British Columbia is best known for its natural beauty, mountain ranges and national parks, but how is the lay of the land with BC sports betting? A number of online bookmakers now make it possible to wager on events from around the world and today, BC sports betting includes everything from hockey and basketball to soccer and MMA. On this page, we will explain how sports betting in BC works. This will include the legal situation, how to get started and available payment methods.
Valid from 16th February 2023. New players only. The first deposit needs to be made within 30 days from registering. Min 20 EUR deposit. The winnings from free spins are treated as a bonus, General Terms and Conditions of Lucky Block apply. You have 14 days to complete the wagering requirements of the 200% bonus.
$1
Bitcoin
Ethereum
Dogecoin
Visa
MasterCard
Curacao Gaming Control Board
This sign-up offer is valid for players registered at Lucky Block Casino after of 16th February 2023
This offer is valid only on the first deposit made in the casino.
The first deposit needs to be made within 30 days from registering.
The minimum deposit required to activate this offer is 20 EUR.
The winnings from free spins are treated as a bonus, General Terms and Conditions of Lucky Block apply.
The maximum bonus amount is 200% of the first deposit up to 10,000 EUR. That means if your first deposit is up to 5,000 EUR you will get 200% and if your deposit is above 5,000 EUR you will get a total of 10,000 EUR bonus.
You have 14 days to complete the wagering requirements of the 200% bonus.
Depending on the type of games you play the contribution towards the wagering requirement is different.
The offer available only to new customers, who have registered and made their first real-money deposit at Powbet. 6x times roll over requirements on single sports bets with odds of at least 2.0 and multi-bets with odds of 1.5. The wagering requirements must be met within 30 days of the player's first deposit.
The following types of bets shall not count towards the wagering requirement: any type of Handicap, Over/Under bets, Bothe teams to score, Odd/Even, Cashed-Out and System Bets or bets placed with a free bet, bets which settled as void, as well as bets placed in Casino, Live Casino and Virtual Section.
Eligible customers will receive 100% up to C$ 150 on top of the deposited amount instantly upon entering the bonus code for this promotion: WB1001B. In case the customer fails to enter the bonus code when making their deposit, Customer Support should be contacted, before placing any wagers. The minimum deposit eligible for participating in this promotion is C$ 15. The maximum bonus amount for this promotion is C$ 150.
In order to cash out the bonus and the winnings accumulated, players will need to rollover the bonus amount 12 times. The rollover must be completed within 21 days. The maximum bet amount to count towards the rollover requirements for this promotion is 50% of the given bonus. The maximum bonus conversion is 5 x the awarded bonus. Refunded, Tie, Cancelled, Denied bets will not be counted towards the rollover requirements for the bonus.
Opt In to this promotion, Deposit a minimum of $10. You must do this within 7 days of opening your account. Each customer is only eligible to receive one Welcome Offer across our sports and casino offers, regardless of whether they open additional BetVictor accounts.
$5
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Opt In to this promotion
Deposit a minimum of $10.
You must do this within 7 days of opening your account.
Each customer is only eligible to receive one Welcome Offer across our sports and casino offers, regardless of whether they open additional BetVictor accounts.
Promotion availabile only for customer’s first 5 deposits to the website. All first 5 deposit bonuses have same conditions and wagering rules. So players need to know that all rules are applied for five deposit bonuses separately.
Eligible customers will receive 125% up to 1250€/$/£, 75% up to 750€/$/£, 40% up to 400€/$/£, 60% up to 600€/$/£ , 50% up to 500€/$/£(or equivalent to € in other currencies) on top of the deposited amount instantly upon entering the bonus code WLT001 for first deposit and contact Live Chat for second, third, fourth and fifth deposits. In case the customer fails to enter the bonus code when making their deposit, Customer Support should be contacted, before placing any wagers. The minimum deposit eligible for participating in this promotion is 20 €/$/£ (or equivalent to € in other currencies). The maximum bonus amounts for this promotion are 1250€/$/£ for first deposit, 750€/$/£ for second deposit, 400€/$/£ for third deposit, 600€/$/£ for fourth deposit,500€/$/£ for fifth deposit (or equivalent to € in other currencies).
The promotion consists of a 100% match bonus up to $400. You must make a deposit of $10 or more to claim this bonus.The deposit plus bonus amount is subject to a 5X playthrough requirement before the bonus amount, and any winnings can be withdrawn. 18+ Terms and Conditions apply.
€10
20/03/23
200% welcome deposit bonus of up to $1,000
200% welcome deposit bonus of up to $1,000
Excellent sports coverage and market depth
24/7 Customer Support
Extensive choice of cryptocurrency banking options
200% sign-up promotion up to $1,000. Applicable on both sports and casino using promo code INSIDERS. Wagering 40x. Minimum deposit $50. Terms and conditions apply.
€10
200% sign-up promotion up to $1,000. Applicable on both sports and casino using promo code INSIDERS. Wagering 40x. Minimum deposit $50.
The minimum deposit amount to get the Bonus is 20€. Welcome Sportsbook Bonus applies to Sports Betting only. You can benefit from this bonus ONCE and on your first deposit only.
This Bonus does not work in conjunction with any other promotion. Welcome Sports Bonus is subject to a wagering requirement of ten (10) times both the Deposit and the Bonus amount on minimum 2 events each, with at least 1.4 odds before attempting any withdrawal. If you wish to place a withdrawal before you manage to complete the wagering requirement, then you can cancel your bonus but keep in mind that the bonus amount, the generated winnings, and any wagered amount will be deducted from your overall balance. Bonus calculates bets with real money amount first and then with the bonus amount.
Knowing what the legal gambling age is and whether or not online sports betting is permitted in BC is important. This is why we’ve decided to help you out by putting together a little information about BC sports betting below.
Province: British Columbia
Legal gambling age: 19 years old
Online sports betting: Yes
Retail sports betting: No
British Columbia sports betting launched: June 2021
Best British Columbia sportsbook: Lucky Block
List of the Best BC Sports Betting Sites
It is now relatively easy to find British Columbia betting sites. However, on this page, we have only recommended the very best brands. The following is our top 10 list, including the main selling point of each.
1Bet – Regular free bets for BC sports betting customers
WeltBet – Top platform for in-play sports betting
Club Riches – Excellent sports coverage
31Bet – One of the best new British Columbia betting sites
1 Good.bet – Fast payouts
Rabona – Large number of payment methods
CobraBet – Top sportsbook for eSports markets
BetiBet – Daily cashback offers
Top 5 Sites for Sports Betting in BC Reviewed
If you are still trying to decide which of our recommended British Columbia online sportsbooks to utilize, then be sure to check out the reviews below. Here, you will find exactly what is on offer with our top 5 bookmakers, including markets, bonuses and payment methods.
1. Lucky Block: Best Crypto Betting Site in BC
Lucky Block was launched at the end of 2022. Offering both online casino games and sports betting, this crypto-friendly site is available on both desktop and mobile. A variety of payment methods are available, including everything from credit cards and Apple Pay to Bitcoin and wire transfer.
A good number of sports are available to bet on too. These include basketball, American football, soccer, tennis, hockey and eSports. Pre-match, live and outright markets are available daily. Odds are competitive across the board too, which can be viewed in American, decimal, European, Malaysian, Indonesian and Hong Kong formats.
A generous welcome package is available, which is worth up to $10,000 and 50 free spins. In fact, one of the few limitations of Lucky Block is the lack of ongoing promotions. It would be nice to see some free bets, price boosts and insurance offers for existing customers.
Live streaming is available at Lucky Block. However, users should not expect to be able to watch many events. However, cash out and other modern features are available, adding to its appeal. As a fully licensed bookie, Lucky Block is completely safe and secure. With deposits and withdrawals starting at just $1, it is a good option for both beginners and professionals.
Launched in 2021, PowBet is another Curacao-licensed betting site available to players in British Columbia. With 30,000 events per month being covered, there is certainly no shortage of markets. Bets can be placed on over 30 different sports, including soccer, basketball, hockey, baseball and eSports.
Available features include both full and partial cash out, with 24/7 customer service being offered through live chat. PowBet is available in a host of languages on both desktop and mobile, including English and French.
A variety of payment methods are available, including Interac, Bitcoin and Skrill. Deposits start at C$10, with withdrawals often being processed on the same day. A 100% bonus up to $150 is available to new players. Meanwhile, BC betting promotions for existing users include free bets and cashback offers.
Unfortunately, live streaming, mobile apps and edit bet features are missing. However, with competitive odds and excellent sports coverage, there is plenty to like about PowBet. Of course, this BC sportsbook is completely safe too. SSL encryption helps to protect those signing up.
3. 1Bet: Regular Free Bets for BC Sports Betting Customers
Having been around for over a decade, 1Bet is an established sportsbook. After registering, players can take advantage of 70,000+ pre-match and 40,000+ live markets each month. Soccer, tennis, basketball, hockey and American football are among the sports covered in the most detail.
Players can take advantage of bonuses as soon as they deposit for the first time. The 1Bet welcome bonus is worth up to $150. Meanwhile, a deposit of $50 or more from existing customers will result in a $5 bonus. There are plenty of payment methods to choose from, including Interac, Visa, Skrill, Diners Club and Discover.
1Bet is home to virtual sports too, which goes some way to making up for the lack of live streaming. Meanwhile, cash out is available on the majority of bet types. With live chat support and a betting app for Android users, 1Bet rightly ranks highly in our list of British Columbia betting sites.
Odds are on part with many of the leading bookmakers too. Prices can be viewed in American, European, fractional, Malay and Indonesian formats. However, unlike some other BC sportsbooks, no price boosts are found.
4. WeltBet: Top Platform for In-Play Sports Betting
WeltBet was established in 2020 and is licensed and regulated out of Curacao. Again, a large number of sports markets are found. The list of sports should cater for all bettors in British Columbia, with soccer, tennis, basketball and more being available. Odds and margins are attractive too. Soccer comes with a 6.75% margin, compared to 7.33% for eSports.
All markets and features are accessible on mobile, even with the lack of a dedicated betting app. With simple navigation and a range of languages, WeltBet is certainly made for an international audience. The WeltBet welcome bonus for BC sports betting players is worth 350% up to $3,500! Meanwhile, reload bonuses and cashback offers help to keep existing customers satisfied.
Both traditional and modern payment methods are accepted at WeltBet. These include Visa, Mastercard, MuchBetter, Bitcoin and Ethereum. Deposits start at $20, however the minimum withdrawal amount is a little high. 24/7 live chat support is available, with response times being good.
Despite only going live in 2021, Club Riches is a name that players in British Columbia may well already be familiar with. Licensed in Curacao, this BC sportsbook accepts bets on everything from basketball and hockey to floorball and tennis. The number of total sports is fewer than some other British Columbia online sportsbooks, at just over 20.
24/7 customer support is on offer, with Club Riches accepting a range of payment methods too. These include cryptocurrencies, AstroPay and Mastercard. Deposits are instant, with withdrawals being completed in 1-3 days. While there is no mobile app to speak of at Club Riches, this betting site is fully functional on smartphones and tablets.
It appeared that there was no cash out feature at Club Riches at the time of writing this sports betting in BC page. Meanwhile, the lack of live streaming will come as a disappointment to some. However, with competitive odds, a large welcome bonus and excellent usability, Club Riches is well worth considering.
Is it legal to participate in sports betting in BC?
Parlay betting has long been legal in Canadian provinces, including British Columbia. Meanwhile, since 2021 and the passing of the C-218 bill, single-game sports betting has also been legal. However, it is only through the British Columbia Lottery Corporation that players can legally place bets. Our recommended brands are all offshore options.
Which sports betting sites are legal in BC?
You must be aged 19 or over in order to legally bet in BC. However, with the province having so far not accepted sportsbooks not licensed by the BCLC, legal platforms are limited
Can I bet on sports in British Columbia using a mobile?
Yes. The best British Columbia betting sites are fully functional when accessed through mobile browsers. Meanwhile, selected brands even come with their own mobile app. In most cases, apps are available to download on both iOS and Android devices.
What site has the best British Columbia betting bonuses?
Part of the appeal of sports betting in BC is the bonuses and other promotions that are on offer. New players can claim a welcome bonus, with free bets, reload bonuses and cashback offers being among the ongoing promotions. 1Bet is arguably the standout sportsbook in this area.
Who regulates British Columbia betting sites?
Betting sites are regulated by the British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC). Parlay betting has been permitted since 1985, with single-game bets having been available since 2021. PlayNow is the only legal option for players in BC.
A Comparison of the Best BC Sports Betting Sites
Sports betting in BC is available on an increasing number of sites. Each is slightly different, in terms of sports, bonuses and additional features. The table below provides a quick breakdown of our top ranked sportsbooks:
Sportsbook
Sign-Up Bonus
Live Streaming
Live Betting
Betting App
Lucky Block
200% up to $10,000 + 50 free spins
✅
✅
❌
PowBet
100% bonus up to $150
❌
✅
❌
1Bet
100% bonus up to $150
❌
✅
❌
WeltBet
350% bonus up to $3,500
❌
✅
❌
Club Riches
150% bonus up to $300
❌
✅
❌
31Bet
100% bonus up to $500
❌
✅
❌
1Good.bet
100% up to $100 + $10 Free Bet
❌
✅
❌
Rabona
100% bonus up to $150
❌
✅
❌
CobraBet
100% bonus up to $100
❌
✅
❌
BetiBet
100% bonus up to $150
❌
✅
❌
Is Sports Betting Legal in British Columbia?
In British Columbia, single-game betting was made legal in August, 2021. Prior to this, it was only parlay bets that could be placed, either online or in person. Changes occurred upon the passing of Bill C-218, the Safe and Regulated Sports Betting Act.
Offshore betting is not prohibited, adding to the options for players in BC. British Columbia is one of seven Canadian provinces to now offer single-game betting, along with Ontario. The Canadian sports betting industry continues to grow. This is likely to lead to new sportsbooks being established in the near future.
An Overview of the Sports Betting Laws in British Columbia
We have already outlined some of the key points surrounding legal sports betting in British Columbia. However, if you are looking for a quick breakdown, then you should familiarize yourself with the following points:
You must be aged 19 or over to bet on sports in British Columbia.
Players can legally place bets on desktop and mobile.
Starting in 2022, bars and pubs were able to legally display live odds and betting promotions.
Any profits made from sports betting in BC are not taxed.
PlayNow remains the only domestic online sportsbook that is legal in British Columbia.
Single-Game Sports Betting in BC
As we have already mentioned, single-game sports betting is now legal in British Columbia. As such, residents can finally wager on their favorite events, including the Super Bowl and Stanley Cup. PlayNow, the leading online gambling operator in BC has certainly benefited from recent law changes. Single-game selections join parlay, full cover, win/place and power picks betting options.
Who is Legally Allowed to Participate in Sports Betting in BC?
Anyone aged 19 or older can legally place sports bets in British Columbia. Bets can be placed on a wide range of sports, including the NBA, NFL, NHL, MLB and MLS. Our recommended offshore sportsbooks can all be utilized. However, with such sites now being regulated in Canada, players may encounter issues when it comes to payouts. However, you will not be prosecuted for activity with such brands.
Are Winnings From Sports Bets Taxed in British Columbia?
One big selling point of sports betting in BC is the fact that you will be able to take home 100% of any winnings made. This is because there are no taxes to be paid on this money. It remains to be seen as to whether any changes will be made in this area. However, for now, this tax is not something in which bettors must deal with.
Is it Legal to Register at Offshore Betting Sites?
It is important to understand that offshore sports betting in Canada is not currently regulated at either a federal or provincial level. While this does not mean that they are illegal, some may be put off by the fact that they do not hold a local gambling license. However, with many offshore brands catering increasingly for players in British Columbia and other Canadian provinces, they are hard to ignore.
The Advantages of Betting at Offshore Sportsbooks
The benefits of offshore sportsbooks certainly outweigh the limitations. Having tested them extensively, we are in a good position to list the standout advantages below:
Greater Variety – Compared to sportsbooks regulated in BC, offshore sites are likely to cover a larger number of sports. As such, you can bet on more than hockey, basketball, American football and baseball.
Generous Bonuses – Bonuses are few and far between with British Columbia sportsbooks. However, offshore brands generally offer a host of promotions. These include deposit bonuses for new customers, as well as free bets, price boosts, parlay insurance and cashback.
Additional Features – As well as bonuses, you may well find yourself in a position to take advantage of cash out, live streaming, bet builder and other features with offshore sportsbooks.
Payment Methods – In order to fund sports bets on offshore sportsbooks, you must deposit money. With offshore brands, you can use credit/debit cards, e-wallets and cryptocurrencies. There is something for everyone, with payouts generally being processed quickly too.
How to Get Started at Top Sports Betting Sites in BC
If you are new to sports betting in BC, the process of getting started can seem a little daunting. Below, we have provided a step-by-step guide surrounding how to sign up and start betting, using Lucky Block as an example:
Step 1: Sign Up
Enter the website of your chosen sportsbook on desktop or mobile. It is recommended to complete this step on desktop where possible, given the enhanced usability. Click/tap on the “Register” button and complete the registration form. This is achieved by entering your personal details, including full name, email address and date of birth. You will also need to create a memorable password at this stage. Confirm and verify your account to finish.
Step 2: Deposit Money
Login to your account using your email address and password. Enter the cashier page and select the “Deposit” button. Choose one of the accepted payment methods and enter the payment details. Add the deposit amount and confirm the payment. Wait a few seconds for funds to clear your account.
Step 3: Place Bets
Browse sportsbook markets, focusing upon sports that you are familiar with. Add selections to your bet slip as you wish. Enter your stake in the relevant box and confirm by clicking/tapping on the “Place Bets” button.
Popular BC Sports to Bet On Online
Online sportsbooks make it possible for players in British Columbia to bet on events from around the world. However, there are some sports which attract the attention of bettors more than others. The following are the top 10 betting sports in BC today:
Basketball
While British Columbia is not home to any NBA teams, basketball remains hugely popular. Bets can be placed on all regular season and playoff games, with standout markets including moneyline, total points and props. Lucky Block is one sportsbook available in BC that covers basketball in great detail.
American Football
The NFL is a competition enjoyed by millions in BC. As such, it should come as no surprise that an increasing number of bets are placed on American football. Moneyline, total points and handicap are among the most popular markets, with outright odds on the Super Bowl also being found. PowBet is our favorite sportsbook for American football.
Ice Hockey
The Vancouver Canucks are the biggest sports team in British Columbia. With three conference championships, the Canucks, as well as other teams, are regularly bet on. WeltBet is one bookmaker that accepts bets on hockey, with markets including moneyline, total goals and highest scoring period. Such markets and many more are found at Rabona.
Baseball
The Vancouver Whitecaps are among the 7 Canadian teams currently competing in the NHL. Baseball has long been a popular betting sport. Bets can be placed on everything from moneyline and over/under goals to Stanley Cup winner and double chance. 1Bet is a sportsbook that will appeal to hockey fans.
Soccer
Soccer games from around the world are covered by leading sportsbooks. Whether you follow the MLS, English Premier League, Champions League or La Liga, daily markets are available. You can bet on the first goalscorer, number of goals and much more at CobraBet.
Tennis
Canada has produced plenty of top 10 players over recent years. Their Davis Cup win in 2022 only increased the popularity of tennis. A host of pre-match, live and outright tennis bets can be placed today. Markets include total games, first set winner, correct score and tournament winner. 31Bet is home to hundreds of daily tennis markets.
Golf
Golf is a sport that is enjoyed at both a recreational and professional level in Canada. As well as the four Majors, tournaments are held throughout the year. Events from both the men’s and women’s tours are covered. As such, bets can be placed on top 10 finishes, to make the cut and outright winner. BetiBet is one of the many bookies to cover everything from The Masters to the Ryder Cup.
eSports
CS:GO, League of Legends, Dota 2 and Overwatch are among the many eSports betting titles that can be wagered on online. Map winner, first kill and total kills are among the standout markets. Meanwhile, you can watch games live in many cases, including with CobraBet.
Rugby
Rugby Union is an increasingly popular sport in Canada. Whether it be the World Cup, Six Nations or another competition, bets can be placed on events from across the globe. Lucky Block covers the sport in great detail, with markets here including handicap and winning margin.
Live Betting at Online Sportsbooks in British Columbia
Another benefit of offshore sportsbooks is that live betting is available. This refers to bets that are placed once events have already started. Also known as in-play, those with an expert knowledge of a particular sport can often find more attractive odds with live betting.
For example, you can bet on the next soccer team to score or the winner of an NBA game with both teams tied in the fourth quarter. With live betting, odds are constantly changing, with markets occasionally being suspended upon an important incident occurring.
Rewarding BC Bonuses to Keep an Eye Out For
Part of the appeal of betting online over in person is the bonuses that await players. There are deals for both new and existing customers, each coming with unique terms and conditions. The following are the most common bonuses when it comes to sports betting in BC:
Deposit Bonus
This is the most common type of welcome bonus available to sportsbook players. A 100% deposit bonus is likely, however 50%, 150% and 200% bonuses are also found. The maximum bonus varies between sportsbooks, with other key terms and conditions including wagering requirements, payment restrictions and expiry.
No Deposit Bonus
No deposit bonuses are more commonly associated with online casinos. However, with selected sportsbooks, you may receive a bonus simply for registering an account. Because no financial investment is required, the bonus amount is likely to be small.
Risk-Free Bet
New players may also be able to take advantage of a risk-free bet. For example, if your $10 opening bet is unsuccessful, your stake will be refunded. Again, the maximum refund is likely to be relatively small, at around $20.
Ongoing Promotions
Existing customers can also utilize a range of ongoing promotions. These include free bets, cashback, reload bonuses, price boosts, parlay insurance and money back specials. How you qualify will depend on the specific terms and conditions.
Payment Methods Available at BC Betting Sites
Those signing up with one of our top ranked sportsbooks can use a host of payment methods in order to fund their bets. Each comes with both benefits and limitations, with the following being the most popular options for players in BC:
Credit Cards
Visa, Mastercard and American Express are among the credit card providers in Canada. This traditional method of payment continues to appeal. This is due to the convenience, speed and security of deposits and withdrawals made in this way.
E-Wallets
Hugely convenient and offering some of the fastest online transfers are e-wallets. PayPal, Skrill, Neteller and Interac Online are among the most popular. There are rarely fees involved, with dedicated mobile apps making processing deposits and withdrawals on smartphones and tablets simple.
Cryptocurrencies
Cryptocurrencies are increasingly popular in Canada. Bitcoin, Ethereum, Tether, Litecoin and Dogecoin are now associated with many online sportsbooks. Digital currencies facilitate instant deposits and withdrawals, while also offering a certain level of anonymity.
Mobile Sports Betting in British Columbia
Our recommended sports betting sites are all accessible on mobile devices. As such, there is never a reason to miss out on placing a potentially lucrative bet. You can enter your chosen sportsbook through your mobile browser, with all pages being optimized for different devices. Meanwhile, selected brands come with their own betting app. Apps can be downloaded on iOS and Android devices in most cases.
Comparing Sports Betting in BC to Neighboring Provinces
British Columbia is now on a par with many other Canadian provinces when it comes to online sports betting. BC neighbors Alberta, the Northwest Territories and Yukon. However, when law changes came in back in 2021, it was only New Brunswick, Manitoba, Newfoundland, Labrador, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec and Nova Scotia that joined BC in legally allowing single-game bets.
Conclusion
Sports betting customers in British Columbia have a range of sportsbooks to choose between. Whether betting on hockey, basketball, soccer or something else, the brands on this page offer a variety of markets, promotions and features. However, based on such factors, as well as payment methods, usability and mobile betting, it is Lucky Block that we ranked at no.1.
Launched in late 2022, Lucky Block is a crypto-friendly sportsbook that features 30+ sports in all. Daily pre-match and live markets are found, as well as a large welcome package. Odds are competitive across the board, with Lucky Block delivering regular cash giveaways. Be sure to check the Lucky Block sportsbook out for yourself, with the relevant link being found below:
James Fuller is a sports journalist based in Bath, England. Specializing in sports and iGaming, he has worked for a variety of leading online publications in the past, having first created content for safebettingsites in 2020. James also has a degree in Sport & Leisure Management from Sheffield Hallam University.
He also has a certificate in Football Communication & Digital Media from the Sports Business Institute in Barcelona, which James has used to help brands enhace their following and reputation on online platforms. With almost a decade of experience in sports writing to his name, James has received outstanding feedback from existing and former clients.