British Columbia is home to a thriving gambling market, steered by strong provincial regulation to admit only high-quality, reputable casinos powered by industry-leading responsible gambling programs. From the top online casinos to dozens of land-based casinos, gamers are spoiled for choice in British Columbia!
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Vegasino’s vintage aesthetic and uncluttered site help you dive in and find your favourite games, extending your bankroll with a number of cashback bonuses.
What I liked:
- Huge library with more than 8,500 games
- Notable collection of jackpot slots
- Gamified bonuses like quests and tournaments
What I didn’t:
- Few traditional bonuses available
- Customer support underperformed
100% Up To C$750 + 1000 Fs - Wager X50 50 Free Spins Given Each Day
Best Features | Large games library, recurring weekly bonuses |
Top Games | Grand Line Express, Cash of Gods |
Average RTP | 96.00% |
Deposit Methods | Interac, MasterCard, Paysafecard, Neteller, Bitcoin |
Withdrawal Methods | Interac, Bank transfer, Skrill, Jeton, MiFinity, Bitcoin |
Mobile App | Android and iOS browser |
Established Date | 2024 |
Owner | Unlisted |
Jackpot City has been around since 1998, and its spotless reputation plus multiple licenses makes it stand out as a secure, trustworthy BC online casino.
What I liked:
- User-friendly site design and aesthetic
- Canadian licenses and sponsorships
- Standalone mobile app to play on-the-go
What I didn’t:
- Site and app had performance issues
- High wagering requirements on bonuses
C$1,600 Deposit Bonus + 10 FREE Shots to WIN C$1,000,000 Daily - C$5 min deposit in Canada
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Best Features | Flawless reputation, user-friendly site, Canadian-based |
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Top Games | Poseidon Ancient Fortunes, Extreme Multifire Roulette |
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Average RTP | 96.50% |
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Deposit Methods | Interac, Visa, MasterCard, Apple Pay, InstaDebit, MuchBetter |
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Withdrawal Methods | Interac, Visa, Bank transfer, Apple Pay, MuchBetter |
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Mobile App | Android and iOS browser |
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Established Date | 1998 |
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Owner | Cadtree Ltd. |
Legiano’s main draw is its Clash minigame, pitting you against fellow players to earn casino bonuses. Meanwhile the casino also delivers a massive, high-RTP games collection to keep you entertained.
What I liked:
- Compete against real players for prizes
- Outstanding library of 9,000+ games
- Fast and flexible withdrawals
What I didn’t:
- Few payment methods available
- Underwhelming mix of traditional bonuses
Up To $2,000 + 200 FS
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Best Features | Large games library, gamified bonuses |
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Top Games | Super Flip, Book of Dragon |
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Average RTP | 98.51% |
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Deposit Methods | Interac, MasterCard, Neosurf, Jeton, Binance, Bitcoin |
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Withdrawal Methods | Interac, Bank transfer, Skrill, Jeton, Bitcoin |
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Mobile App | Android and iOS browser |
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Established Date | 2024 |
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Owner | Unlisted |
RoboCat is pretty new among British Columbia online casinos, but the casino stands out for its unrivaled welcome bonus plus more bonuses like a virtual claw machine for even more rewards.
What I liked:
- Well-varied library of 7,000+ games
- Huge welcome bonus for new players
- Live casino offers both quality and quantity
What I didn’t:
- High minimum withdrawal limits
- Withdrawals take up to 5 days to arrive
100% Up To $10,000 + 200 FS
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Best Features | Generous bonuses, large games library |
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Top Games | More Magic Apple, SixSixSix |
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Average RTP | 96.00% |
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Deposit Methods | Interac, Visa, MasterCard, Paysafecard, Bitcoin |
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Withdrawal Methods | Interac, Bank transfer, Skrill, Jeton, MiFinity, Bitcoin |
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Mobile App | Android and iOS browser |
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Established Date | 2024 |
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Owner | NovaForge Ltd. |
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Lucky Spins delivers a strong all-around casino experience, with a great mix of games, several bonuses to keep refilling your wallet, and a variety of payment methods.
What I liked:
- Library of 5,000+ games including niche options
- Intuitive and stylish casino site
- Offers tons of prize drop promos
What I didn’t:
- Lackluster customer support
- Few high-value bonuses
100% Up To $2,000 + 500 FREE Spins
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Best Features | Varied games library, standout user experience |
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Top Games | Wild Swarm 2, Gem Pops |
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Average RTP | 95.00% |
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Deposit Methods | Interac, Visa, MasterCard, MuchBetter, Bitcoin |
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Withdrawal Methods | Interac, Bank Transfer, MuchBetter, Bitcoin |
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Mobile App | Android and iOS browser |
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Established Date | 2022 |
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Owner | White Star B.V. |
Legal Gambling in British Columbia
Online gambling has been legal in British Columbia since 2010, and is primarily regulated by the government-owned British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC), which was founded in 1985 to oversee traditional lotteries in the province. 1997 saw the first slot machines in the province as land-based casinos expanded.
In 2004, the BCLC launched its own online gaming platform called PlayNow.com. in 2010, when online gambling was legalized in British Columbia, this became North America’s first website for legal, regulated casino games. 2018 marked another milestone as the BCLC spearheaded the introduction of live online casino games in North America.
The BLCL is supervised by the Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch (GPEB) of the provincial government, which is the top-level gambling regulator in British Columbia, also overseeing other licensed gambling in the province (like non-profit fundraisers or horse racing).
British Columbia is home to Canada’s first permanent land-based casinos, which both opened in 1986: The Great Canadian in Vancouver, and Nanaimo Casino in the namesake city. Nowadays, British Columbia is home to over 36 land-based casinos and boasts over 1.2 million accounts registered at PlayNow.
Several First Nations territories in British Columbia operate casinos, including the Ktunaxa, Squamish, and Cowichan Nations. The provincial government recently committed to sharing 7% of the BCLCs yearly revenue from gambling with First Nations communities, through to 2045.
In regard to online casino gambling, provincial law means PlayNow is the only online casino that can legally be based in British Columbia, though others can operate in the province. Gamblers must be at minimum 19 years old.
- 1969 – Federal and provincial governments of Canada first allowed to hold lotteries.
- 1974 – British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba form the Western Canada Lottery Foundation (WCFL) to coordinate gambling operations.
- 1985 – Federal government passes full control of lotteries to provincial governments in exchange for profit sharing. British Columbia leaves the WCLF and establishes the BCLC to run local lotteries.
- 1997 – Slots machines first introduced in British Columbia, driving new land-based casinos to open and expand operations.
- 2004 – The BCLC launches PlayNow as a gambling services and info website.
- 2009 – GameSense program launched to inform players in British Columbia of gambling risks and provide responsible gaming tools.
- 2010 – Online gambling officially made legal by the BCLC. PlayNow begins hosting online casino games.
- 2018 – In partnership with Evolution Gaming, the BLCL introduces the province’s first live online table games.
- 2021 – Single-event sports betting legalized in Canada.
Gambling Taxes in British Columbia
Good news—your casino winnings are non-taxable in British Columbia! Whether from online casinos, land-based casinos, or other betting like lotteries or horse racing, the province doesn’t consider winnings to be a regular source of income, and they are therefore exempt from income tax.
There are a few niche cases where taxes still apply to gambling: when you opt to invest your casino winnings, you’ll still need to report that money as investment income. Also, professional gamblers declare their winnings as regular income.
You’ll also need to report any interest you collect from casino winnings, which is taxed somewhere between 5.06%–20.50% (depending on tax bracket).
Know the game rules
There is tons written about the most popular online casino games, both on the developer’s site and on review sites. Do your research to fully understand all game rules and betting methods.
Take advantage of bonuses
Welcome bonuses, reload bonuses, and free spins all let you play casino games for free while still winning cash prizes. Leverage bonuses for extra games at no cost (as long as you keep wagering requirements in mind).
Understand volatility
High-volatility games are great for big, bombastic rounds with huge wins and bitter losses, but can easily drain your wallet. Low-volatility games offer more consistency with frequent, small wins to keep you engaged, but award fewer jackpots.
Manage your bankroll
Try not to burn through all your money on one big bet. Enjoy longer play sessions by placing small wagers and keeping to wagering limits. Deposit and loss limits can also help you gamble responsibly without overspending.
Online Slots
At nearly any online casino, Online slots will be the most common game. Beyond classic 3-reel machines, you can try new game mechanics like Megaways, cluster pays, bonus buy, and more to score more frequent wins.
Online Roulette
Online roulette is very popular since the digital interface simplifies roulette betting. You can find all three most popular roulette variants in British Columbia online casinos.
Blackjack
Blackjack remains the king of table games thanks to its high RTP and deep strategy. Play blackjack against the house or try live blackjack to sit down with other real-life players.
Craps is one of the most common dice games you’ll see in BC casinos. The online version tries hard to maintain the social aspect that makes in-person craps so alluring.
Live Casino
Live casino games livestream card, dice, or game show games to your device. Experience table games in real time as professional croupiers deal cards and take bets with you and other live gamblers.
Online Poker
Online poker always draws a big crowd. Most online casinos in British Columbia let you play heads-up against the house, but some dedicated poker sites offer tourneys versus other players.
Online baccarat is growing in popularity, attracting players from Macau and other gambling hubs. High RTP and many live casino variants make baccarat stand out among other table games.
It’s important to understand the odds and payouts of each casino game, and of course, learning which games have your favourite mechanics and which British Columbia online casinos offer those games will help you find the best games for your playstyle.
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Game Name |
RTP (%) |
Features |
Where to Play |
| Slots | 95.00 | Free Spins, Multipliers, Bonus Rounds, Megaways, Progressive Jackpots | RoboCat, Lucky Spins |
| Roulette | 97.30 | Live Dealer, High RTP, Several Rules Variants, Multiple Betting Options | Legiano, Vegasino |
| Blackjack | 99.75 | Live Dealer, High RTP, Several Rules Variants, Skill-Based | Lucky Spins |
| Craps | 98.60 | Live Dealer, Multiple Betting Options | Jackpot City |
| Poker | 97.00 | High RTP, Several Rules Variants, Skill-Based | Vegasino |
| Baccarat | 98.94 | Live Dealer, High RTP, Skill-Based | Legiano |
Slots
RTP (%)
95.00
Features
Free Spins, Multipliers, Bonus Rounds, Megaways, Progressive Jackpots
Where to Play
RoboCat, Lucky Spins
Roulette
RTP (%)
97.30
Features
Live Dealer, High RTP, Several Rules Variants, Multiple Betting Options
Where to Play
Legiano, Vegasino
Blackjack
RTP (%)
99.75
Features
Live Dealer, High RTP, Several Rules Variants, Skill-Based
Where to Play
Lucky Spins
Craps
RTP (%)
98.60
Features
Live Dealer, Multiple Betting Options
Where to Play
Jackpot City
Poker
RTP (%)
97.00
Features
High RTP, Several Rules Variants, Skill-Based
Where to Play
Vegasino
Baccarat
RTP (%)
98.94
Features
Live Dealer, High RTP, Skill-Based
Where to Play
Legiano
Free Play in British Columbia
You can legally enjoy free games anywhere they’re offered in British Columbia—in both land-based and online casinos.
Many casinos offer demo play of their games, including slots, blackjack, roulette, and others, so you’ll be able to try out new game mechanics to find the perfect fit for you without wagering real money.
British Columbia casinos also offer free spins and other free play promotions, so even with real-money play, you can enjoy a few rounds on the house.
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Mad Hit Supernova
Does the games library deliver on both quality and quantity?
You know your own favourite games best, so check if the casino offers them. A good variety of games is always a good sign, mixing slots with table games, including a live casino that uses live croupiers to up the ante.
Are the bonuses and promos tempting offers with minimal requirements?
Look for high-value bonuses that shower you in free spins or bonus credit. The best casino websites will have low or no wagering requirements on these bonuses! The most important bonus is the welcome bonus, which should kickstart your gambling session with a big, splashy reward. This is a good indicator of whether a casino will be generous or stingy with future bonuses.
Is banking fast and secure, with a good selection of payment methods?
When it comes to banking, the more payment options the better. Interac is often the easiest method for players in British Columbia, but also having the choice of using credit cards, e-wallets, or cryptocurrency is always nice. Also, check that you’re getting instant withdrawal, so you can access your winnings sooner— and, if you don’t want the casino to charge for transactions, read up and ensure there are no banking fees.
What’s the overall customer experience, with a focus on ease-of-use and aesthetic appeal?
Particularly for players in British Columbia, 24/7 customer support is crucial. Many casinos operating out of Europe close their support service mid-afternoon in PST, so round-the-clock access to support helps you easily resolve any issues.
While most online casinos in British Columbia are mobile-friendly, a dedicated mobile app is worth looking for. Only the biggest casinos have their own apps, so this can help you pick out the industry leaders.
Free spins
These bonuses let you play slots games for free, which can mean a tidy profit for lucky players. I try to look for casinos that let me use free spins on whatever slots I choose, instead of limiting me to a select few games.
Deposit matching
Featured in many welcome bonuses, deposit matching rewards you with bonus credit scaled to your deposit. The best deposit matching bonuses match 100% or more of your deposit to double or triple your cash!
Cashback
I know how much a losing streaks can bite, so I love a good cashback that pays back some of the money I’ve lost. Many casinos hide these behind the upper tiers of their VIP program, but some casinos guarantee weekly cashback payouts to all players
Reload bonus
Reloads help you top up your account with some bonus deposit matching as a treat. You’ll typically see around 50% matching on reload promos redeemable on a certain day or on the weekend.
VIP programs
These are what really make deluxe casinos stand out. Showering loyal players with generous bonuses is a great way to build the player-casino relationship and allow players to rack up dozens of bonuses throughout a year. Many VIP programs also reward high rollers with higher wager limits, personalized bonuses, and priority service.
|
Banking method |
Payout speed |
Deposit speed |
Min withdrawal |
Max withdrawal |
| Interac | 2–3 Days | Instant | $25 | $9,999 |
| Visa | 2–3 Days | Instant | $5 | $25,000 |
| Mastercard | 2–3 Days | Instant | N/A | N/A |
| Bank Transfer | 3–5 Days | N/A | $50 | $35,000 |
| Payz | 0–1 Days | Instant | $5 | $15,000 |
| PayPal | Instant | Instant | $5 | $4,000 |
| iDebit | 0–1 Days | Instant | $20 | $15,000 |
| InstaDebit | 0–1 Days | Instant | $25 | $15,000 |
| Crypto | 0–1 Days | Instant | $0.01 | $100,000 |
Payout speed
2–3 Days
Deposit speed
Instant
Min withdrawal
$25
Max withdrawal
$9,999
Payout speed
2–3 Days
Deposit speed
Instant
Min withdrawal
$5
Max withdrawal
$25,000
Payout speed
2–3 Days
Deposit speed
Instant
Min withdrawal
N/A
Max withdrawal
N/A
Payout speed
3–5 Days
Deposit speed
N/A
Min withdrawal
$50
Max withdrawal
$35,000
Payout speed
0–1 Days
Deposit speed
Instant
Min withdrawal
$5
Max withdrawal
$15,000
Payout speed
Instant
Deposit speed
Instant
Min withdrawal
$5
Max withdrawal
$4,000
Payout speed
0–1 Days
Deposit speed
Instant
Min withdrawal
$20
Max withdrawal
$15,000
Payout speed
0–1 Days
Deposit speed
Instant
Min withdrawal
$25
Max withdrawal
$15,000
Payout speed
0–1 Days
Deposit speed
Instant
Min withdrawal
$0.01
Max withdrawal
$100,000
Interac
Interac should always be your go-to option. A Canadian exclusive, Interac is fast, secure, and incredibly user-friendly, making a well-rounded default banking method.
Visa
Visa is the most common credit card in online casinos. Combining the reliability of a big-name payment processor with top-notch security, Visa is an excellent option.
Mastercard
Mastercard is another respected credit processor, excelling in security and in rewards offered to its customers. Be aware that BC online casinos won’t allow withdrawals with Mastercard.
Bank Transfer
Bank transfers are great if you don’t want to turn to a third-party company for your transaction. However, bank transfers are slow, include fees, require sharing bank info with the casino, and aren’t available for deposits.
Payz
Payz, formerly EcoPayz, leads the pack among e-wallets. You gain extra anonymity and security from the casino by putting money in a virtual wallet, providing a nice buffer.
PayPal
PayPal is the other big name e-wallet, specializing in security and speed. Enjoy a well-rounded payment method with no real downsides other than limited acceptance among online casinos.
iDebit
iDebit handles debit payments through a third-party system to provide extra security and prevent online casinos from accessing your bank account directly.
InstaDebit
InstaDebit also processes debit transactions and is a common fixture in BC online casinos. Sadly, InstaDebit tends to apply fees on its transactions.
Crypto Casinos
Cryptocurrency promises unparalleled anonymity and reliability for transactions. You can also use crypto to make very small deposits—less than $1.00—but sometimes has high minimum withdrawals.
Alberta Online Casinos: Alberta is hoping to become the next Canadian province to begin issuing local casino licenses, helping new online casinos thrive in Alberta with regulated play.
Quebec Online Casinos: Quebec has one of Canada’s oldest traditions of gambling, which lives strong in the modern day through its many land-based and online casinos.
Manitoba Online Casinos: Manitoba has plenty of demand for gambling halls and online casinos, but the government’s stance on gambling revenues has somewhat stagnated new development.
Prince Edward Island Online Casinos: Prince Edward Island has a small-but-enthusiastic community of gamblers who turn to online casinos for new ways to wager and win.
Yukon Online Casinos: Yukon has made online casinos illegal, so locals flock to land-based alternatives or look abroad to offshore online casinos.
Saskatchewan Online Casinos: Saskatchewan pairs a Crown corporation online casino with dozens of land-based casinos, many owned and operated by First Nations.
Northwest Territories Online Casinos: The Northwest Territories lean heavily on offshore online casinos to sate the locals, with just a handful of land-based options.
Newfoundland and Labrador Online Casinos: Newfoundland and Labrador has a blanket ban on land-based casinos, pushing locals to explore other options through offshore online casinos.
New Brunswick Online Casinos: New Brunswick is home to several top-quality casinos and racetracks, plus a crown-corporation online casino competing with offshore casinos.
Nunavut Online Casinos: Nunavut’s gambling laws are too vague and its population too small to support a large gambling industry, but residents can hop online for a bit of fun.
Ontario Online Casinos: Ontario leads Canada in gambling, thanks to the iGaming Ontario license used to regulate and tax online casinos operating within the province.
Nova Scotia Online Casinos: Nova Scotia has a couple local gambling venues plus Crown corporation online casinos, but the vast majority of casinos are offshore ones.
Mobile Casino Apps in British Columbia
Canada, including British Columbia, typically shies away from casino apps. What you’ll find plenty of are sportsbook apps, which are readily available on both Apple and Android from recognizable casino brands.
British Columbia’s premier sportsbook app is through PlayNow, though it’s only available on iOS. The PlayNow app carries the same promises as the site—legal, regulated betting for the province.
If you want to play slots or table games on mobile, there are still options, though only big-name casinos get their apps listed on the official app stores. Trusted casinos in British Columbia like Spin Casino and PlayOJO offer high-quality mobile apps for you to take your gaming on the go.
Almost all casino websites operating in British Columbia have mobile-optimized website layouts and games collections. This means you can play from the web browser on any iOS or Android device while also saving on storage space by skipping the app download.
Responsible Gambling in British Columbia
British Columbia is home to GameSense—a thriving responsible gaming program run by the BCLC. This evolved from a province-wide self-exclusion program during the 90s, which expanded in 2009. Since then, many other gambling organizations including Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries, the Massachusetts Gaming Commission, and MGM Resorts International have adopted GameSense, a testament to the program’s quality.
GameSense program (1-888-795-6111)
Game Break self-exclusion tool (1-866-815-0222)
GameSense info resources
Through “Game Break” via GameSense, players in British Columbia can self-exclude from all gambling in the province, online and offline, choosing a period between 6 months to 3 years for their exclusion.
The GameSense site also has many excellent resources to self-test for addiction, strategies for honest gambling, and advisors you can book to help you sketch out an addiction treatment plan.
Most responsible gaming tools in British Columbia are multilingual for added accessibility. Across the province you can find a mix of solutions, so everyone can find the right tools for them. These include in-person or online resources, religious or secular support groups, anonymous consultations, and filtering tools to limit access to gambling websites.
Grand Villa Casino
Located in Burnaby, this is one of the closest casinos to Vancouver, and naturally draws in tons of Vancouverite players. Grand Villa hosts 67 live table games, plus video table games, slots, and lavish high-limit private rooms dedicated to each game. You’ll also find the Atlas restaurant here, a surf-and-turf eatery famous for their mesquite coal oven that imbues every dish with smoky goodness.
Playtime Casino
On the east shore of Okanagan Lake in sunny Kelowna, Playtime Casino has one of several locations across Canada. Featuring over 400 slots, you have a range of stakes to pick from as well as a mid-arcade bar for snacks and drinks. Poker is also popular at Playtime, which awards a $500k jackpot for losing with a four-of-a-kind or better, taking the sting out of a frustrating loss.
Elements Casino
With several locations in British Columbia, but the largest in Surrey, Elements Casino is a provincial staple. The Surrey venue includes the Homestretch bar, an expansive restaurant with huge bay windows overlooking the casino’s horseracing track. Other ways to play include live and video table games, alongside 500 slots machines and hosted Bingo eve.