News Release - Launch of the Independent Gambling Control Office
Victoria
The Independent Gambling Control Office (IGCO) has officially launched, replacing the
former Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch (GPEB) as British Columbia’s new
independent gambling regulator.
“The launch of the Independent Gambling Control Office is a significant milestone for
gambling regulation in B.C.” said Sam MacLeod, General Manager of the IGCO. “The
German Report and Cullen Commission made it clear that our province needs a gambling
regulator with greater independence, clearer authority, and more effective tools to
address risks such as money laundering and fraud. The IGCO is in response to these
recommendations, providing independent, modern oversight of gambling in the province,
including the ability for the General Manager to set and enforce regulations in the public
interest.”
The IGCO is dedicated to monitoring and safeguarding gambling in B.C. Its mandate
includes regulatory oversight of commercial gambling conducted and managed by the
British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC), charitable gambling, and B.C.’s horse-racing
industry. The IGCO also administers Gambling Support BC, a provincial government
program that provides responsible gambling education, prevention resources, and direct
support services to anyone struggling with gambling related harm.
The new Gaming Control Act and updated regulatory framework strengthens the ability of
the regulator to prevent illegal activity, including money laundering and fraud, and to
ensure that gambling in B.C. is delivered safely, responsibly, and in the public interest.
As the global gambling landscape continues to evolve, the establishment of the IGCO
addresses the need for a regulator that is independent, credible and equipped to respond
to the complexities of modern gambling.
IGCO General Manager
Through the Lieutenant Governor in Council, Sam MacLeod has been appointed as the
IGCO’s first General Manager. Sam was previously the Assistant Deputy Minster and
General Manager of the former Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch and brings
extensive knowledge, experience, and tested leadership to this new role. The IGCO
General Manager holds the independent authority to make regulations, take enforcement
actions, and oversee licensing, registration, investigations, and compliance for all legal
gambling in the province.
Independent oversight to enhance public trust and safety
The establishment of the IGCO fulfills a government commitment to separate the
regulatory and revenue generation functions of gambling. This ensures greater regulatory
independence and clearer authority to address risks such as money laundering and
problem gambling.
To support transparency and public accountability, the IGCO also has a new, independent
communications function that includes:
- A stand-alone website and IGCO branding
- The ability to publish research, reports, regulatory decisions and enforcement
actions - The ability to speak publicly about issues and activities within its statutory authority
As an independent entity, the IGCO is positioned to make faster, more transparent, and
more effective regulatory decisions.
For more information about the IGCO’s mandate and areas of responsibility, please visit
www.igcobc.ca.
Media Contact
Alanna Dixon
Director of Communications
Email: media@igcobc.ca