Media Contacts

Art Aronson

Ministry of Indigenous Relations and
Reconciliation
250 893-2028

Backgrounders

Sharing gaming revenues to support stable funding for governments

A 25-year revenue-sharing commitment between the provincial government and First Nations in B.C. was reached in 2018 to support self-government and self-determination, strong healthy communities, and services that make life better for families.

First Nations in B.C. can join the BC First Nations Gaming Revenue Sharing Limited Partnership to access a stable, long-term source of funding to invest in their communities’ priorities.

A dependable, predictable source of revenue supports critical government services such as infrastructure, services that build healthy communities, and the staff to get it done. The first funding was transferred in 2019 and is starting to make a difference in communities through projects such as new housing, a community youth centre, wildfire protection and important language programs.

As a result of amendments to the Gaming Control Act and a long-term agreement, 7% of BC Lottery Corporation’s net income will be shared with First Nations through 2045.

The funds flow through the First Nations Gaming Revenue Sharing Limited Partnership, established by the First Nations Gaming Commission. The limited partnership is owned by First Nations and overseen by a First-Nations-appointed board of directors. Its role is to manage and distribute the funds to eligible First Nations.

B.C. First Nations determine their own priorities for these funds, which may be spent in six areas:

  • health and wellness;
  • infrastructure, safety, transportation and housing;
  • economic and business development;
  • education, language, culture and training;
  • community development and environmental protection; and
  • capacity-building, fiscal management and governance.