British Columbia Sports Betting

British Columbia Legalization Timeline for Betting

August 2021

• The British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC) appoints Genius Sports Limited as the official data provider for their sportsbook operations, securing a multi-year deal with the corporation.
• Single-game sports betting goes live in British Columbia on Aug. 27 through the PlayNow Sportsbook.

June 2021

• Senate passes Bill C-218, which will allow Canadian sportsbooks to apply for licenses that will let sports bettors place single-game wagers. Only parlays, or multiple game outcomes, had been legal in Canada, so Canadians have had to use European sportsbooks.

How to Start Betting in British Columbia

While British Columbians have limited options, they are finally able to participate in online sports betting through PlayNow, which was officially launched on Aug. 27, 2021.

 Select a sportsbook

B.C. residents are only allowed to use PlayNow to place single-game wagers online. Additionally, players can place their wagers online or choose to submit them in person at any BCLC terminal located in participating locations

Register online

• Click “Join” on the top right corner of the site.
• Select your welcome bonus and enter your personal information such as your name, address, DOB, email, and phone number.
• Create a strong password and a couple of security questions.
• Your account has been registered and you are now able to bet!

Deposit funds

Funding an account can be done in a matter of minutes. PlayNow accept several payment methods.

Choose your bet types

 With the arrival of single-game sports betting in Canada, local options will continually become more accessible to bettors. Play Alberta offers a variety of bet types from single to multi-game sports betting.

• Point Spreads. Spread betting is a bet on the margin of victory in a game. Point Spreads
• Moneylines. Moneyline betting is when you pick the winner of the game or event. Moneylines
• Totals. A total, also known as an over/under, is a bet on the number of points both teams will combine to score in a game. Totals
• Player Props. A prop bet, short for a proposition, wager that is not directly tied to the final score or outcome. Props Bets

NFL Sports Betting in British Columbia

Seattle Seahawks

Once a powerhouse in the NFC that made the playoffs in nine of the last 12 seasons, the Seahawks have been struggling a bit but remain competitive in the NFC West. New coach Mike Macdonald brings with him a renewed focus on the defensive side of the ball and a lot of new energy to this team that should once again compete for a playoff spot. The Seahawks are by far the most popular NFL team in BC. In fact, the Seahawks often have a Canada day at one of their home games, honoring the many Canadian fans (and season ticket holders). 

Seahawks Odds

Recommended resources to help you bet on football in British Columbia:

• How to Bet on Football Guide
• Check our Expert NFL Picks
• Keep an eye on betting activity and bet/money distribution with our NFL Public Betting data

 NHL Betting in British Columbia

Vancouver Canucks

British Columbia's lone team has yet to hoist Lord Stanley's Cup in their 50+ years in the NHL. The Canucks have played in the Cup finals three times — most recently in the 2010-11 season — but haven't gotten to name themselves the best in the world just yet. They're also looking to get back on the right track, having not won their division since 2013 and missing the playoffs in five of the last six seasons.

Canucks Odds

Recommended resource to help you bet on hockey in British Columbia:

• How to Bet on Hockey Guide

NBA Betting in BC

Toronto Raptors

Yes, Toronto is over 2,000 miles away from Vancouver, but the Raptors are by far the most popular team in the province. They may play in Toronto but the Raptors are Canada's team. Every game is shown on cable nationwide and the team has been embraced by NBA fans across the country. 

Recommended resource to help you bet on basketball:

• How to Bet on Basketball Guide

MLB Betting in Ontario

Toronto Blue Jays

Similar to the Raptors, the Toronto Blue Jays may play in Ontario but they are Canada's team. Every game is broadcast nationwide and BC Blue Jays fans flock to Seattle each year to watch their team take on the Seattle Mariners. 

Recommended resource to help you bet smartly on baseball in British Columbia:

• How to Bet on Baseball Guide

MLS Betting in British Columbia

Vancouver Whitecaps FC

Vancouver has seen a number of teams start and stop play over the last half-century, but the current iteration has been around since 2011 as an MLS expansion team. The Whitecaps haven't made much of a dent in The United States' top soccer league, but they did win the CONCACAF Champions League in 2015. A first round exit from the 2021 MLS playoffs was a push in the right direction after missing out on the postseason the previous three seasons, but we can assume that the Caps have higher expectations for the future

Soccer Odds

Recommended resource to help you bet on soccer in British Columbia:

• How to Bet on Soccer Guide

 CFL Betting in British Columbia

 BC Lions

While they're another team based in Vancouver, the Lions represent all of British Columbia proudly. With six Grey Cups to their name (including three since the start of the new millennium), BC has certainly had their fair share of success. But the Leos also hold the longest championship drought among teams in the West Division (2011). With a new owner at the top after the passing of David Braley, the Lions hope to get back to their winning ways.