The province has introduced new gambling regulations to prevent money laundering, a new independent gambling enforcement office, and a date for when the new act goes into effect.
The Public Safety Ministry announced Tuesday (Dec. 2) that a new gaming control act would be coming into effect on April 13, 2026 to establish an updated regulatory framework and new regulations for the gambling industry to prevent illegal activities, such as money laundering and fraud.
The province also plans to create a new independent gambling control office to regulate gambling in B.C.
Public Safety Minister Nina Krieger said the new act “creates a strong regulatory framework,” so that the new Independent Gambling Control Office can “more effectively address criminal activity and protect people in B.C.”
The act, according to the release, was passed in fall 2022 and is meant to address recommendations from two independent reviews: the German Report and the Cullen Commission.
Recommendations included: creating an independent gambling regulator, clarifying the roles and responsibilities between the regulator and the BC Lottery Corporation, establishing a standards-based regulatory model, making money laundering the responsibility of the regulator and allowing the regulator to issue directives to BCLC without the consent of the minister.
New office set to open in spring
The province says the Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch will be transitioning to the Independent Gambling Control Office. It aims to provide regulatory oversight of gambling conducted and managed by the British Columbia Lottery Corporation, charitable gambling, and B.C.’s horse-racing industry.
The release says the office will have a general manager who makes and enforces regulations in gambling and horse racing. It adds that it will allow for new requirements that “will help prevent and detect problem gambling and unlawful activity, including money laundering, in casinos and online.”
It will also continue to administer the province’s Gambling Support BC for outreach and treatment services to anyone dealing with gambling issues.
The office is also set to take effect April 13, 2026.
Fee structure set to change
The province says the act will also change the existing fee structure, which hasn’t been updated in more than 15 years.
There are three steps: increasing fees for registration and licensing, creating new fee categories, and establishing revenue-based fees.
Several fees will increase based on inflation and to “better reflect the costs of regulation.” That includes administrative costs, such as background checks, supporting licensing applications, monitoring compliance and taking enforcement actions.
There will be new classes added to reflect the expansion in recent years of PlayNow.com.
New fees for gaming facilities and charitable gaming events will be based on revenue, instead of a flat fee, the province added.
The release says this means that organizations and facilities that bring in smaller amounts of money will pay less than those bringing in larger amounts. Currently, those that raise more than $250,000 pay the same $50 fee as those who raise less revenue.
Under the new structure, those who raise: less than $5,000 will pay $25; between $5,000 and $20,000 will pay $75; between $20,000 and $50,000 will pay $150; between $50,000 and $250,000 will pay $250; and more than $250,000 will pay $500.
The changes were made after consultation with industry stakeholders and to ensure fees align with costs to regulate the gaming sector.