British Columbia set to launch initial Sportsbook Lounges
In a groundbreaking move revolutionizing sports entertainment and gambling in British Columbia, the British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC) unveils the arrival of its first retail sportsbook lounges across the province. This audacious step is set to leave its mark on the sports and gambling landscape, merging live sports action with real-time betting.
Grand Opening and Venues
The debut of the sportsbook lounge takes place at Chances Casino Kelowna during Super Bowl Sunday, providing a tantalizing preview of what's to come in BC's sports betting future. This strategic rollout taps into the energy surrounding one of the year's most significant sports events. Post the sneak peek, the lounge opens its doors to the public on February 10. Following Kelowna, a similar setup lands at Parq Casino in Vancouver, scheduled for a March reveal.
Amenities and Innovations
These lounges are specifically designed to offer top-notch viewing and betting experiences. The Kelowna location boasts a 25-foot HD screen, transforming every game into an unforgettable visual spectacle. Comfortable seating and diverse food and beverage options allow patrons to immerse themselves in the action. Additionally, patrons will have access to dedicated PROLINE betting terminals, providing a range of local and international sports betting opportunities.
Diverse Betting Options
The lounges offer an array of betting options, including traditional sports bets and innovative new wagering products exclusive to BCLC venues. This diversity enables patrons to engage with their favorite sports in entirely original manners.
Regulatory Compliance and Economic Benefits
BCLC ensues that all licensing and regulatory measures are in place, reaffirming its commitment to responsible gambling practices. "We've designed these lounges to offer world-class entertainment while upholding the highest standards of responsible gambling," says Pat Davis, BCLC's CEO. These lounges are expected to yield substantial economic benefits, such as job creation, increased tourism, and boosted local revenue stemming from both direct and indirect spending.
Enhanced Consumer Experience and Safety
BCLC prioritizes enhancing the overall consumer experience, creating an engaging, social setting where sports fans can gather and enjoy games while placing bets. In addition, numerous safety measures have been put in place to ensure a secure betting environment, with staff trained to promote responsible gambling practices among patrons.
Local Sports and Community Engagement
The introduction of the sportsbook lounges is anticipated to positively impact local sports by fostering greater engagement and offering new platforms for promotions and partnerships. The initiative could potentially lead to increased support for local teams.
Moving Forward
Successful rollout of these initial lounges paves the way for future expansions and technological enhancements to the user experience. BCLC is ready to extend this concept to other regions and continue to refine the sports betting experience to meet the needs of BC's sports enthusiasts.
As British Columbia stands at the edge of this exciting, new chapter in sports entertainment, BCLC's sportsbook lounges promise to deliver an exhilarating blend of live sports action and interactive betting that will draw sports aficionados from throughout the province and beyond.
Notably, the sportsbook lounges have been popping up across British Columbia since 2025, with the Casino of the Rockies (Crabrook) opening its doors on June 15, 2025[2][4]. Prior to this, there were at least three sportsbook lounges already operational in BC by May 2025[1]. These lounges offer dynamic sports betting environments, catering to both pregame and live sports events while providing a dedicated space for bettors to immerse themselves in the gaming experience.
The sportsbook lounges at Chances Casino Kelowna and Parq Casino in Vancouver offer gamblers the chance to ‘bet on sports' within immersive, high-tech environments. With the arrival of more sportsbook lounges across British Columbia since 2025, sports enthusiasts can now enjoy a ‘gambling experience' that seamlessly integrates with live sports action.
