Skip to main content

Protecting the public

The IGCO helps keep gambling in B.C. safe and fair for everyone. Learn who is allowed to run online gambling, how to report concerns, and what rules gambling businesses and gaming workers must follow. You can also learn how to make a complaint, ask questions, or request records.

On this page

Online gambling

Under the Criminal Code of Canada, only the government of a province or an agent of the province, such as a Crown corporation, is permitted to conduct and manage commercial gambling. Under B.C.'s Gaming Control Act, the British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC) has the delegated authority to conduct and manage commercial gambling—including online gambling—on behalf of the provincial government.

BCLC's PlayNow.com is the only regulated online gambling website currently permitted in B.C. Playnow.com must meet the IGCO's high standards for technical integrity, and comply with age verification, responsible gambling, and advertising and marketing requirements.

Reporting concerns or complaints

The IGCO responds to complaints about gambling and horse racing in B.C. This may include concerns about:

  • The conduct of registered gaming workers or horse racing or gaming event licensees
  • Activities that may be in contravention of the Gaming Control Act, Gaming Control Regulation, or the General Manager's Regulations
  • Unlicensed gambling events
  • Illegal gambling activities

If you're a member of the public, you can report a complaint about gambling or horse racing in B.C.

If you are a registered gaming worker or hold a horse racing licence and wish to report a complaint or concern relating to gambling or horse racing to the IGCO, visit Report Wrongdoing (Gaming Worker).

If you have a question or inquiry of a general nature or wish to submit feedback, please contact us.

Compliance and enforcement

Gambling enforcement activities are essential to safeguarding the gambling sector in B.C. This includes identification, investigation, and enforcement activities related to money laundering and other unlawful activity. The IGCO works with law enforcement to identify, investigate, and deter gambling wrongdoing in B.C., including money laundering, theft, and fraud, and preventing minors from gambling.

Everyone who is registered or holds a licence with the IGCO has a responsibility to follow the Gaming Control Act, Gaming Control Regulation, the General Manager's Regulations and the terms and conditions of their registration, gaming event or horse racing licence.

The IGCO oversees compliance by conducting audits or inspections and taking enforcement action. Enforcement action can range from education, a written warning, monetary penalties, or a suspension or cancellation of registration of a gaming event or horse racing licence. Enforcement activities are carried out under the authority of the provincial Gaming Control Act and Gaming Control Regulation and Canada's Criminal Code (see Part VII).

Freedom of Information requests

To request access to records held by the IGCO under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA), visit the B.C. Government's FOI Request page and follow the submission instructions provided.

Contact us