BCLC surveys point to rising gambling problems among B.C. casino and bingo players
Research obtained through freedom of information shows more casino players say they bet more than they could afford to lose.
Surveys done for the British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC) suggest gambling problems grew among the province's players last year, according to documents obtained by The Breaker under B.C.'s freedom of information law.
The 473 pages of research include work by Ipsos and Harris Poll. They compare the fiscal year ending March 31, 2025, with the year before. Some pages were withheld on the grounds that releasing them could harm government economic interests.
Key findings
Ipsos concluded that significantly more players reported financial problems linked to gambling, being criticized for their betting, and borrowing money or selling things to gamble.
The share of casino players who said they had bet more than they could afford to lose rose from 44 per cent to 55 per cent. Borrowing or selling items to gamble rose 11 per cent among bingo players and 12 per cent among horse racing bettors.
The number of respondents who felt they might have a gambling problem rose 12 per cent among bingo players, eight per cent among casino slot players and 15 per cent among players of other casino games. Younger casino players showed higher-risk behaviour in the second quarter of the year.
Gambling literacy also slipped. Casino and slot players were more likely to believe myths, such as the idea that their chances of winning improve after a loss.
Trust in BCLC
An Angus Reid Group poll from August 2025 found British Columbians still view BCLC positively. But fewer felt informed about where gambling revenue goes, and agreement with statements about BCLC's contribution to the province, trust in its games and socially responsible promotion fell by an average of 12 per cent.
A spokesperson for the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General said the ministry is overseeing a provincial prevalence study to gather detailed information on who is affected by problem gambling. BCLC is also planning two marketing campaigns aimed at common gambling myths and higher-risk behaviour.