Finding the best online casinos in Vancouver

While the online casino sites in Vancouver are good and offer lots of games, they don't really come close to the professional outfits offered from jurisdictions based overseas.

These CA rooms are available for Vancouver players around the clock on the web, and they offer even more games and even more choice.

There's so much choice out there it's hard to know where to look for a good online casino. Vancouver based players should begin with top security and fair games.

A top online casino that Vancouver residents can enjoy in 2022 should boast the best encryption to ensure your personal data is protected and all software should be independently audited so that every spin of the roulette wheel or slot machines is random and fair.

And while you may struggle to find an online casino for Vancouver gamers regulated in Canada, there are plenty that are licensed in recognized gaming jurisdictions across the world. Always look for the signs that your chosen sites are properly regulated and you won't go far wrong with real cash gaming.

Vancouver casino players can play at gaming sites operated by the local government. In a move to combat the power of overseas gaming sites, the British Columbia Lottery Commission (BCLC) now runs its very own real money casino online. Vancouver online gambling fans can enjoy poker, bingo and casino games on the net and even play with Canadians living in Quebec.

Mobile gambling in Vancouver

App and mobile casinos are commonplace in Vancouver. Most casinos will be optimized for mobile play with regular updates for both iOS and Android devices. Even if a casino doesn't have an app, the site will usually be available in a mobile browser thanks to HTML5 technology. You'll just need to log in via your phone and start playing! In general, nearly 90% of the desktop games will also be available on mobile.

If you're looking for a great mobile experience, we'd recommend Jackpot City Casino. The casino has a great range of games and a smooth user experience overall. We've also found the battery consumption and performance are better than other mobile casinos in Vancouver.

Land-based casinos in Vancouver

If British Columbia boasts some world-class casinos, Vancouver only enhances that reputation.

The city's Edgewater Casino describes itself as "Downtown Vancouver's boutique casino" and the homely charm of the establishment is complimented by some serious gambling action.

At the Edgewater you can find over 500 slots, a high roller's room and poker games, plus enough blackjack and roulette tables to last a lifetime of gambling. The casino was recently granted a license to expand its operation into a huge $535 million complex in the heart of the city.

Elsewhere, Hard Rock has a presence in the city with a Hard Rock casino franchise, and River Rock just on the outskirts of Vancouver is renowned for serious gaming action.

Vancouver, as with other BC towns, operates a legal gambling age of 19. It’s no wonder so many college kids from Seattle, where the gambling age is 21, head north to play.

Online casino bonuses for players in Vancouver

One of the best parts about playing at online casinos in Vancouver is that there are a range of top casino bonuses available to claim.

These vary from welcome bonuses, to no deposit and low deposit bonuses, to free spins, stake and gets and more. They are usually made available to use on a range of games such popular Canadian online slots, roulette, poker, blackjack, and others.

Sign up with one of our recommended Vancouver casinos listed above and you can even earn yourself some a free spins bonus on your first real money online gambling deposit, with the chance to bag yourself a wide range of bonuses as well.

Vancouver gambling regulation

As the largest city in British Colombia, Vancouver is subject to all of its gambling laws and regulations.

The key legislation which governs the way casinos and sportsbooks operate in Vancouver include the Gaming Control Act and the Gaming Control Regulation. These are enforced by the Gaming Police and Enforcement Branch (GPEB), who ensure the compliance of all casinos and sports betting operators in the city.

The legal age for gambling in Vancouver, whether you prefer to play online or at brick-and-mortar sites, is 19+.

Gambling taxes in Vancouver

Vancouverites don’t need to worry about paying taxes on their winnings while gambling, unless you’re a professional gambler. This is explained in paragraph 40(2)(f) of the Income Tax Act.

The only time you might need to pay tax, other than being considered a professional gambler, is if you start to earn interest on anything you’ve won. This will need to be reported on your tax return, and you might need to fill in additional forms as a result.

Apart from that, anything you win while gambling in Vancouver is tax free – but always remember to play responsibly whether taxed or untaxed.

Responsible gambling in Vancouver

While online casino gaming and sports betting in Vancouver can be fun, it’s important to know when to stop. If you find yourself chasing losses, are spending increasing amounts of time gambling on your mobile or desktop, or are spending beyond what you’re comfortable with regularly, then you should look for outside help and advice. You can use our responsible gambling hub to find information, or head to other organisations like:

• Gambling Support BC: Gambling Support BC offers information and resources on problem gambling. They also have a superb 24/7 multilingual support line which is toll-free at 1-888-795-6111.
• Game Sense: Game Sense offers help and support via education. You can learn about common gambling myths, plus speak to advisors to get clarity for you or a loved one.
• Responsible Gambling Council: The Responsible Gambling Council can help you find support or even a counsellor in your area. This national service also has several free-to-use helplines.
• Canada Safety Council: The Canada Safety Council is a non-profit organization. They offer help, support, counselling, helplines, and more.

References

• British Columbia – Gambling laws, regulations and policies
• Global Law Experts – Is Gambling Taxable in Canada? Are Poker Winnings Taxable?