In addition to passing several pieces of legislation before the fall session ends, including the new Gaming Control Act, the British Columbia (BC) provincial government managed to pass a confidence vote on its amendments to the Mental Health Act on Tuesday night.
The Cullen Commission's 2022 money laundering investigation and Peter German's 2018 Dirty Money report are two well-known investigations whose suggestions about fraud and money laundering will be addressed in the new statute.
According to a release from BC's Public Safety and Solicitor General, the Gaming Control Act would entail the establishment of an independent gaming regulator. In part, the regulator will be able to give BC Lottery Corporation (BCLC) directives without ministry approval.
On April 13, 2026, the new Gaming Control Act will take effect. The new Independent Gambling Control Office in the province will have the authority to pursue illegal activities. The Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch is being replaced by this new organization, which will also oversee horse racing and charitable gambling regulations.
"Money laundering is a serious issue in our province and across the country, and strong oversight is needed to prevent it,” said Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General Nina Krieger. “The new act creates a strong regulatory framework so that the Independent Gambling Control Office, our new independent regulator, can more effectively address criminal activity and protect people in BC.”
When the Cullen Commission concluded in 2022, it released a shocking report on money laundering in British Columbia that detailed the billions of dollars that were flowing through real estate, casinos, expensive vehicles, and luxury goods—often from drug transactions. Among a number of suggestions, inadequate government monitoring was noted as something that needed to be fixed.
The act, which was first passed in 2022, takes into consideration the rapidly developing technologies in the gaming business as well as online gambling. Clarifying the powers and responsibilities of the BC Lottery Corporation and the regulator, as well as establishing an independent gaming regulator, were among the recommendations made by the German Report and the Cullen Commission. It included creating a standards-based regulatory framework, assigning the regulator responsibility for money laundering, and enabling the regulator to give BCLC instructions.
The general manager of the independent gaming control agency will create and implement rules pertaining to horse racing and gambling. That individual will be in charge of new regulations that will aid in the detection and prevention of illegal behavior and compulsive gambling. Money laundering in casinos and online will fall under this category.
At the moment, BC residents can only legally bet online on BCLC's PlayNow.com platform.
The new law also demands that the gaming industry's fee schedule be adjusted to reflect rising regulatory expenses. Fees for licensing and registration will go up, along with administrative expenses for things like background checks, compliance monitoring, and enforcement proceedings.
Instead of a fixed price, new fees for gaming facilities and charitable gaming events will be determined by income. Businesses with lower revenue will receive a break and pay less. In keeping with its recent growth, PlayNow.com will also create new cost categories.
Having reviews for everything is beneficial. Even negative reviews can benefit your business because they tell you about the player experience. A well-written review will be succinct and provide enough information to prospective players to avoid forcing them to draw incorrect conclusions about the encounter. It should be as error-free as possible and offer comments and recommendations without disparaging the company in order to ensure that it is professional.
New players only. Amont of bonus : 100 Freespins. Min deposit to use freespins : 50 USD. Provider : Gamino. Game : Big Bass Splash (Pragmatic Play). Wager : Wager Free.
T&Cs Apply 18+, Terms and Conditions Apply
#AD. *20 Free Spins credited upon your first £10 deposit on Big Bass Splash slot only, valued at 10p per spin. Free Spins must be used within 48 hours of qualifying. All winnings are uncapped and credited to your real money balance. New players only. begambleaware.org. 18+ Full T&Cs apply.
Wagering: 50X. Max Cashout: 10X. Games: Slots, Keno & Scratch Cards. Redeemable: 1X. Max bet per hand: $10. Must have deposited using Bitcoin.
The minimum deposit is $20. 1st Deposit Bonus 100% up to $500. 2nd Deposit Bonus 50% up to $300. 3rd Deposit Bonus 100% up to $400. Maximum amount of the First Deposit Bonus is $500. Maximum amount of the Second Deposit Bonus is $300. Maximum amount of the Third Deposit Bonus is $400. The First/Second/Third Deposit Bonus has a wagering of 30x (thirty), and it is available for 30 (thirty) days. If a player does not meet the wagering requirements within the 30 day period, their bonus and any pending winnings will expire and be removed from the account.
20 Free Spins bonus is awarded on the first deposit (after registration as a new player) of minimum €/£/$10. Only one bonus per player is available. The winnings generated from the bonus will be credited to the player's real money account up to the maximum conversion Amount of €/£/$500. If within 48 hours from crediting the bonus to player's account, player did not use the bonus, the bonus will expire and player shall not be able to receive the expired bonus. Withdrawal request voids any active/pending bonuses. Excluded Skrill deposits.Full Terms apply.
