Private Firms Push to Enter B.C. Online Gambling
Key Takeaways
Private gambling companies are pushing to open up the online gambling market in British Columbia (B.C.), Canada. Currently, the province operates a monopoly through the PlayNow platform. Lobbyists, including representatives from BetMGM, bet365, and Super Group, are advocating for a regulated model with private operators—similar to Ontario and Alberta. While the B.C. government has not shown public interest so far, discussions are taking place behind the scenes. The goal of the lobbying efforts is to promote greater player protection, choice, and tax revenue.
Current Status in British Columbia
At present, PlayNow, operated by the British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC), is the only legal online gambling platform in the province. It functions as a government-run monopoly. Private operators are not allowed to enter the market. This sets B.C. apart from other Canadian provinces like Ontario and Alberta, which have already taken steps toward opening their markets.
Who Is Behind the Lobbying?
The Canadian Online Gaming Alliance (COGA), a non-profit industry association, is leading the lobbying efforts. It is supported by TRM Public Affairs, led by Troy Ross. COGA’s members include companies affiliated with Entain PLC (co-owner of BetMGM), bet365, and Apricot, a partner of Betway’s parent company, Super Group.
Industry Goals
The industry is calling for a regulated iGaming model that would allow private operators to access the market. According to COGA, such a model would not only enhance player safety but also significantly increase the share of legal gambling activity. In monopoly models like B.C.’s, only about 20% of actual online gambling volume is captured, according to Ross. In regulated markets, that figure is close to 100%.
Examples from Other Provinces
Ontario introduced an open iGaming market in 2022. Alberta recently passed legislative changes (Bill 48) that foresee market opening by 2026. Both provinces are considered models for a regulated system with private operators. Experiences there show that such an approach generates more tax revenue while also improving player protection.
Arguments for Opening the Market
- Player Protection: Regulations enable measures for responsible gambling.
- Competition: Consumers benefit from more choice and better offers.
- Tax Revenue: A larger share of the legal market leads to higher provincial revenues.
According to Troy Ross, the evidence from Europe, the U.S., and South America is clear: regulation works better than monopolies.
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What’s Next?
The government of British Columbia has not yet made any public statements about a potential market opening. However, the intense lobbying activity indicates that the issue is being discussed internally. Whether B.C. will follow the lead of Ontario and Alberta remains to be seen.
Our Assessment
The situation in British Columbia is a typical example of the evolving online gambling landscape in Canada. While Ontario and Alberta have already established regulatory frameworks for private operators, B.C. is still at the beginning of this conversation. The arguments for opening the market are compelling: improved player protection, greater transparency, and additional tax revenue. For players, this would mean more choice and better offers. It remains to be seen whether the province will yield to industry pressure and pave the way for a regulated iGaming model.
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