Casinos in British Columbia Province Canada: Tourism, Travel & Real Estate Market

The casino industry in British Columbia (BC) has grown significantly in recent years, influencing tourism, real estate, and the economy. Their presence contributes to tourism activity and affects local businesses. Real estate trends near casinos are shaped by various factors, including demand and development policies. Investors, city planners, and residents must assess these impacts to make informed decisions about urban growth and economic planning. Land based casinos are a high demand, along with ToonieBet style online casino which allow users to play akk casino games live and directly from their computer, conveniently from their home using Video Play, all while still having a live dealer.
 
Number and Locations of Casinos in British Columbia
Land-based casinos throughout British Columbia amount to between 21 and 35 facilities depending on how different entities classify them. The BCLC (British Columbia Lottery Corporation) manages these casinos that exist throughout major cities and smaller population centers. In the province, certain casinos operate as major entertainment centers while others maintain their role as community gaming centers.
 
Major Casinos by City
 

 
Minor Casinos by City
 

 
Population & Demographics of Casino Cities
Cities with established casinos often are representative of the population patterns, shaped by economic factors, tourism, and industry-related employment. However, it is important to note that casinos like Metro Vancouver (including Richmond) and Kelowna have seen steady population increases, largely driven by migration and urban development rather than casino-driven factors.
 
For casinos, age distribution varies. But younger and middle-aged groups make up a significant portion of casino patrons. In Richmond, where gaming revenue is significant, the median age is 43.6 years (2021 Census), up from 42.1 years in 2011. Data on casino visitors is limited, but since gambling is legal for those 19 and older in BC, adults of various ages likely visit these venues.
 
Income levels influence casino spending. In BC, households earning $80,000 or more spent an average of $642 annually on gambling, reflecting disposable income trends (Statistics Canada). Richmond’s large Asian community likely drives demand for table games like baccarat, though specific data remains anecdotal.
 
The Real Estate Market in Casino Cities
Casinos often bring a surge in rental and property values, shifting urban landscapes in key gaming hubs. Their presence attracts tourism, investors, and workforce populations, shaping both rental and ownership trends in unpredictable ways. Some regions see home prices rise, while affordability concerns mount elsewhere due to fluctuating market conditions.
 
Vancouver
Vancouver’s high-demand housing sector continues evolving, driven by broader urban development strategies rather than direct impacts from casino zones like Parq Vancouver. The city’s 10-year housing strategy focuses on densifying low-density neighborhoods and addressing affordability challenges, as noted in the Vancouver Sun.
 
Richmond
Richmond, home to River Rock Casino, attracts both short-term visitors and long-term tenants seeking proximity to urban conveniences. High-rise projects cater to rising demand, particularly among professionals and part-time residents. However, affordability remains a concern, with market shifts affecting middle-income homebuyers and renters alike.
 
Kelowna
Kelowna’s tourism-driven property market is expanding, with investors focusing on seasonal rentals and permanent residences. Real estate activity continues growing, fueled by its tech industry, wine tourism, and population growth rather than gaming. Although this boosts local development, a lack of housing supply remains a challenge for residents.
 
Trends in Homeownership vs. Rentals
The demand for rentals within casino districts reaches higher levels because of tourism growth and the popularity of short-term leasing through Airbnb which reduces housing availability for permanent residents. ActiveRain reports that property values near casinos tend to change based on the level of tourism along with investor interest toward rental investments. These areas support short-term rental businesses which may deplete the supply of long-term housing units while bringing attention to zoning policies that protect residential affordability.
 
The Impact of Casinos & Tourism on the Housing Market
Rents in the market transform because casinos and urban tourism influence both supply and prices and neighborhood stability. The intensity of demand for properties changes around gaming locations depending on the size of the hub along with its geographic position and local government regulations.
 
Tourists and employees plus business investors traveling to casino regions elevate the demand for residential rentals in those areas. Market reports show that rental yields keep increasing in the entertainment districts of Vancouver. Property owners benefit from this trend but it also creates problems for people who need affordable housing while renting long term.
 
On the contrary, homeowners experience value decreases near gaming centers because of disturbances from gaming industry demands that result in noise complaints and transportation problems and overloaded infrastructure networks.
 
In busy tourist areas, luxury real estate thrives, often surrounding casino hubs. Investment fueled by tourism supports waterfront projects, upscale condominiums, and vibrant entertainment zones. Though these changes stimulate economic activity, they also drive up prices, making affordability a growing concern for local communities.
 
Short-Term Rentals & Airbnb Growth
Short-term rentals have changed housing availability in cities. Karen Sawatzky’s research shows that Airbnb listings in Vancouver are mostly in popular areas, making rental homes harder to find and driving up costs. In Las Vegas, high tourist demand also puts pressure on housing supply. While these rentals help the local economy grow, keeping enough housing available remains a key challenge for city policies.
 
Average Housing Prices in Casino Cities
The high-cost housing situation in Vancouver continues because there is more residential demand than available properties. The average housing prices in February 2025 reached $2 million for single-family homes and $1.1 million for townhouses alongside $748,000 for condominiums. River Rock Casino in Richmond remains a popular gaming spot but housing prices across Vancouver operate primarily according to broader market elements rather than casino gambling patterns.
 
According to WOWA.ca, home prices in cities such as Kamloops and South Peace are lower, averaging $563,000 and $281,000, respectively. Affordability in these areas is shaped by regional economic conditions and lower population density. As mentioned previously, in casino districts, housing trends are driven more by broad market forces than by gaming-related demand alone.
 
Economic Growth Factors in Casino Cities
The casino industry mainly hires in hospitality, security, and gaming operations. In 2021, 1,350 casino workers were employed, mostly in Vancouver, Richmond, and other Mainland/Southwest areas. However, 88% of these jobs were seasonal, with employees working only 17 weeks a year, compared to 42 weeks for the average Canadian worker. Relying on temporary jobs raises concerns about long-term financial stability for employees.
 
Managed by the British Columbia Lottery Corporation(BCLC) and the Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch (GPEB), the casino tax revenue helps fund healthcare and education. While exact tax figures are not given, regulations ensure the money supports provincial needs. Tourism spending around casinos like Parq Vancouver and River Rock Casino boosts hotels and restaurants, though profits are unclear. In smaller cities like Kelowna and Prince George, fewer zoning rules allow casinos to focus on local visitors.
 
Regulations on Casino Locations: Major & Minor Cities
 
Major Cities
Regulations in cities like Vancouver and Richmond strictly control casino locations to address economic and social concerns. In Vancouver, casinos such as Parq Vancouver and Hastings Racecourse operate only in designated commercial zones near downtown to prevent neighborhood disruptions. Public input remains essential, with city council reports highlighting concerns over congestion and crime. To reduce gambling-related harm, slot machine casinos are not allowed. Richmond’s River Rock Casino Resort, situated near Vancouver International Airport, demonstrates efforts to balance tourism revenue with concerns about affordability and crime.
 
Minor Cities
Smaller cities, including Kelowna and Prince George, apply more flexible policies. Casinos like Chances Kelowna and Playtime Casino focus on local customers, facing fewer zoning restrictions due to economic priorities. Prince George’s Treasure Cove Casino and Hotel contributes to tourism and job growth, operating with less regulatory oversight.
 
Key Differences
Major cities enforce zoning laws and public consultations to address social risks, whereas smaller cities focus on economic benefits such as employment and tax revenue, shaping casino policies to fit regional needs.
 
Future Outlook for Casino-Affected Property Markets
Casino-driven tourism and business have shaped real estate in key British Columbia cities, increasing demand near major gaming centers and impacting urban expansion. However, property fluctuations remain linked to economic cycles, regulatory changes, and tourism trends. As a result, future real estate patterns in casino districts will rely on market forces and investment strategies.