Best Online Casinos in Vancouver for 2024

Join a Top-Rated Vancouver Online Casino in 2024

Reviewing Vancouver Online Casinos: Our Methodology

We take our responsibility to help you find safe, trusted, and reliable casino seriously. That’s why our team of industry veterans examines each Vancouver online casino on a series of criteria designed to ensure we only recommend sites that meet our standards for security and fairness.

That starts with a complete overview of each casino’s operations. We look into the licensing, regulation, and testing of each site to ensure that each casino has been independently verified to be safe, random, and fair for users. Only legitimate operators with verified credentials continue on in our evaluation process.

Next, we have our team spend time playing in the online casino, just as any user would do. That includes everything from signing up for an account to depositing funds, claiming a bonus, and talking to customer support. And, naturally, we spend a lot of our time evaluating the game selection, looking into how smoothly the software works on both mobile and desktop options, and examine how quickly withdrawals are processed.

Casino Licence: Ensuring Fair Play in Vancouver

There are several reputable regulators who provide licensing for both Vancouver online casinos and their land-based counterparts. A valid licence is one the most fundamental things we look for when recommending casinos to our readers, as they are the primary guarantee of reputability and fair play in the gaming industry.

A license shows that a casino has oversight from an independent regulatory body. That not only means that the casino meets the standards of that regulator, but also that players have a regulator to turn to in the case of any dispute with the casino or its operator. Here’s a look at two of the most important casino regulators in Vancouver.

British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC)

The BC Lottery Corporation manages, conducts, and oversees all commercial gaming that is regulated in the province, including online gambling. The BCLC works as a part of the Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch. The BCLC only licenses one online gambling operator the province, known as PlayNow, though other sites operate in BC with licenses from other jurisdictions.

Kahnawake Gaming Commission (KGC)

The Kahnawake Gaming Commission licenses and regulates online casinos and other online gambling sites that operate out of the Mohawk Territory of Kahnawake near Montreal. A KGC license is considered a strong indicator of legitimacy, as the KGC has reached agreements with many other gambling regulators around the world.

Banking Methods: Safe and Convenient Options for B.C.

If you want to play at a Vancouver online casino, you’ll need a safe and reliable way to get money in and out of your account. Thankfully, the top Vancouver casinos all offer a variety of different deposit and withdrawal methods for you to choose from.

These options are fast, easy to use, and secure. For instance, you can simply use your credit or debit card to put money into your account, or use bank transfers to move your money back and forth. If you’re interested in the use of cryptocurrency, an increase number of casinos allow you to deposit, play, and cash out using Bitcoin or other digital currencies.

Fees and Taxes at Vancouver Online Casinos

For the most part, Canadians do not owe taxes on any gambling winnings they may earn, and that extends to Vancouver residents as well. The only exception is for professional gamblers who play casino games primarily to make money, such as professional sports bettors or professional poker players. This includes playing at Vancouver online casinos: you will not owe taxes unless it is determined that you are gambling as a business activity.

Generally speaking, fees at online casinos are limited. Most casinos do not charge any fees to users; however, third-party payment processors may sometimes apply small fees to transactions, such as mining fees on cryptocurrency payments.

Outside of the above notes, most fees and taxes apply at the provincial level. For more information, check out our page on British Columbia casinos to learn more about the gaming industry throughout the province.

Game Selection: Variety and Quality at Vancouver Online Casinos

There’s a nearly endless steam of great games available when you sign up for a Vancouver online casino. Each of our recommended sites draws on some of the top game developers in the world today to build libraries of hundreds – and sometimes thousands – of titles for you to pick from.

These games run the gamut of what you would see in a live casino and beyond. That starts with a large selection of online slots, including three-reel, five-reel, and other formats, as well as many progressive jackpot machines. These are complimented by a wide range of table games such as blackjack, roulette, and baccarat, with many variations on popular favourites that you won’t see in a live casino.

No matter what you want to play first, you don’t necessarily have to risk your money to get started. No deposit bonuses are an excellent option for playing games for real money without having to fund your account!

How to Pick the Best Online Casino in Vancouver: Key Considerations

While there are many things to consider when picking a Vancouver online casino, a few areas stand out as critical when making your choice. Here’s a quick look at three important areas to think about when picking a site to play at.

1. Offering

Most casinos offer plenty of slot machines and some table games, but you’ll need to look deeper to find out whether a site has the games you want. You may want to check out the live dealer casino selection, as well as the specific game providers utilized at each site in order to find a casino that has the specific games or the style of play you’re looking for.

2. Payment options

You should go into your online casino search with an idea of the kinds of payment methods you’d like to use. Not all sites offer the same deposit and withdrawal options, so be sure to find a site that has methods you can access for both getting money in and out of your account. You may also want to check out our reviews to see which sites have the fastest payouts available via your chosen methods.

3. Bonus terms

Every casino bonus is slightly different in its terms, and these changes can have big implications for players. Some bonuses require a deposit, while others do not; some give credit to play with in the casino, while others offer free spins. Important terms to look for include the playthrough requirement, which dictates how much you must play before you can cash out, and game restrictions, which could determine whether or not you can play your favourite games while clearing a bonus.

Mobile Gaming at Vancouver Online Casinos

Once just an added way to get a few spins in on a slot machine, mobile gaming is now the most common way to enjoy online casinos in Vancouver. Today, all online casinos are built from the ground up to support mobile phones, tablets, and other devices, with all of the same games fully functional when playing their mobile versions.

In most cases, you won’t even need to download anything to your phone in order to play. While some casinos still use downloadable apps, most now rely on mobile-optimized websites that you can visit right in your phone’s browser. That means you can play on the exact same site no matter where you are or what device you have access to at any time.

Website Security: Staying Safe at Vancouver Online Casinos

Each of our recommended online casinos features state-of-the-art security protocols to ensure that every aspect of your gaming experience is safe. As we’ve mentioned earlier, that starts with only recommending licenced sites, but trusted sites take many additional steps to ensure they are fully secure.

For instance, each Vancouver online casino uses the same level of encryption that is today utilized by banks and major e-commerce sites. This SSL encryption means that outside parties won’t be able to gain access to the personal or financial data you transmit to the online casino. Only sites that feature this level of protection have a chance to earn our recommendation.

In addition, our top casinos are regularly tested by independent labs to ensure that they are safe and fair for their players. Groups like eCORGA and Gaming Labs International do complete and unbiased testing of sites, and you’ll only see their logos on websites that have met their standards.

Online Casino Vancouver, B.C.: Updated Gambling Laws

The primary piece of legislation that concerns gambling law in British Columbia is the Gaming Control Act of 2002. This law covers every aspect of gaming regulation from the BCLC to horse racing, First Nations gaming activities, and online gambling. Under this law, only adults ages 19 and older can gamble, as is the case in most Canadian provinces.

While the Gaming Control Act has been updated many times over the past two decades, there are a couple of recent changes that are particularly notable for Vancouver gamblers.

First, there was the passage of Bill C-128, a piece of federal legislation that allowed provincial governments to allow single-game sports wagering rather than just multiple-game parlays. The bill was passed in June 2021, and by August 2021, British Columbia had legalized the practice, greatly increasing the amount of sports wagering in the province.

Another change took place in summer 2023, and will be familiar to anyone who has stepped into a live casino in British Columbia in recent months. That’s when the BCLC began requiring casino visitors to provide government-issued identification in order to enter gaming floors. The rule was put in place in order to help prevent individuals who are part of the Game Break self-exclusion programme from gambling.

Responsible Gambling at Vancouver Online Casinos

While we all enjoy our time at online casinos, we also know it’s important to keep our gambling fun, safe, and avoid harm wherever possible. That’s why responsible gambling is a major focus for us, and for gambling regulators around the world.

In Vancouver, that starts with the aforementioned Game Break programme. This initiative allows individuals who see themselves as having – or potentially having – gambling problems to choose to not be allowed to gamble anywhere in British Columbia. Enrolling in the programme means you will not be allowed to go to casinos, the slots floors of race tracks, community gaming centres, or any bingo hall. You will also be unable to access PlayNow.com, the PlayNow BC Sportsbook App, or the BC Lotto! App.

If you want to get support for yourself or a loved one who you think may be a problem gambler, you can also call Gambling Support BC at 1-88-795-6111. This 24/7 helpline is completely free and confidential, and offers information, referrals, and crisis counselling for gambling-related matters.

Vancouver Online Casinos vs Land-based Casinos: Pros and Cons

Many players enjoy both online and land-based casinos. But there’s no denying that they offer very different experiences, and that based on your style of play, you might prefer one to the other.

Live casinos offer a gambling experience that can’t be matched online. That goes beyond the sounds of the slot machines or the communal aspect of playing with friends at the blackjack table. Casino resorts also offer many non-gaming amenities, including dining, shopping, as well as music and sports events. This means casinos can often be the centre of trips with friends or family, with an entire itinerary that goes well beyond gambling.

However, for many players, none of this can compete with the convenience of online casinos, which are available wherever and whenever you want them. Online casinos also have other advantages, as they can offer larger game selections, games at lower stakes, and stronger promotions because of the lower overhead in running a virtual operation. Often, this means the odds are better on many online games as well.

What’s the Top Land-based Casino in Vancouver, B.C.?

Vancouver offers an incredible diversity of land-based casinos for you to choose from. Here are three of our favourite choices in the city!

Hard Rock Casino

The Hard Rock Casino Vancouver, which has recently rebranded itself to the Great Canadian Casino Vancouver, is the largest casino in British Columbia. Open 24 hours per day, the Great Canadian features more than 920 slot machines along with 85 table games, with a mix of electronic and live dealer options. When you are done gambling, there are multiple entertainment venues and a luxury hotel along with buffets and fine dining options to round out your resort experience.

Parq Vancouver

Opened in 2017, Parq Vancouver is at the centre of the action in the city, being right next to BC Place and nearby to Rogers Arena. The gaming area is spread out over two floors, with over 600 slot machines and 75 table games on offer for visitors. There are two luxury hotels on site – the JW Marriott and the Douglas – along with a dozen different food options ranging from casual to decadent, depending on your tastes.

River Rock Casino Resort

Now open for two decades, the River Rock Casino is another of the major resorts owned and operated by Great Canadian Entertainment. The facility includes over 1,100 slots and more than 170 table games. Off the gaming floor, River Rock has a 400-room hotel and a theatre that regularly hosts music and entertainment events.

Support at Vancouver Online Casinos: Live Chat, Email, Phone

We don’t expect you to run into any trouble when you play at a Vancouver online casino. However, there’s no telling when you might have a question for the casino or when you might encounter a bug or another issue during your play. That’s why customer support teams are always available at each of our recommended sites.

There are generally three ways in which you can contact customer service at an online casino. First, many offer a live chat option that’s available right from their website. You can simply click the chat button, and in a matter of minutes, you’ll be connected with an employee that can help resolve your problem – or, if none are available, perhaps get help from an automated system.

For problems that don’t need such immediate help, you may instead choose to send an email to the customer service team. Most online casinos try to answer these emails as soon as possible, usually in a matter of hours during the working day. Many sites also offer phone support, allowing you to talk directly to a customer service agent when you have a problem that needs to be communicated quickly and clearly.

In Summary: A Scenic City With Top Casinos

We hope that we’ve shown you just a bit of the amazing diversity of live and online Vancouver casinos that you can choose from. No matter what you’re looking for in your casino experience, this city has something to offer to every player.

Where will your next Canadian casino adventure lead? There are tons of great casinos in the Vancouver area, but you don’t have to be limited to the local area. We’ve put together a page on all of the best British Columbia casinos for those who want to explore the whole province. Check it out and find your perfect BC casino today!