THE Independent Gambling Control Office (IGCO) has released a new BC Problem Gambling Action Plan in response to the 2025-26 BC Problem Gambling Prevalence Study.
“The IGCO takes harms from gambling seriously and is committed to ensuring that gambling is regulated responsibly and in the public interest,” said Sam MacLeod, general manager, IGCO, on Thursday. “Through the BC Problem Gambling Action Plan and my authority under the Gaming Control Act to make and enforce regulations, including to prevent and address problem gambling, the IGCO will continue taking concrete steps to respond to increasing problem gambling rates and the study recommendations.”
The study found a significant increase in moderate-to-high-risk gambling, with 19% of B.C. adults falling into these categories. Among B.C. adults who gambled in 2025, 60% are classified as non-problem gamblers while 40% experienced some problem gambling risk, including 24% in the moderate-to-high-risk range.
In addition, some demographic groups show particularly high rates of moderate-to-high-risk problem gambling, including younger adult men, newcomers to Canada and Indigenous people.
While the prevalence study findings show higher problem gambling rates than in earlier B.C. studies, the findings are broadly consistent with emerging national research showing higher rates of gambling-related harm in Canada, particularly among online gamblers.
“We know that problem gambling can have significant impacts on individuals and families,” said Rachel Cheng, executive director of strategic policy and gambling supports, IGCO. “The problem gambling prevalence study findings reinforce the need for effective and responsive gambling prevention and support services to reduce harm and ensure that all B.C. residents, regardless of their age or where they gamble, can access the help they need when they need it most.”
In response to the study, the IGCO has developed the BC Problem Gambling Action Plan, focused on:
* strengthening prevention and awareness in digital environments
* improving outreach to higher-risk populations
* addressing stigma and barriers to seeking support
* improving awareness of safer and regulated gambling options
* supporting early education and prevention among youth
* continuing to monitor emerging gambling trends
Gambling Support BC (GSBC), the province’s primary program for responding to gambling-related harm, also recently launched a new integrated service-delivery model in partnership with Telus Health, making it quicker and easier to access support. The new model strengthens capacity to serve more people in British Columbia and allows the program to scale if more people seek support.
“The notable increase in moderate-to-high-risk gambling, here in B.C. and around the world, is a problem that we must take action to address,” said Nina Krieger, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General. “The IGCO is working to counter the surge of unregulated sports betting and online gambling advertising in B.C., and to keep people safe from harms and connect them to the supports they need. The IGCO’s action plan responds to the study’s recommendations and the evolving gambling industry, building on work already underway by strengthening prevention, awareness and education, as well as expanding outreach to higher-risk populations.”
The IGCO is committed to being responsive to changes in gambling behaviours and emerging areas of risk. By aligning regulatory oversight, policy, research and service delivery, the IGCO is well positioned to ensure prevention and harm-reduction efforts are responsive, accessible and effective.
Quick Facts:
* The IGCO is responsible for regulatory oversight of all legal gambling in B.C. and for administering the GSBC program.
* The IGCO has independent authority to make and enforce regulations, including to prevent and address problem gambling, and to publish research, reports and regulatory decisions.
* For more information about Gambling Support BC, visit: https://gamblingsupportbc.ca
* For more information about the IGCO, visit: https://igcobc.ca
