British Columbia Casinos Guide
Whether you’re visiting the Lower Mainland, Vancouver Island, Okanagan, Northern BC, or Kootenays in British Columbia, you’ll be able to find a way to play casino games. The province has plenty of options, including some of the most impressive casino resorts in Canada.
British Columbia is a true gem of North America. Within the province, you can easily set out to the slopes in the morning and then relax on the water in the afternoon. With Vancouver as the province’s hotspot, you’ll find everything you need for a fun-filled getaway, including beaches, world-class restaurants, galleries, and sports.
Table of Content:
- History of Casinos in British Columbia
- Major Casinos in British Columbia
- FAQs
Firstly, it’s important to note that all legal gambling in British Columbia is run by the British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC). So, when they report that the 2022/23 books had a $1.6 billion CAD net income – which is distributed to support social and community programs – it’d be fair to say that casino gaming is popular.
In this article, you’ll learn more about the British Columbia casino gaming scene. We’ll walk you through its history, its impact on the province, and the best casinos that you can visit in BC. For any additional questions that you may have, we’ve also got an FAQs section at the bottom of the page.
History of Casinos in British Columbia
Casino gaming has been a staple of North American entertainment for decades. Like down south, professional casino establishments in British Columbia could be found on the waterways. Eventually, the BCLC was established to run the scene.
Early Beginnings and Development
In 1997, the BCLC was given responsibility for all commercial casinos in the province. One of the earliest arrivals to British Columbia as a fully-fledged casino operation was the Royal City Star Casino. The casino cruise ship came over from New Orleans in October 1999, setting up in New Westminster.
Key Milestones in the Casino Industry
The BCLC has been notoriously fast-moving. While online casinos are commonplace now, in the 00s, they were rather rare. So, the BCLC provided the breakthrough in Canada with the first legal online gambling site. Now, the BCLC oversees 17 casinos and, in total, 13,722 slots and 467 table games.
Impact on Local Economy and Tourism
Some 26,000 jobs are supported by the BCLC’s gambling operations, and since 1985, the organization has reaped $28 billion CAD in funds that have been pumped back into local communities. In 2022/23 alone, $1.6 billion CAD was distributed back into BC. Naturally, the casino resorts are a huge tourist draw and even serve 72% of British Columbians at least once each year.
Major Casinos in British Columbia
There are plenty of British Columbia casino venues to explore, but of them all, these are the most prominent. While a few of them are collected on the ever-popular Lower Mainland – near the city of Vancouver – the rest are spread across other exciting regions of the province.
River Rock Casino Resort
Set on the Lower Mainland, the River Rock Casino Resort is the largest casino gaming venue in BC. It’s loaded with things to try, from its collection of bars and restaurants to the stacked casino floor. Being so accessible from Vancouver, it’s easy to see why it’s one of BC’s most popular casinos.
Location and Accessibility
You’ll find the River Rock Casino Resort at 8811 River Road, Richmond, BC, V6X 3P8. The massive venue is directly south of Downtown Vancouver, with the easiest (and cheapest) way to get there being the subway from Vancouver City Centre Station to Bridgeport Station. It costs a few loonies and takes about 30 minutes.
Key Features and Attractions
Very much an all-in-one entertainment destination, you can find luxurious hotel rooms, a top-class range of dining options, live entertainment, poker, and casino gaming. On top of this, in the casino, you’ll get to compete for progressive jackpots in slot games and table games.
Gaming Options and Entertainment
The River Rock Casino Resort is one of the most stacked casinos in British Columbia. The gaming floor features 104 electronic table games, 75 live tables with professional croupiers, and 1,100 slot machines to spin. Plus, at The Show Theatre, you’ll find a stacked slate of shows, including comedians, musicians, and variety acts.
Great Canadian Casino Vancouver
Also found on the Lower Mainland, the Great Canadian Casino Vancouver follows a similar blueprint to the River Rock Casino Resort but without the hotel. It’s got a hefty theatre to put on live shows, more than enough casino games to explore, and some world-famous restaurants to delve into.
Overview and Location
Great Canadian Casino Vancouver isn’t in Downtown Vancouver. Rather, you’ll find it over in southern Coquitlam. To get to it at 2080 United Boulevard, Coquitlam, BC, V3K 6W3, you can get on the Expo Line from Vancouver, ride for just under an hour, head to Braid, and then hop on the line headed to EB United Blvd. The casino’s just a walk around the corner from there.
Unique Offerings and Amenities
Boasting the intimate Asylum room and The Show Theatre, the Great Canadian Casino Vancouver is ideal for events and parties of 50 to 1,000 guests. Plus, there are some exquisite places to eat, namely, Gordon Ramsay Burger. If burgers aren’t for you, there’s pub grub, the Rock House Grill, and a noodle bar.
Types of Games and Services
You’ll find all of the most beloved and newly popularized table games right here. There’s classic baccarat, roulette, and blackjack as well as Face Up Pai Gow, Double-Deck Blackjack, and Ultimate Texas Hold’em. Along with these, there are over 920 slots with bets starting from $0.01 and going up to the high-limit bracket.
Cascades Casino Kamloops
Over in Okanagan resides the classy Cascades Casino Kamloops. Featuring live music and entertainment, deluxe eateries, and stacks of casino games, the venue has made itself an all-in-one stop for a great time.
Introduction and Location
You’ll find this British Columbia casino at 1555 Versatile Dr, Kamloops, BC V1S 1W7, outside of the city of Kamloops to the southwest. It’s about a 10-minute drive from central Kamploops or up to 30 minutes from stepping onto a bus with one change. Given what’s on offer, it’s certainly worth the trip!
Highlighting the Main Attractions
Naturally, the main attraction of the Cascades Casino Kamloops is the array of casino games. Slots and table games are covered, and then some, but many go for the poker tables. It’s in these rooms that you’ll find the only no-limits tables in Kamloops! As well as this, there’s three of the finest restaurants and bars you’ll find in a casino venue. Match, Atlas, and the Summit Bar are truly exquisite.
Variety of Games and Entertainment Options
The Cascades Casino Kamloops is home to some of the most popular slot machines in British Columbia. There’s Buffalo Gold Revolution, Cleopatra, Lick it Link, and Tailgate Party. As for tables, the featured games are Double-Deck Blackjack, Fast-Action Hold’em, and Ultimate Texas Hold’em. Plus, there’s live entertainment from 8pm every Friday and Saturday!
Elements Casino Victoria
Found on the idyllic Vancouver Island, Elements Casino Victoria is one of the must-visit casinos in British Columbia. In the lavish modern building, you’ll find yourself with a huge gaming floor to explore, plenty of ways to dine out, and something fun to watch in the Platinum Room.
Introduction and Location
Down on the southern tip of Vancouver Island, if you’re in Victoria, you’ll find it easy to get to Elements Casino Victoria. You can either hop on the Line 95 bus for 22 minutes or drive there yourself in 12 minutes.
Highlighting the Main Attractions
The exquisite table games have to be in the conversation for the main attractions of this British Columbia casino, but then again, there are lots of other things going on too. The Diamond Buffet is a hot favourite for many, as is The Well Public House.
Variety of Games and Entertainment Options
Home to over 750 slots, an extensive poker offering, and plenty of tables, there’s a grand variety of games at Elements Casino Victoria. Over in the Action Arena, there’s also a new way to play table games on the electronic gaming terminals. Plus, in the Platinum Room, you can catch a live musician or comic on big nights.
Cascades Casino Langley
Found in Langley off the Lower Mainland, this casino in British Columbia has just about everything that you could want from a weekend getaway. Hotel, spa, casino, bars, restaurants, and live entertainment, the Cascades Casino Langley has it all.
Introduction and Location
Cascades Casino Langley is a tremendously appealing venue – even for those living in the city of Vancouver who want to take some time away. The trip to 20393 Fraser Highway, Langley, BC, V3A 7N2 takes about an hour to drive from Downtown Vancouver.
Highlighting the Main Attractions
Winner of the Langley Times’ Readers’ Choice Award multiple times, the superbly modern hotel with its collection of eye-catching rooms and amenities, is a big attraction for Cascades Casino Langley. As well as this, there’s the Luxury Medical Spa for everything from manicures to botox and teeth whitening.
Variety of Games and Entertainment Options
Slots, table games, poker, and bingo are all on offer at Cascades Casino Langley, but perhaps the most intriguing section of the gaming floor is the Crystal Room. Here, you’ll find the high-limit Dollar Dreams Progressive Jackpot Slots and a bunch of other $1-play games.
Casino of the Rockies
Moving far away from the western fringes of British Columbia, this top casino is found not far from the Alberta border. With daily food specials, casino room packages, golf, and plenty of games to try, Casino of the Rockies is the ideal location to explore what St Eugene has to offer.
Introduction and Location
North of Cranbrook and not far from the Canadian Rockies International Airport, it only takes 15 minutes to drive up to its address (7777 Mission Road, Cranbrook, BC V1C 7E5). Making the most of the glorious scenery, right on site is the Par 72 championship St Eugene Golf Course, which runs along the St Mary’s River.
Highlighting the Main Attractions
The golf course is a big part of the appeal of the Casino of the Rockies. It’s right there and offers a superb day out when the weather’s right. Along with the course, you’ve got the Blush Medi Spa for relaxation and rejuvenation, pool tables, and the full-service concept restaurant Kiʔsuʔk k̓ikiⱡ. Here, you can get everything from small plates to entrees, daily special menus, and a grand array of cocktails. Plus, there’ll be live music and entertainment while you dine.
Variety of Games and Entertainment Options
There’s lots to try on the casino floor overlooked by the venue’s popular restaurant. There are over 200 slots to choose from, as well as some truly luxurious table games. At the blackjack tables, you can place a side bet on King’s Bounty to cash in on a first hand totalling 20. Then, you’ve also got Ultimate Texas Hold’em, Fast-Action Hold’em, Three-Card Poker Six Card Bonus, and the iconic table game of roulette.
FAQs
Does British Columbia Have Casinos?
British Columbia does have casinos. All operated by the BCLC, there are 17 full casinos dotted around the province.
Does Vancouver, BC Have a Casino?
The city of Vancouver, BC, has one resident casino: Parq Vancouver. The Great Canadian Casino Vancouver is southeast of Downtown Vancouver in the southern stretches of nearby Coquitlam.
How Many Casinos Are on the BC Map?
There are 17 casinos in the BC map that are regulated by the BCLC. As well as these 17 fully-fledged casinos, there are also six bingo halls and 19 community gaming centres for slots and bingo games.
Are There Slot Machines in BC?
There are loads of slot machines in BC. You can find slots in any of the BC casino venues as well as in the community gaming centres, which focus on bingo gaming and slot machines.
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