Illegal Gambling is no joke.
Illegal Gambling
is no joke.
Illegal gambling puts your money and safety at risk
Joint Illegal Gaming Investigation Team
JIGIT: The Real -Life Team Behind the Squad
JIGIT: The Real-Life Team Behind the Squad
Fictional characters. Real enforcement.
Fictional characters. Real enforcement.
Fictional characters. Real enforcement.
CFSEU-BC’s Joint Illegal Gaming Investigation Team (JIGIT) investigates and disrupts illegal gambling operations linked to organized crime in British Columbia.
This includes targeting money laundering, loan sharking, illegal casinos, and unlawful online gambling – activities that exploit people and put neighbourhoods at risk.
Illegal Gambling isn’t Fair Play.
What is illegal gambling?
What is illegal gambling?
Illegal gambling is any gambling (online or in-person) that is not authorized by the Province of British Columbia.
In BC, legal gambling is limited to BCLC or a licensed charitable gaming event. * If a gambling site or a event is not approved by the Province, it's illegal - even if it looks professional or trustworthy.
In BC, PlayNow.com is the only legal online gambling site.
Online Gambling:
Illegal vs. Legal
Illegal online gambling sites operate outside BC’s rules and consumer protections and are often hosted outside of Canada. They may look legitimate but operate illegally.
Illegal sites often reach people through private messages or invite-only groups to avoid detection. And sometimes legitimate online gambling sites from elsewhere in Canada advertise in BC, even though they are not legally authorized here.
Illegal
Gambling Houses
These are homes or businesses that appear to be casual gathering spots but secretly operate for-profit illegal gambling activities.
People often hear about these locations through word-of-mouth or private invitations, and at first they may seem harmless. But behind the social settings are real risks.
*BC residents can also legally gamble on federally regulated horse racing betting / pari-mutuel betting sites.
The Risks of Illegal Gambling
The Risks
Illegal gambling often appears harmless - but there are real risks to you, your family and your community
Not everyone participates in illegal gambling for the same reason. Sometimes it’s curiosity, sometimes it’s a friend’s invite, sometimes it’s just someone hoping for a lucky break, and sometimes they don’t know it’s illegal.
But no matter why people show up, when organized crime is behind the scenes people become easy targets for fraud, identity theft, intimidation, and other harms.
01
Personal & Financial Harm
Rigged games or refused payouts
Theft of personal or banking information
Predatory illegal loans enforced through threats
Coercion into criminal activity
Loan Sharking:
Extortion:
Financial Fraud:
02
Safety & Crime Risks
Threats, intimidation, or violence over debts
Illegal loans enforced through pressure or threats
Unsafe environments with no security or emergency protections
Ties to criminal activity
03
Community Impact
Increased criminal activity in neighbourhoods
Late-night traffic, noise, and unsafe gatherings
Lost public revenue that normally supports BC services
Exploitation of vulnerable people, including youth
Damage to neighbourhood safety and reputation
Money Laundering:
How Will I Know If It’s Illegal?
Spot the Signs
Illegal
Online Gambling
it’s not playnow.com
+
PlayNow.com is the only legal gambling site in British Columbia. If it doesn’t say PlayNow, it’s illegal.
.net “free play” sites that funnel you to real-money gambling:
+
Some sites advertise harmless “practice” games, then push you to a .com or “real money” version once you’re in. That bait-and-switch is a common tactic used by illegal operators.
.net “free play” sites that funnel you to real-money gambling
+
Some sites advertise harmless “practice” games, then push you to a .com or “real money” version once you’re in. That bait-and-switch is a common tactic used by illegal operators.
Trouble getting your money out:
+
Delayed payouts, sudden new ID checks, or vague “terms violations” when you try to withdraw? That’s a classic move from illegal sites.
Trouble getting your money out
+
Delayed payouts, sudden new ID checks, or vague “terms violations” when you try to withdraw? That’s a classic move from illegal sites.
offshore everything
+
Only foreign email contacts, overseas customer service numbers, or vague “head offices” in places like Malta or Gibraltar? That means it’s not legal in BC.
feels too good to be true:
+
Over-the-top promises are a sure sign the site is illegal.
feels too good to be true
+
Over-the-top promises are a sure sign the site is illegal.
Loan sharking: illegal loans backed by intimidation,
threats or violence.
Illegal
Gambling Houses
Frequent visitors coming and going at unusual hours
Covered windows to limit visibility
Cameras or a person monitoring outside a private home or small business
Someone controlling access by checking phones or ID
A lot of takeout containers, bottled water cases, or cigarette waste
Cars arriving and leaving repeatedly with no clear connection to the property
Unusual noise or activity late at night
Safely Report Illegal Gambling
Reporting
Reporting illegal gambling activity will not get you in trouble. Safe and anonymous options are available.
Reporting illegal gambling activity will not get you in trouble. Safe and anonymous options are available.
How to Report a Crime or Suspicious Gambling Activity
Local Police (Non-Emergency Line)
Report suspicious activity or ongoing concerns in your neighbourhood. Your local police can document it, check it out, and take action if needed.
Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch (GPEB) Tipline
Crime Stoppers (Anonymous)
Report information completely anonymously – your identity is protected.
Why Reporting matters
llegal gambling in BC harms individuals, families, communities, and the integrity of the province’s regulated gambling industry.
Reporting helps stop:
Unlicensed and illegal online and in-person gambling operators
Criminal activity connected to gambling operations
Fraud, identity theft, and other personal harms
If you suspect illegal gambling activity, put your safety first:
Never approach a suspected illegal gambling house
Do not share financial information on sites you don’t trust
Don’t let urgency messages pressure you into acting quickly
Share warning signs with your friends and family
And remember, reporting is safe, anonymous options exist, and you won’t get in trouble for speaking up.
Introducing IGCO
The Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch (GPEB) will transition to the Independent Gambling Control Office (IGCO) on April 13, 2026.
As a strengthened regulator for the Province of British Columbia, the IGCO will have the mandate, authority and independence to monitor and safeguard the gambling sector in BC, working to protect British Columbians against money laundering, illegal online gambling, and other unlawful activity.
Don't let flashy websites fool you
"We've got eyes on thevictim!"
"We've got eyes on the victim!"
In BC, PlayNow.com is the only legal online gambling site.
Separating Fact from Fiction
Myth & Fact
01
Myth:
"Online gambling sites are legal if they look professional.”
REALITY:
A polished website doesn’t mean it’s legal. Illegal gambling sites are hosted outside of Canada and designed to look legitimate. These sites do not follow Canadian laws, offer no consumer protection, and can disappear overnight with your money.
In BC, PlayNow.com is the only legal online gambling site.
02
Myth:
“It’s just casual gambling. No one gets hurt.”
REALITY:
03
Myth:
"Using a VPN makes online illegal gambling safe.”
REALITY:
A VPN may hide your location, but it cannot protect you from those who run the site, how they use your personal information or if your money is taken. Illegal gambling sites often steal personal data, install malware, or use your financial details for fraud. You’re not hiding from danger – you’re walking straight into it.
04
Myth:
“Illegal gambling is a victimless crime.”
REALITY:
Illegal gambling affects entire neighbourhoods through:
Increased violence and gang activity
Financial exploitation of vulnerable individuals
Safety concerns for neighbourhood residents
Reduced legal gaming revenue to support education, healthcare and other important public services
05
Myth:
“This site says it’s licensed, so it’s probably ok.”
REALITY:
01
Myth:
"Online gambling sites are legal if they look professional.”
REALITY:
A polished website doesn’t mean it’s legal. Illegal gambling sites are hosted outside of Canada and designed to look legitimate. These sites do not follow Canadian laws, offer no consumer protection, and can disappear overnight with your money.
In BC, PlayNow.com is the only legal online gambling site.
02
Myth:
“It’s just casual gambling. No one gets hurt.”
REALITY:
03
Myth:
"Using a VPN makes online illegal gambling safe.”
REALITY:
A VPN may hide your location, but it cannot protect you from those who run the site, how they use your personal information or if your money is taken. Illegal gambling sites often steal personal data, install malware, or use your financial details for fraud. You’re not hiding from danger – you’re walking straight into it.
04
Myth:
“Illegal gambling is a victimless crime.”
REALITY:
Illegal gambling affects entire neighbourhoods through:
Increased violence and gang activity
Financial exploitation of vulnerable individuals
Safety concerns for neighbourhood residents
Reduced legal gaming revenue to support education, healthcare and other important public services
05
Myth:
“This site says it’s licensed, so it’s probably ok.”
REALITY:
If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, supports are available.
resources
Gambling Support BC
Gambling Support BC delivers free, confidential support services to anyone experiencing harm from gambling. Services are culturally safe, available in multiple languages, and open to anyone affected by gambling-related harm, from both legal and illegal gambling, including friends and family.
Toll-free Gambling Support Line:
1-888-795-6111
Gamesense
GameSense supports positive play by building gambling awareness, understanding, and healthy habits. GameSense Advisors are available to provide tips and tools to help keep gambling fun, and support to anyone who might be struggling with gambling-related harm.
Supports are available in person at casinos across BC or by phone or online.