Frequently Asked Questions – Gambling in BC

Q: Who controls gambling in British Columbia?
A: The Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch, Ministry of Housing and Social Development, is responsible for regulating all gaming in British Columbia. The BC Lottery Corporation is responsible for the conduct and management of commercial gaming, other than horse racing. This includes lotteries, casinos and commercial bingo halls.

Q: How large is BC's gambling industry?
A: The province permits a maximum of 22 casinos, 41 bingo halls, 7 horse racing tracks and 26 teletheatres to operate in the province. Lottery tickets can be purchased at retail outlets across BC.

Gross gaming revenue figures for the past year and projected gross revenues for this year can be found at the following link:

• Revenue from Commercial Gaming in BC

Q: Where do the proceeds from gambling activities in British Columbia go?
A: Approximately 70 per cent of gross revenue from commercial gaming goes to prize pay-outs, operator commissions and operating and employment costs.

The net proceeds from gaming in British Columbia help fund health care, education and other social programs. The following link indicates how the net proceeds from gaming revenues were disbursed to community organization, municipalities and provincial programs:

• Where the Money Goes

Frequently Asked Questions – Problem Gambling