“Not Worth the Gamble” Campaign Warns British Columbians About the Real Dangers of Illegal Gambling
For Immediate Release:
CFSEU-BC
2026-02-09
The Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of British Columbia (CFSEU-BC), through its Joint Illegal Gaming Investigation Team (JIGIT), has launched Not Worth the Gamble, a public education campaign highlighting the real – and often hidden – harms of illegal gambling in British Columbia.
Illegal gambling, both online and in person, is often linked to organized crime and exposes individuals and communities to serious risks. JIGIT investigates and disrupts illegal casinos, unlawful online gambling, money laundering, and loan sharking operations that exploit people and threaten neighbourhood safety. “Illegal gambling isn’t fair play,” said Sgt. Sarbjit K. Sangha of CFSEU-BC. “When gambling isn’t authorized by the Province of B.C., there are potential risks. People can lose more than money – they can lose their personal safety.”
What Is Illegal Gambling?
In British Columbia, legal gambling is limited to:
• Gambling conducted and managed by the British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC);
• Licensed charitable or community gaming events; and
• Federally regulated horse racing betting and pari-mutuel betting sites.
Any gambling activity that is not authorized or licensed under British Columbia or federal law is illegal.
Illegal gambling offers no safeguards. When games are rigged, payouts are refused, or personal or financial information is stolen, there is often no effective legal way to recover losses.
The Risks Go Beyond Money
Personal and Financial Harm
• Rigged games or refused payouts
• Theft of personal or banking information
• Unsafe locations with no security or emergency protections Community Impact
• Increased criminal activity and neighbourhood disruption
• Exploitation of vulnerable people, including youth
• Loss of public revenue that supports B.C. services
If you Need Help, Support Is Available
Anyone affected by gambling-related harm – including family members and friends – can access free, confidential support through Gambling Support BC.
Toll-Free Gambling Support Line: 1-888-795-6111
In addition to support services, members of the public can also safely report suspected illegal gambling activity.
Reporting Illegal Gambling is Safe and Anonymous
Reporting illegal gambling activity will not get you in trouble. Information can be reported safely through:
• Local Police (Non-Emergency Line): For neighbourhood concerns.
• Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch (GPEB) Tipline: To report suspected illegal gambling activity.
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/sports-culture/gamblingfundraising/enforcement-investigations/reporting-gambling-wrongdoing
• Crime Stoppers (Anonymous): For confidential and anonymous reporting.
https://bccrimestoppers.com/leave-a-tip/
• If you are in immediate danger or have urgent safety concerns, call 911
About CFSEU-BC and JIGIT
CFSEU-BC is a multi-agency policing unit dedicated to disrupting organized crime in British Columbia. JIGIT is a partnership between CFSEU-BC and the Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch (GPEB) to address illegal gambling activity and related criminal activity.
Watch the PSA: https://youtu.be/JPDImS3K-b8
Sgt. Sarbjit K. Sangha
Media Relations Officer
Royal Canadian Mounted Police with
Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit – British Columbia
media@cfseu.bc.ca
Desk:778-290-2126
Cell: 236-558-0441
