About us
The Independent Gambling Control Office (IGCO) is the provincial regulator for all gambling, horse racing, and responsible gambling programs in British Columbia.
Through effective oversight and enforcement, we work diligently to ensure people in B.C. have confidence in the province’s gambling industry.
News and updates
Areas we regulate
The IGCO regulates all commercial gambling, charitable gambling, and horse racing in B.C., ensuring gambling provision in the province adheres to the highest possible standards.
The IGCO carries out its activities under B.C.'s Gaming Control Act and related regulations.
Commercial gambling
Charitable gaming
Horse racing
Who we regulate
We regulate all gambling in B.C., including the approval and monitoring of companies operating in B.C.’s gambling industry, the people who work in it, and gambling equipment.
This includes regulatory oversight of:
- The British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC) which conducts and manages gambling, including lotteries, casinos and online gambling
- Gambling services providers and gaming workers
- Licensed charitable gambling events
- Horse racing
Gaming workers
All gaming workers must be registered by the IGCO to ensure high standards of honesty and integrity are met across the industry.
Horse racing workers
Every participant in B.C.'s horse racing industry must be licensed by the IGCO.
Gambling Support BC
Some people experience negative impacts from gambling, either their own gambling or the gambling of someone close to them. The IGCO administers the Gambling Support BC (GSBC) program, which provides services for those struggling with gambling related harm.
The services GSBC provides include a helpline (available 24/7 at 1-888-795-6111), program website, counselling services, and direct referrals to other health resources and social services that can benefit people impacted by gambling. GSBC also works to put proven ways of preventing gambling related harm into practice. This includes doing research and helping develop regulations that limit exposure to higher risk gambling products and settings.
