Risks of gambling information for municipalities

Hosting a gambling facility is a major decision for local governments. In 2015, B.C. committed to developing information outlining the public health risks of gambling for municipalities. This information will help ensure municipalities and their decision makers have a full understanding of the risks and benefits of expanding gambling in their communities.

The following information may assist local governments in understanding the potential public health risks of gambling:

• Lower the Stakes – A Public Health Approach to Gambling in British Columbia (PDF)
• Hosting a Gambling Facility: A Local Government Information Package on the Public Health Risks of Gambling (PDF)​
• 2014 British Columbia Problem Gambling Prevalence Study (PDF, 4.6MB)
• Responsible and Problem Gambling in British Columbia – A Plan for Public Health and Gambling in British Columbia – February 2015 (PDF)

As government's work in public health is always ongoing, the Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch (GPEB) will share updated information with municipalities as work in this area progresses.

B.C.'s "A Plan for Public Health and Gambling" includes 21 commitments aimed at delivering gambling in a socially responsible way. The plan was in response to a report released by the BC Provincial Health Officer (PHO) in 2013 called "Lower the Stakes: A Public Health Approach to Gambling in British Columbia".

For information on the process of becoming a host local government for a gaming facility, please see the British Columbia Lottery Corporation website.