The British Columbia government will introduce an updated regulatory framework for gambling next spring, bringing long-planned changes intended to improve oversight and address illegal activity. The provisions form part of the Gaming Control Act, which comes into force on April 13, 2026, after being passed in 2022.

Independent Regulator to Address Money Laundering and Fraud

The Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General said the new model responds to weaknesses identified in two major inquiries: Peter German’s Dirty Money review from 2018 and the 2022 Cullen Commission into money laundering. Among the most significant changes is the creation of an independent regulator with the authority to issue directives to the BC Lottery Corporation (BCLC) without requiring ministry approval.

Solicitor General Nina Krieger said the updated regulations will allow the province’s new Independent Gambling Control Office to “more effectively address criminal activity.” She added, “Money laundering is a serious issue in our province and across the country, and strong oversight is needed to prevent it.”

The new framework clarifies the responsibilities of the regulator and BCLC, establishes a standards-based approach to supervision and ensures that the regulator – not the ministry – has direct responsibility for investigating money laundering concerns. It also accounts for online gambling and technology developments that were not fully addressed under previous legislation.

Transition from GPEB and Expansion of Regulatory Duties

The current Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch will transition into the Independent Gambling Control Office, which will provide oversight for BCLC-run gambling, charitable gaming, and the province’s horse-racing sector. The office will be led by a general manager responsible for issuing and enforcing regulations.

Its mandate includes creating new requirements to detect unlawful activity and support tools to reduce problem gambling. The government confirmed that the office will also continue administering Gambling Support BC, which offers outreach and treatment for individuals experiencing gambling-related harm.

Fee Increases and New Licensing Categories

The Act introduces updated fees across multiple areas of the gaming sector. Many rates had not changed for more than 10–15 years, and officials say adjustments were necessary to reflect inflation, administrative costs and the resources required for modern regulatory oversight.

Several updates include:

• Facility fees based on revenue: Rather than linking fees to the number of slot machines, the province will base assessments on facility revenue. Fees for revenues up to $100 million will increase by 20%, while bingo hall fees rise by 25%.
• Revised classes for gaming suppliers: Categories will be updated to reflect online gaming services and new technology. Fees will increase to cover the costs of monitoring software updates and digital platforms.
• Higher fees for gaming service providers: Rate adjustments follow more than a decade without changes and aim to match actual regulatory expenses.
• Gaming worker fees: Registration costs will increase from $45 every three years to $150, bringing them closer to security-industry licensing fees, which cost $240 for three years.
• Horse-racing fees: Track operator charges will rise from $5,000 to $6,285, while temporary operator fees increase from $100 to $125.
• Charitable gaming fees: The existing structure recovers only about 14% of regulatory costs. New revenue-based tiers will set fees between $25 and $500 depending on projected event earnings. Events that raise higher amounts will pay more than those with smaller fundraising totals.

The province says the new framework will deter financial crime, support responsible gambling initiatives and strengthen the integrity of the gaming sector for British Columbians once it takes effect in April.

Source:

Preventing money laundering through stronger gambling regulation, Government of British Columbia, December 2, 2025.