors in the province. The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (ACGO) has entered into agreements with other jurisdictions to prohibit international operators from offering their services to Ontario bettors.

If you are a Canadian resident wondering if sports betting is legal in Canada, you can rest assured that it is. Canadians have many legal options, from domestic sites to leading international ones like those mentioned on this page. Anyone looking for a reputable and reliable B.C. sportsbook should check one of our top picks above and grab a fantastic welcome bonus.

Sports betting in other provinces

Sports betting in other regions

Sports betting in legal U.S. states

Each state has its own sports betting development and updates. Stay informed about the latest news in your state:

Sports betting in international regions

U.K. sports betting

US:

Best sports betting sites

Best sports betting apps

Best sportsbook promos

Best sportsbooks

For a more in-depth breakdown, including a full list of legal DFS states, check out our guide to the best DFS sites.