Before the Casino Drive from Surrey
Surrey is a big city, and the casino you pick might sit in Cloverdale or well past the city line. Before the car leaves the driveway, a few things are worth sorting out. This page covers the age rule, the ID check at the door, which cards count, and a short plan for getting home.
The Door Rule at Every B.C. Casino
Every casino in British Columbia works on the same rule: you must be 19 or older to gamble. Since June 26, 2023, every person walking in also shows government-issued photo ID. That means everyone, regulars included.
Security scans the card and checks it against the list of people restricted from entering. That list includes people enrolled in Game Break, BCLC's voluntary self-exclusion program. Enrolment happens in person at any casino, community gaming centre or commercial bingo hall, with photo ID. If you are let in, the system does not save your personal information. Bring the card anyway, even for a quick visit.
Photo ID That Gets You In
- A B.C. or North American driver's licence.
- A B.C. Identity Card (BCID) or a B.C. Services Card.
- A Canadian or international passport.
- A Canadian citizenship card.
- A Canadian permanent resident card.
- A Secure Certificate of Indian Status card.
- A Canadian identity card issued by Global Affairs Canada.
- A membership card issued by a First Nations, Metis or Inuit band.
- Government-issued foreign ID with your photo on it.
A Plan Before You Leave
- Check the hours on the venue's own website before you go. This guide does not list them.
- Decide on a spending limit and a leave time, then stick to both. If limits start to slip, Gambling Support BC is free and open 24/7 at 1-888-795-6111.
- Settle who is driving home before anyone orders a drink.
- Never drive after drinking, not even a short hop across Surrey. Arrange a sober driver or another ride home.