Online gambling companies are calling on British Columbia to put an end to the monopoly held by the British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC) and consider opening the market to private operators. They argue that doing so would give players safer, regulated options and help the province compete with the growing popularity of grey-market sites.
iGaming expert Wilna van Wyk points out why these online casino platforms are so popular. In her CasinoBeats Canada casino review, she reveals that most of the platforms listed have dual licenses, meaning that these operators are licensed in Canada and offshore jurisdictions like Malta or the Isle of Man. Their popularity comes from providing a wider range of games, such as blackjack and the live dealer variant available from various software providers.
Related articles
Additionally, the flexibility offered by these casinos is seen in the bonuses provided, payment methods available, and mobile compatibility. British Columbia opening their market could provide their residents with additional extras, currently not available on their platforms.
The Canadian Online Gaming Alliance (COGA) are a group of operators who agree that British Columbia is missing out on the economic and consumer benefits seen in other provinces. Ontario’s decision to launch a competitive online gaming market in 2022 generated additional tax revenue, improved player safeguards, and offered more choice for consumers. Alberta recently passed legislation to allow private operators, showing that change is happening in Canada’s gaming world.
COGA’s president, Troy Ross, says that opening the market would bring British Columbia in line with Ontario’s success. In Ontario, about 90% of online casino gaming sessions now take place on regulated sites. Before Ontario changed its rules, only around 20% came from regulated platforms, with the rest going to offshore operators. Private operators in British Columbia see this as proof that an open market can keep players safer and bring in funds that might otherwise go overseas.
So far, these efforts have caught the attention of provincial lawmakers. Paul Burns, head of the Canadian Gaming Association, stated that discussions have been taking place with members of British Columbia’s government. While there’s no clear sign of any changes on the horizon, he said that the government is at least willing to hear the arguments for a competitive model.
BCLC says its current model already offers secure, responsible gaming options. PlayNow, BCLC’s online platform, has been in place for years and promotes itself as the only legal option in the province. However, industry insiders say that many British Columbians are playing on offshore sites anyway, with companies licensed in other provinces or abroad.
These offshore operators spend heavily on advertising to reach players in British Columbia, forcing BCLC to match that spending to retain customers. This advertising battle cuts into the funds that could be going to public services or social programs. Private operators say that letting them compete directly would create a healthier, more transparent market.
Some British Columbians support keeping the monopoly in place. They argue that having a single, government-run option makes it easier to control gambling-related issues. Others say that an open market would bring more accountability and better protections for players, compared to the current grey area where offshore sites operate freely.
Alberta’s recent decision to invite private operators shows how quickly things can change. While Alberta has yet to open its market fully, it has already passed legislation to clear the way for private competition. This has put British Columbia under more pressure to explain why it should be the only province sticking with a single, government-run option.
Ontario’s numbers are tough to ignore. Since opening its market, the province has seen a sharp drop in offshore play, with the regulated market taking the lead. Alberta hopes to see similar results when it opens up to private operators in early 2026. British Columbia’s cautious approach stands in contrast to these moves.
Discussions about opening up British Columbia’s online gambling market are still in the early stages. Lawmakers are treading carefully, especially with the province’s slim legislative majority, which makes big changes a political risk. So far, there’s no timeline for any decisions, and PlayNow remains the only legal online gambling option.
However, pressure is building. Industry groups like COGA and some lawmakers argue that opening the market would bring more revenue and better protection for players. Private operators, including big names, are waiting for an opportunity to enter the market, confident that they can meet British Columbia’s standards for security and responsible gaming.
The province’s decision will have consequences beyond its borders. It could signal whether Canada’s other provinces might consider opening their markets or stick with government-run options. In the meantime, B.C. players will continue to face a mix of regulated and offshore choices, as the debate over the future of online gambling in the province carries on.
