British Columbia Sports Betting in 2024
British Columbia’s best sportsbooks
Within 24 hours
- Sports Interaction Benefits
- Terrific live betting
- No fee banking
- Strong market coverage
- Sports Interaction Review
Within 24 hours
- TonyBet Benefits
- Extensive VIP program
- 2,000+ events to bet on
- Canadian-friendly deposit methods
- TonyBet Review
Within 24 hours
- bet365 Benefits
- Deposits via Interac
- Best prices
- Gold standard layout
- bet365 Review
Within 24 hours
- RTbet Benefits
- Tournaments every 30 min
- Live betting
- Odds boosts
Within 24 hours
- Stake Benefits
- Extensive list of cryptocurrencies
- Strong live betting platform
- esports betting
- Stake Review
0-2 days
- PowerPlay Benefits
- 24/7 live chat, email, and phone support
- More than 30 sports
- Various deposit bonuses
- PowerPlay Review
0-5 days
- BetVictor Benefits
- Fast withdrawals
- Sharp football odds
- NFL Live Streaming
- BetVictor Review
Within 24 hours
- BET99 Benefits
- Boosted NFL parlays
- Daily promotional offers
- Large signup bonus
- BET99 Review
4 days
- 888sport Benefits
- Awesome interface
- Lots of live streaming options
- Frequent promos
- 888sport Review
1-5 days
- Shangri La Live Benefits
- Big sportsbook welcome bonus
- Offers a lot of betting markets
- Live betting and cash out features
- Shangri La Live Review
Within 24 hours
- Pinnacle Benefits
- Good coverage for the most popular sports
- Low margins
- High betting limits
- Pinnacle Review
1-5 days
- LeoVegas Benefits
- Thousands of betting markets
- Supports English and French language
- Sharp odds across the board for the top sports
- LeoVegas Review
1-5 days
- Casumo Benefits
- Modern and sleek sportsbook interface
- No transaction fees and fast payouts
- Award-winning online betting operator
- Casumo Review
3-5 days
- BetPlays Benefits
- Cryptocurrency banking supported
- Generous welcome bonus
- Fantastic customer support
0-3 days
- Coolbet Benefits
- Aims to provide the best odds
- Very fast withdrawal times
- Rich schedule for live betting
- Coolbet Review
1-5 days
- NorthStar Bets Benefits
- Excellent live betting interface
- Bundles of betting options
- Canadian-owned and operated
- NorthStar Bets Review
Within 24 hours
- Betway Benefits
- Modern betting platform
- Convenient banking
- Dedicated loyalty program
- Betway Review
1-5 days
- NEO.bet Benefits
- Accepts Interac
- Sharp betting odds
- iOS and Android mobile apps
- NEO.bet Review
2-7 days
- bwin Benefits
- Established reputation
- Terrific online betting interface
- Excellent mobile apps
- bwin Review
0-7 days
- 22Bet Benefits
- Wide selection of sports and markets
- Good betting odds across the site
- 24/7 professional customer service support
- 22Bet Review
0-1 days
- 1bet Benefits
- Live betting offered
- VIP Club
- Ongoing promotions
- Population: 5.1 million
- Legal age for sports betting: 19
- Online sports betting: Yes
- Retail sportsbooks: No
- Sports betting revenue: $99 million
Top 3 British Columbia betting sites reviewed
We've searched from the mountain tops to the coast of the Pacific Ocean to bring you the top three online sports betting sites available in British Columbia in 2024.
1. Sports Interaction British Columbia
125% Match up to $250
No code required
In 2024, Sports Interaction stands out as the premier sports betting site in British Columbia. With exceptional live betting features, outstanding customer service, and a wide range of betting markets covering both major leagues and niche sports, SIA offers everything you need in an online sportsbook. Add in its easy-to-claim welcome offer, and we see no reason why B.C. bettors shouldn't sign up with Sports Interaction today.
Who it's forWe believe Sports Interaction British Columbia is suitable for all types of bettors, regardless of experience. SIA has a user-friendly layout, making navigating throughout the platform — whether you're using the desktop or mobile version — quite seamless. While it doesn't have the sharpest lines, we still believe that SIA brings a lot to the sports betting table in 2024.
Covers BetSmart Rating: ⭐ 4.4/5 | Bonuses and promotions | ⭐ 3.8/5 |
| Banking and payout speed | ⭐ 4.8/5 |
| Key features | ⭐ 4.7/5 |
| Security and trust | ⭐ 4.8/5 |
| Customer support | ⭐ 4.9/5 |
| User experience | ⭐ 4.0/5 |
| Betting odds | ⭐ 3.8/5 |
User reviews "Pretty good app. Easy to use and has great odds. Looks fairly good, and withdraws and deposits come in fairly quick."
- App Store reviewer
"So far so good. As a new user, great sign-up bonus and a great UX so far. Clean and easy to navigate app. As a soccer bettor, great options there with lots of lines. Sometimes, bookies don't have handicaps or small leagues available. Not the case here!"
- Matthew, Google Play Store user
Sports Interaction at a glance
| 💰 Sign-up bonus | 125% Match up to $250 |
| 🏅 Top feature | Terrific live betting |
| 💵 Minimum deposit | $10 |
| 💵 Minimum wager | $1 |
| 🕒 Payout speed | Within 24 hours |
 App Store rating |
4.4/5 ⭐ (3.5K reviews) |
 Google Play rating |
3.2/5 ⭐ (300 reviews) |
| 🌎 Available provinces/territories | AB, BC, MB, NB, NL, NT, NS, NU, ON, PE, QC, SK, YT |
| ✅ Last verified | Dec. 21, 2024 |
We've leaned on more than 100 combined years of betting experience while placing over 14,250 wagers with Sports Interaction.
Sports Interaction iOS app
What we like
What we don't like
Check out our Sports Interaction review to learn more about the sportsbook, such as what bonuses you can score with the latest Sports Interaction promo code.
2. TonyBet British Columbia
100% Match up to $700
Code: COVERSTB
TonyBet is a trustworthy online sportsbooks offering thousands of events to bet on every day, ranging from major sports leagues to niche markets like cricket, darts, snooker, futsal, and more. While we'd like to see the addition of live streaming and early cash-out options across all markets in the future, TonyBet still holds a well-deserved spot among our top British Columbia betting sites in 2024.
Who it's forWe believe that live bettors and those seeking a comprehensive VIP program will feel right at home with TonyBet, as you can earn points and unlock rewards such as monthly bonus bets with every wager you place at TonyBet from day one. If you're into esports betting, look no further than TonyBet, as the online sportsbook offers one of the most extensive betting sections, featuring popular games like Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, League of Legends, Overwatch, and Dota 2.
Covers BetSmart Rating: ⭐ 3.9/5 | Bonuses and promotions | ⭐ 3.4/5 |
| Banking and payout speed | ⭐ 4.5/5 |
| Key features | ⭐ 3.8/5 |
| Security and trust | ⭐ 4.4/5 |
| Customer support | ⭐ 4.0/5 |
| User experience | ⭐ 3.0/5 |
| Betting odds | ⭐ 3.9/5 |
User reviews "For my part, I enjoy TonyBet. I can't claim that everything is perfect; occasionally, games freeze, but other than that, everything works well. In response to my inquiries, support responds quickly."
- Trustpilot reviewer
"TonyBet is another underrated one (sportsbook) that offers quick payouts and has some nice sign up bonuses once in a while."
- Reddit user
TonyBet at a glance
| ⏩ TonyBet bonus code | COVERSTB |
| 💰 Sign-up bonus | 100% deposit bonus up to $700 |
| 🏅 Top feature | Extensive VIP program |
| 💵 Minimum deposit | $15 |
| 💵 Minimum wager | $1 |
| 🕒 Payout speed | Within 24 hours |
| App Store rating |
N/A |
| Google Play rating |
N/A |
| 🌎 Available provinces/territories | AB, BC, MB, NB, NL, NT, NS, NU, ON, PE, QC, SK, YT |
| ✅ Last verified | Dec. 21, 2024 |
TonyBet mobile website
What we like
What we don't like
3. Pinnacle British Columbia
Best odds
Code: COVERSVIP
Pinnacle is one of British Columbia's most unique online sportsbooks, as it does not offer any kind of bonuses or promotions to its users. What makes it one of the five best B.C. betting sites is that it provides low margins on all its markets, allowing you to receive more favourable payouts on your wins. That alone makes Pinnacle a must-add for all British Columbia bettors in 2024.
Who it's forWhile we recommend Pinnacle to all B.C. bettors, we believe the online sportsbook is best suited for high-rollers who prioritize getting the best value for their wagers. Pinnacle rarely imposes account limits, which eliminates the fear of getting your account restricted during a winning streak like some other operators do.
Covers BetSmart Rating: ⭐ 4.5/5 | Bonuses and promotions | ⭐ 4.4/5 |
| Banking and payout speed | ⭐ 4.8/5 |
| Key features | ⭐ 4.3/5 |
| Security and trust | ⭐ 4.4/5 |
| Customer support | ⭐ 4.6/5 |
| User experience | ⭐ 4.5/5 |
| Betting odds | ⭐ 4.6/5 |
User reviews "Vig on some bets are lower (hence payout is a bit better). They don't limit you if you keep winning."
- Reddit user
"I have nothing bad to say about Pinnacle. Quick withdrawals, they show me the max stake I am allowed to bet, good odds, super trustworthy."
- Trustpilot reviewer
Pinnacle at a glance
| 💰 Sign-up bonus | N/A |
| ⏩ Pinnacle VIP code | COVERSVIP |
| 🏅 Top feature | Best odds, high limits |
| 💵 Minimum deposit | $5 |
| 💵 Minimum wager | $1 |
| 🕒 Payout speed | Within 24 hours |
| App Store rating |
N/A |
| Google Play rating |
N/A |
| 🌎 Available provinces/territories | AB, BC, MB, NB, NL, NT, NS, NU, ON, PE, QC, SK, YT |
| ✅ Last verified | Dec. 21, 2024 |
We've leaned on more than 100 combined years of betting experience while placing over 5,250 wagers with Pinnacle.
Pinnacle mobile website
What we like
What we don't like
How we rate B.C.’s sportsbooks
Is sports betting legal in British Columbia?
Yes, it is legal to bet on sports in British Columbia. The British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC) oversees sports betting in the province and has permitted parlay bets since 1985. Online sports betting sites have been available via BCLC’s PlayNow.com since 2004, and legal single-game wagering was introduced on Aug. 27, 2021.
However, industry giants like PointsBet, FanDuel, BetRivers, and others won't be coming to B.C. anytime soon. These sports betting sites only operate when licensed by a local provincial government, and B.C. lawmakers have yet to express a desire for a competitive market with multiple operators.
British Columbia sports betting updates
Single-game sports bets were legalized in B.C. on Aug. 27, 2021, the same day the federal ban on this type of wager was lifted. It remains to be seen if regulators will allow any of North America's most well-known sportsbooks to obtain licences in British Columbia.
The following timeline shows B.C.’s road to single-game sports betting:
Oct. 3, 2024: A B.C. lawyer faces 3-5 years in prison after being found guilty of stealing $1.4 million of clients' money to pay off gambling debts.
Sept. 24, 2024: The Senate of Canada's Transport and Communications Committee is hearing testimonies about Bill S-269 to help Canada learn sports betting advertising lessons from other countries.
Sept. 20, 2024: The B.C. government exits an Ontario court matter that was examining the legality of various forms of online gambling.
June 26, 2023: The BCLC begins checking the identification of all visitors entering casinos in an effort to increase responsible gambling efforts. Bettors can expect security staff to scan their IDs and check their credentials against a database of restricted users.
April 6, 2023: BCLC inks a retail sports betting contract with Intralot, a Greek gaming company. Intralot will power more than 700 self-service kiosks and 3,400 clerk-operated terminals in BC by winter 2023.
June 6, 2022: BCLC partners with the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority (SIGA) and SaskGaming to bring PlayNow.com to Saskatchewan.
Feb. 28, 2022: BCLC says a recent study found that 64% of B.C. gamblers prefer to bet with a provincially-run platform, while just 6% would rather use an offshore website.
Feb. 22, 2022: BCLC projects PlayNow will see 7% revenue growth for the fiscal year 2022-23 while recognizing the challenge of competing with grey market operators.
Feb. 8, 2022: BCLC announces PlayNow.com is projected to rake in over $2 million in Super Bowl bets, doubling its previous record Super Bowl betting handle.
Jan. 15, 2022: BCLC continues to investigate ways to bring single-event wagering to more land-based venues, including casinos.
Nov. 1, 2021: The BCLC releases PlayNow's single-game sports betting handle for September and October 2021. The province's lone online provider surpasses $25 million in single-game bets during the first two months of legalization.
Aug. 27, 2021: PlayNow Sportsbook offers single-game sports betting to British Columbians for the first time.
Aug. 12, 2021: Justice Minister David Lametti reveals that Bill C-218 will come into effect on Aug. 27, 2021. The British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC) wastes no time in announcing that single-game events will be available on PlayNow.com the same day.
Aug. 3, 2021: The BCLC chooses Genius Sports Limited as its new official data provider as it prepares to launch single-game betting.
June 29, 2021: Bill C-218 receives royal assent. Single-game sports betting is officially legalized in Canada.
June 22, 2021: The Senate approves Bill C-218 by a vote of 57-20. The bill awaits royal assent to become law.
April 22, 2021: Bill C-218 swiftly passes in the House of Commons with all-party support.
Feb. 25, 2020: Kevin Waugh, a Saskatoon, Saskatchewan MP, introduces Bill C-218, the Safe and Regulated Sports Betting Act. The proposed legislation aims to amend Canada’s criminal code and legalize single-game sports betting.
July 5, 2012: The BCLC expands its online offerings, becoming the first province to offer futures and live bets via its newly-branded PlayNow Sports platform.
2004: The British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC) launches online sports betting with PlayNow.com. B.C. bettors place provincially-regulated parlay bets online for the first time.
Who can bet on sports in B.C.?
British Columbia sports bettors must be 19 years of age to place legal sports bets with the best sports betting apps in Canada.
PlayNow Sportsbook is B.C.'s home for online picks. Only British Columbia residents may register and bet with PlayNow. Physical wagers can be confirmed at a BCLC retailer via the Sports Action platform. Users can also access grey markets via operators like Stake without the need for a Stake promo code.
Here's everything you'll need to know before placing your first bet:
Legal age
You must be at least 19 years old to bet on sports in British Columbia.
Mobile betting
Bettors can place legal online sports wagers on a mobile device or laptop computer in B.C. The British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC) regulates all sports gambling in the province and allows only B.C. residents to use the PlayNow online sportsbook.
Remote registration
B.C. residents can create a sportsbook account from anywhere in the province. Unlike some other Canadian jurisdictions, players are not required to visit a retail outlet to submit their picks.
Retail sportsbooks
Although no retail sportsbooks exist in BC, the BCLC has tested the PlayNow.com platform in several land-based locations. In February 2022, a dozen bars and pubs displayed live odds, promos, and healthy-play tips on digital screens.
Taxable winnings
British Columbians, like all Canadian bettors, can enjoy 100% of their sports bet winnings. Gambling profits are not taxed in Canada.
Latest B.C. betting news
The pros and cons of B.C. sports betting
British Columbia has offered online sports betting since 2004. The province’s tried and true PlayNow platform should allow for a seamless transition to single-game wagering.
While B.C. now offers online single-event sports wagering, bettors remain limited to the two BCLC-regulated platforms — PlayNow Sports (online) and Sports Action (retail).
British Columbia sports betting
No immediate plans to license more online sportsbooksGeofencing could lead to sign-up issuesOnly B.C. residents can bet online with PlayNowHow to start betting in British Columbia
British Columbian bettors now have the ability to place wagers on single events online or at a BCLC retailer. Here's how to get started:
Select a sportsbook
Additional sportsbooks could launch in the future, but bettors in B.C. currently have only one choice when it comes to provincially regulated sportsbooks. Consequently, many gamblers opt to bet with legal offshore alternatives.
Register online
In order to register online, B.C. bettors must confirm their identity and location. If players are at least 19 years old and physically present in British Columbia, this process should take no more than a few minutes.
Claim a bonus
The best bonuses can be found with offshore sportsbooks. Second-chance bets, deposit matches, and no-deposit bonuses are the most popular types of promotional offerings for new users.
PlayNow Sports typically has a small welcome offer on tap for B.C. residents, but this offer is usually tied to play-through requirements.
Deposit funds
Deposits can be processed quickly. Sportsbooks allow players to use several payment methods, including debit and credit, Interac e-Transfers, eChecks, and more.
The majority of deposits can be made free of charge, but some credit cards may treat sportsbook deposits as cash advances and charge the transaction as such.
Choose your bet types
PlayNow Sports offers bettors all of the popular types of sports bets — most notably in Canada, single-game wagers. Play the moneyline, point spreads, Over/Under(totals), parlays, futures, live bets, and much more. Offshore sportsbooks offer all of the above as well.
Start betting
Always make sure you fully understand the conditions of your bet and the risk associated with each wager. Remember, provincially regulated options won’t always offer the same lines as some of the offshore alternatives. So shop around, locate the best odds, and bet with confidence.
Withdraw funds
While deposits may be completed instantly, withdrawals may take a few days to process. This will vary depending on your chosen sportsbook and withdrawal method.
Reading the odds
American odds, or moneyline odds, is the go-to option for most sportsbooks when displaying betting odds. Favourites are shown with a minus sign (-) and tell you the amount you would need to bet to win $100. For example, -150 odds indicate you would need to wager $150 if you’d like to win $100.
Alternatively, an underdog can be spotted next to a plus (+) sign. The number that follows dictates how much you can win if you place a successful $100 bet. Think of +160 odds as a potential $160 addition to your bank account after a $100 winning bet.
Some sportsbooks, like PlayNow Sports, show decimal odds as the default option. Users can easily toggle between American, decimal, and fractional odds via our odds calculator.
What else can you bet on in B.C.?
Prior to Aug. 27, 2021, the major gripe with legal sports betting in British Columbia was the absence of single-event wagering. Now that Canada’s parlay-only betting law is a thing of the past, there aren’t many restrictions in the province.
Awards ceremonies
British Columbians are permitted to place bets on the outcomes of popular celebrity award ceremonies like the Oscars or Emmy Awards.
Politics
Political bets are hugely popular in British Columbia. Although PlayNow does not take any action on B.C. or Canadian politics, reputable political betting sites in Canada offer wagers on the outcomes of U.S. and international political events.
esports
Esports betting has become increasingly popular and is permitted in B.C., meaning bettors can wager with the top available esports betting sites in 2024.
What about B.C. university sports?
University sports have not been outlawed in B.C., but sportsbooks are not taking any action on this type of wager at this time. However, some offshore sites allow British Columbians to bet on major events like the Vanier Cup.
Legal sportsbooks in British Columbia
B.C. sports bets can be placed online at PlayNow.com — the lone government-regulated option in British Columbia.
British Columbia's online and mobile sportsbooks
|
Online sportsbook operator |
Mobile app |
Odds provider |
Online casino |
Retail partner |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Yes |
Scientific Games |
Yes |
N/A |
Home team advantage: B.C. sports
While the NFL remains the province's most bet on event, British Columbia supports its local teams — Vancouver Canucks and BC Lions — and several other nearby professional organizations. You can also check out our how to bet guides to brush up on all the basics of sports betting.
Other types of gambling
British Columbia residents are flush with options when venturing outside the world of sports betting. Whether it’s live horse racing, casino gambling, or online slots, B.C. is sure to quench the thirst of the local gambler.
Land-based casinos
According to the BCLC, there are 34 land-based casinos and community gaming centres found across the province. These facilities offer gamblers a wide assortment of slot machines and table games.
Casino games like blackjack, poker, baccarat, lottery, bingo, and slots can be enjoyed on the BCLC-regulated PlayNow website. These popular games have been offered to B.C. residents since 2010.
Poker
Poker tables are commonplace at land-based casinos in British Columbia. Tables can be found at nearly all of the province’s 18 fully operational casinos.
Online poker players can scratch their poker itch with the PlayNow Poker app, available at the App Store and Google Play.
Horse racing
It is not possible to place a horse racing bet with PlayNow, but offshore sportsbooks provide coverage for the main B.C. racetracks. Bets can be placed through any of the sportsbooks for races at: Desert Park (Osoyoos), Sunflower Downs (Princeton), Fraser Downs Racetrack (Surrey), Hastings Racetrack (Vancouver), and Kin Park (Vernon).
Daily fantasy sports
Daily fantasy sports (DFS) were officially legalized when Bill C-218 received royal assent. DraftKings and FanDuel are already operating in B.C.
Online casinos
BC online casinos offer numerous slots and table games. Multiple safe off-shore online casinos are operating in British Columbia. Some of our top-rated include Slots Magic, AmunRa, and North Casino.
Responsible gaming in British Columbia
BCLC and PlayNow.com have taken a unique approach to educating BC sports bettors. The only gambling website in North America with dedicated "GameSense Advisors" (player-health specialists), PlayNow allows bettors to reach out via phone or live chat to ask gambling-related questions or seek treatment for problem gambling. PlayNow's GSAs refer players to free support services provided by the BC government.
Provincial betting guides
With more than 28 years of excellence within the sports betting industry, Covers continues to provide Canadians with independent sportsbook reviews.
Whether you are looking for the best NFL sportsbook or the best site for live NHL betting, Covers has vetted the best places to bet online in British Columbia. Canada is a big place, but we’ve gone local and assembled a list of the best online sports betting sites near you.
More British Columbia sportsbook sign-up bonuses
We've outlined some additional Canadian sign-up offers available to British Columbia bettors that caught our eye in 2024 below:
Sportsbooks to avoid in British Columbia
See all blacklisted sportsbooks 
The following online sportsbooks should be avoided due to their questionable tactics and failure to provide adequate services.
- Allegations of withdrawal issues
- No license information available on site
- Poor customer service
- Multiple reports of slow payments
- Allegations of non-payments
- Risk of account closure simply for winning bets
- Reports of confiscated winnings
- Slow customer support response times
British Columbia sports betting FAQ
Yes, sports betting is legal in British Columbia. The British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC) oversees PlayNow Sportsbook, while several other reputable sportsbooks operate legally in the province.
The British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC) owns and operates PlayNow, the province's single officially licensed online sports betting outlet. Several other reputable international and offshore sportsbooks are also open to customers in the Province, including Sports Interaction, TonyBet, Pinnacle, and more.
Sports betting in British Columbia is restricted to adults aged 19 and older.
You can visit British Columbia’s online sportsbook at PlayNow.com, or one of many offshore websites. Alternatively, you can visit a BCLC retailer to make your picks with Sports Action.
Single-game betting is the latest addition to British Columbia’s library of sports bet offerings. Prop bets, point spreads, futures, Over/Unders, and live bets are popular options in B.C.
Yes. Mobile sports betting in British Columbia is available via PlayNow.com. Additionally, bets can be placed through non-provincially regulated online sportsbooks.
British Columbia has only one provincially regulated sportsbook — PlayNow Sportsbook. B.C. bettors also have plenty of offshore betting options, and more BCLC-regulated alternatives could be added in the future.
Yes. Las Vegas-based Scientific Games Corporation provides the odds found on the BCLC’s PlayNow Sportsbook.
Yes, Sports Interaction is a highly reputable sportsbook that legally operates in British Columbia.
No. However, BCLC has begun exploring ways to bring the PlayNow platform to brick-and-mortar locations.
No, but you must reside in British Columbia if you'd like to bet on PlayNow.com. Both B.C. residents and visitors may use legally operating offshore websites.
Income earned from sports betting does not need to be declared on your tax return. According to the Canada Income Tax Act, occasional lottery winnings in Canada are considered a windfall. BC bettors only have to report their winnings if the player is deemed professional or the player is earning income on the winnings.
While both legal and offshore sportsbooks are available in British Columbia, there are a few differences between these types of operators — legal, regulated sportsbooks uphold key principles of responsible gaming, protection of consumer funds, data privacy, etc. Meanwhile, offshore books may offer different key features and perks but do nothing to protect their bettors.
Most sportsbooks allow a myriad of methods to deposit, including credit cards like Visa and Mastercard, PayPal, Interac, and other popular options. Withdrawing, depending on the sportsbook, should be easily available. Typically, payout speeds are within 24 hours, with some books paying out quicker.
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