VICTORIA – The Independent Gambling Control Office (IGCO) has released a new BC Problem Gambling Action Plan in response to the 2025-26 BC Problem Gambling Prevalence Study.
“The IGCO takes harms from gambling seriously and is committed to ensuring that gambling is regulated responsibly and in the public interest” said Sam MacLeod, general manager of the IGCO. “Through the BC Problem Gambling Action Plan and my authority under the Gaming Control Act to make and enforce regulations, including to prevent and address problem gambling, the IGCO will continue taking concrete steps to respond to increasing problem gambling rates and the study recommendations.”
The study found a significant increase in moderate to high-risk gambling, with 19% of B.C. adults falling into these categories. Among B.C. adults who gambled in the past year, 60% are classified as non-problem gamblers while 40% experienced some problem gambling risk, including 24% in the moderate to high-risk range.
In addition, some demographic groups show particularly high rates of moderate to high-risk problem gambling, including younger adult men, newcomers to Canada, and Indigenous peoples.
While the prevalence study findings show higher problem gambling rates than in earlier B.C. studies, the findings are broadly consistent with emerging national research showing higher rates of gambling-related harm across Canada, particularly among online gamblers.
“We know that problem gambling can have significant impacts on individuals and families” said Rachel Cheng, Executive Director of Strategic Policy and Gambling Supports with the IGCO. “The problem gambling prevalence study findings reinforce the need for effective and responsive gambling prevention and support services to reduce harm and ensure that all B.C. residents, regardless of their age or where they gamble, can access the help they need when they need it most.”
BC Problem Gambling Action Plan
In response to the study, the IGCO has developed the BC Problem Gambling Action Plan, focused on:
- Strengthening prevention and awareness in digital environments;
- Improving outreach to higher-risk populations;
- Addressing stigma and barriers to seeking support;
- Improving awareness of safer and regulated gambling options;
- Supporting early education and prevention among youth; and
- Continuing to monitor emerging gambling trends.
Gambling Support BC (GSBC), the province’s primary program for responding to gambling-related harm, also recently launched a new integrated service delivery model in partnership with TELUS Health, making it faster and easier to access support. The new model strengthens capacity to serve more British Columbians and allows the program to scale if more people seek support.
“The notable increase in moderate to high-risk gambling, here in B.C. and around the world, is a problem that we must take action to address. The IGCO is working to counter the surge of unregulated sports betting and online gambling advertising in B.C., and to keep people safe from harms and connect them to the supports they need,” said Nina Krieger, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General. “The IGCO’s action plan responds to the study’s recommendations and the evolving gambling industry, building on work already underway by strengthening prevention, awareness and education as well as expanding outreach to higher-risk populations.”
The IGCO is committed to being responsive to changes in gambling behaviours and emerging areas of risk. By aligning regulatory oversight, policy, research, and service delivery, the IGCO is well positioned to ensure prevention and harm reduction efforts are responsive, accessible and effective.
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Media Contact
Alanna Dixon
Director of Communications
Email: media@igcobc.ca