While Surrey is tied for second, White Rock's hospital is ranking much lower on bets received for where the first baby of 2025 will be born in B.C.
The province's New Year baby's birthplace varies year to year, but what doesn't change is the public's chance to place bets on which hospital will deliver the bundle of joy. Each year, individuals flock to take their chance at guessing correctly which of the 23 labour and delivery hospitals in B.C. will welcome the first New Year baby.
In 2024, the New Year baby was born in New Westminster at Royal Columbian Hospital with that hospital tied for second-most placed bets this year around, with Surrey Memorial and RCH both 5:1, as of Monday afternoon (Dec. 30).
Interestingly, a hospital that has not had the New Year baby since 2017 is receiving the most bets, 3.5:1, at BC Women's Hospital.
Meanwhile, Peace Arch Hospital in White Rock is 40:1, albeit not in dead last – a position held by the three-way tie of Cowichan District, Fort St. John and St. Joseph's hospitals at 50:1.
For those wanting to test their luck ahead of the new year, individuals can still place a wager on one of 23 eligible hospitals in B.C. through PlayNow by 6 a.m. on Dec. 31.
Additionally, most popular baby names are also being bet on, which is available through PlayNow until Jan. 31, 2025. Noah and Oliver continue to dominate in popularity for baby boys, while Olivia remains at the top for baby girls.