Gambling license in Canada 2025

The basis and structure of obtaining a license for gambling organizations in Canada are conducted at the provincial level, which means there are some differences in the legal framework and peculiarities in the process of licensing within the country. Considering legal requirements and features of the procedure, an overview of basic issues related to permission to conduct gambling activities in Canada is given below.

Federal and provincial regulation

The federal government in Canada provides the general legislative framework with regard to gambling but the substantive regulatory and licensing powers are left to the provincial governments. Each Province has independently decided upon its own gambling legislation and regulations with respect to casinos, bookmakers, lotteries, and online gambling.

Procedure for obtaining a licence

1. Determination of the licence category: Applicants need to apply for a licence in an appropriate category, from casino operator to lotteries or bingo games, depending on the type of gaming activity they would want to take out.
2. Application: Applicants will have to file a full application package with proof of financial stability, professional reputation, and/or undertakings which declare standards of fair play and protection of the players.
3. Background Checks and Verification: The Licensing authorities of a province conduct appropriate scrutiny, which includes even financial audits or background checks, and sometimes even criminal record verification regarding the applicant and any other important officers of the company.
4. Licence Issuance: Once all checks are properly and successfully completed, if approval is granted, the licence is issued, generally for a fixed period, subject to further renewals.

Features in different provinces

• Ontario: This is Canada’s largest province and has an autonomous organisation known as the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario or AGCO, which regulates all forms of gambling.
• Quebec: This is done by the Régie des alcools, des courses et des jeux (RACJ), which also handles the alcohol and racing industries.
• British Columbia: The Province of BC, as it is better known, enjoys the merging of the Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch (GPEB) into the regulatory functions.

A license to operate gambling activities in Canada requires an effective planning process and strict adherence to the laws and regulations at the provincial level. Not only does a license provide new business opportunities, but its granting also allows maintenance of transparency, integrity, and accountability in the industry. Potential operators should be prepared for a lengthy and complex vetting process that emphasizes the seriousness with which Canadian authorities take the regulation of this type of activity.

Online gambling license in Canada

Online gambling licensing in Canada is multi-tired as the process looks differently for each different province. Canada has a pretty peculiar structure as far as regulation of gambling is concerned; much of it gets done at the provincial level. Below, we look at key elements of acquiring an online gambling license in various provinces of Canada, as well as the basic requirements and procedures.

Legislative framework

Federal legislation in Canada bans gambling, yet it permits each province to self-regulate and license online gambling. Regulations and requirements can thus vary greatly depending on the specific province in question.

Provincial regulation

• British Columbia: Online gaming is regulated and licensed through the BC Lottery Corporation. The province allows sports betting, casino games, and lotteries online.
• Quebec: Loto-Québec regulates online gaming licensing. They operate a number of different types of gaming, such as poker and sports betting.
• Ontario: In 2021, Ontario opened its market to private operators through the creation of the iGaming Ontario regulatory organisation, which operates under the auspices of the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO).

Licensing Process

1. Preparation of documentation: The applicant needs to prepare and file an extended package of documents, which includes information about financial stability, business plan, anti-money laundering measures and responsible gambling policy, among many others.
2. Technical inspection: Provincial authorities carry out technical inspections of the proposed gaming systems and software to make sure they meet all standards in respect of safety and fairness.
3. Compliance: The applicant is obliged to prove its compliance with all local laws and standards, as well as with data protection and privacy laws.

Peculiarities of regulation

• Responsible gaming: It shall have to present a plan showing the steps necessary to be taken in order to assure responsible gaming behavior, like preventing compulsive gambling and protecting the vulnerable ones.
• Taxes and fees: The licence and other taxes payable by operators differ and depend on the province or volume of operations.

Obtaining a license to operate online gaming in Canada is multistage and requires the Corporation to be very cautious while planning, to correspond precisely to all the local legislation and regulations. Success here is allowed only in the case of good understanding of the provincial regulations and readiness to correspond with regulators for a very long time. This not only ensures the business is legal, but also promotes sustainable and responsible business development.

How to get a license to operate gambling business in Canada?

The process of getting an online gambling license in Canada presupposes thorough awareness of the regulatory environment and strict compliance with the legislations which vary from one province to another. Below is a basic overview of steps and requirements one should go through in order to get a license to operate an online gambling business in different Canadian provinces.

The process of acquiring a license for gambling in Canada is painfully long and resource-intensive. For any potential operator, big insight into local laws and regulations is a must; not to mention, to be willing to be highly regulated by the provincial governments, effective planning and preparation is what will help make it through this complex process.

How much does a gambling licence cost in Canada?

There are several different costs associated with a license to gamble in Canada. These costs vary considerably from one province to another and also from one license type to another. In the following paper we’ll discuss the main features of the cost of obtaining and maintaining a license to provide gambling activities in different Canadian provinces, listing additional costs related to the licensing.

Common components of the license fee

1. Application Fee: An amount levied at the time of application for a licence. It may range from a few hundred to a few thousand Canadian dollars, depending upon the province and type of licence.
2. Licence fees: Once the licence is approved, operators are required to pay for a licence which can be either a one-time or annual issue. These, too, vary greatly from several thousand to tens of thousands of dollars.
3. Other costs: Legal costs for writing the application; technical audits, preparation of documentation and possible administrative fees to keep the license current plus occasional inspections by a regulating authority.

Provincial peculiarities of a licence cost

• Ontario: In the province of Ontario, the licensing of gambling is provided by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario. How much it costs to obtain such a license would depend greatly on the operation size and the type of gaming activity. Such licenses, for example, can charge online casino operators tens of thousands of dollars in advance upfront.
• British Columbia: The regulation of this province is under the Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch. The cost of a license would depend upon the scale of operation and may have both fixed and variable components.
• Quebec: Régie des alcools, des courses et des jeux regulates gambling in Quebec. In this case, too, the cost of a license will depend upon the type of gambling activity and the volume of operations.

Cost Examples

From some quarters, the licensing fees to acquire as well as maintain a license to gamble in various Canadian provinces stand at CAD 15,000 to CAD 50,000 per year. These amounts might alter radically in light of novel rules and regulations that are – or could be in coming times – put into effect by the provincial governments.

Obtaining a license to operate gambling activities in Canada is very expensive and requires serious preparation. A future operator has to think over not only the size of the basic and annual license fees but also other probable expenses, including legal and administrative ones. The reasonable management of such expenses and understanding of regulative environment are the keys to successful receipt and maintenance of a gaming license in Canada.

How to obtain a license for gambling activities in Canada?

In Canada, the procedure of getting a license to gamble is provided for at the provincial level, which means that requirements and procedures substantially vary from region to region. The guide below will outline general steps and guidelines that operators should consider if they ever apply to a gambling license in any of the Canadian provinces.

Obtaining a license to conduct gambling activities in Canada is quite complicated but realizable. The main key to success here is preliminary preparation and complete accordance with the law. A commitment to transparency and accountability will not only help you to successfully obtain a licence, but also to ensure the long-term and sustainable development of your gaming business in strict compliance with Canadian laws and regulations.

How long does it take to get a licence to gamble in Canada?

Obtaining a license to operate gambling activities in Canada highly depends on a number of factors: type of license, province in which the application was submitted, and completeness/accuracy of paperwork provided by the applicant. The following article looks at the average timeframe for obtaining a license in different Canadian provinces, as well as the main factors affecting its length.

Major stages of the licensing process

1. Preparation and filing: This is the initial step, which consists of gathering all the supporting documents, that include but are not limited to a business plan, financial statements, proof of ownership or tenancy for the premises, and information on key personnel. Preparation may take from a few weeks up to a few months to get these documents ready.
2. Application verification and assessment: After the receipt of an application, further detailed analysis and checking of the information provided by the applicants are performed by the regulators. In this stage, which takes up to 3 to 6 months, compliance check audits and, in some cases, an interview with applicants are conducted.
3. Licence issuance: When the inspections are successfully completed and all requirements have been addressed, it is possible to issue the licence. The licence issuance itself normally takes several weeks.

Influencing factors

• Application Complexity: Complex applications, such as those involving new game technologies or multi-level operational structures, may require additional time for evaluation.
• Provincial differences: Every province in Canada has different licensing bodies and other different procedures. For instance, in Ontario, the process will take a little more time because of strict AGCO requirements, but in small provinces this process can be faster.

Case studies

• In Ontario, the length of time for obtaining the license may range from 6 to 12 months depending upon the completeness and accuracy of the documentation provided and the speed with which the application is processed.
• Smaller waiting times in British Columbia usually range but take around 3-6 months regarding most types of licences on gambling.
• For the state of Quebec, due to some really effective work that RACJ did, the process may be a little shorter but also takes up to 3 to 6 months.

The process of licensing in Canada needs an extended period of preparation regarding the regularization process. The time frames would significantly vary; hence, it is for the good of the applicant to begin the process in the earliest time possible. They should make sure that the documentation provided is both complete and accurate in all aspects. Interaction with the regulators from initial stages onward can ease the licensing process and open doors towards a successful launch and management of gambling activities in Canada.

Do You Need a License to Run a Raffle in Canada?

One important thing to note about running any form of gambling, including raffles, in Canada is that licensing and process for obtaining such permits are done at the provincial level. That of course would mean different laws and requirements depending on where you live. Further on in this article, you will find an overview of the major licensing requirements for gambling across several Canadian provinces as well as an explanation of when and why a license is required.

Legislative framework

In Canada, all varieties of gaming activities, including lotteries and raffles, are required to be licensed for conduction. The principal legislation governing gambling is the Criminal Law Code of Canada. It specifies that operating gambling without a license is prohibited. Nonetheless, it provides a provision for provincial government to permit and regulate a lottery or raffle organization in conformity with certain requirements and legislation.

Provincial differences

Every Canadian province has developed regulations of its own for licensing draws:

• Ontario: In the province, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario handles matters that regard licences issued to raffles. A licence is required for a raffle whose total prize value exceeds $5,000 CAD.
• Quebec: Régie des alcools, des courses et des jeux regulates the issuance of licences to raffles within this jurisdiction. Any raffle run on commercial grounds has to be licensed.
• British Columbia: All gambling is regulated by the GPEB. No license may be required if raffles are held for charitable purposes under specific conditions.

Licensing requirements

For an organization to apply for a license to hold raffles, it needs to provide:

• Purpose of holding: Many times, raffles must be held for charitable purposes.
• A detailed outline of the event: To include prizes that will be offered, rules of participation, and how proceeds will be distributed.
• Evidence of trustworthiness: The organisation must prove its ability to properly manage funds and comply with legislation.

Exemption from licensing

Some small raffles or raffles conducted by non-profit organisations to raise funds within the community may be exempt from the need for a licence. However, the exact terms of the exemption are determined by each province individually and consultation with local regulators is required.

Knowledge about the local legislation and active interaction with regulatory authorities are required, both for the necessity of having a raffle licence in Canada and for the process to attain such. Because different requirements exist in the various provinces, potential organizers are encouraged to research regulations thoroughly and seek additional legal counsel when necessary. This ensures the legality of the event and helps avoid any potential violation of laws.

Who is the gambling regulator in Canada?

In Canada, with gambling very much being a provincial government subject, the actual regulatory picture is relatively varied and contingent upon the specific laws and regulations of each particular province. This paper will therefore attempt to give a comprehensive overview of the primary gambling regulators within the various Canadian provinces, their functions, and their principal functions in the context of gaming governance.

General principle of regulation

In this regard, the running and regulation of gambling have been left to all the ten provinces and three territories of the country. This means no federal body has been ascribed the responsibility to regulate gambling across the entire country. In this respect, every regulatory authority in a jurisdiction assumes authority in licensing, controlling, and supervising lotteries, casinos, and sports betting, among other gambling activities.

Key regulators by province

Role and functions of regulators

Gambling regulators of Canada perform some very important functions. This includes the following:

• Licensing of operators and facilities to ensure only qualified and responsible companies can provide gambling.
• Regulate and monitor licence holders to ensure that licence holders are in compliance with all legislation and relevant regulations of the jurisdiction involved.
• Preventing fraud and criminal activities occurring due to gambling – this would include co-operation with crime fighting bodies.
• Player protection, including prevention of addiction, and supporting responsible play.

From this perspective, gambling regulation in Canada has given a high degree of decentralisation and, therefore, provincial control. Effective governance and control are exercised in each province by way of strict oversight and licensing to hold on to the integrity and transparency of the gaming industry, protection of the participant’s interests, and prevention of illegal activity. Finally, every organisation will work within the established law and standards set out by the province of operation, hence making Canada’s gaming industry one of the most regulated across the globe.

Types of Gambling Licences in Canada

The license availability for the gaming industry in Canada varies because each type of gambling in Canada is regulated on a provincial basis. Various types of licenses are made available to accommodate all forms of gambling, including casino, lotteries, sports betting, and bingo. Presented herein are the main kinds of gambling licensing used in the provinces of Canada, their features, and how they are applied.

Casino operating licence

This is a licence permitting the holder to operate a casino, to conduct games on tables, and to operate slot machines. A casino licence generally prescribes stringent stipulations regarding the safety and integrity of games as well as financial management.

Licence to conduct lotteries

Lottery licences: Such licences are issued to those organisations that intend to sell lottery tickets, operate raffles, or any other forms of lotteries. These licences are usually obtained by many charities for fundraising purposes.

Licence for bookmaker’s offices (sports betting)

Due to the recent development in legislation that regulates sports betting in Canada, such a licence becomes increasingly prominent. Sports betting licences enable bets on sporting events both from land-based venues and online platforms.

Bingo licence

These are licences given to organizations that have bingo games as part of entertainment or raising funds. Licences can be given to both profit-making and non-profit making organizations.

Licence for video game terminals (VLT)

A VLT licence allows the installation and operation of video gaming terminals. They are monitored electronic devices that provide various types of video games, usually imitating poker or slot games.

Online gaming licence

Recently, with the rise of digital technologies and wide desire to bet online, many provinces have started to include online gambling licences that enable operators to offer internet games.

Regulation and supervision

Each of the ten provinces of Canada has its own regulatory body that reports on licensing and regulates games of chance in their respective jurisdictions. Ontario’s regulatory body is the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO); Quebec’s is called the RACJ (Quebec Alcohol, Racing, and Gaming Commission); and British Columbia’s is called the Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch (GPEB).

Types of licenses in relation to gambling in Canada show the discrepancies in diversity on the gaming industry and different approaches in adoption across different provinces. Understanding the particularities of each license type and the requirements concerned is vital for the development of a successful gambling operation in Canada.

What are the eligibility criteria for an applicant seeking a licence to operate gambling activities in Canada?

Gambling is a provincial matter in Canada, which implies that every province has its own laws and licensing requirements regarding gambling. Irrespective of these differences in legislation, there exist some general principles or standards common to consider in the application for a licence to offer gambling.

The process of getting a license for operating gambling activities in Canada requires serious preliminary preparation and necessitates awareness of the local legislation. The future operator is supposed to prove not only financial and operative preparedness but also a very high level of responsibility and integrity. Here, just the following of the standard will contribute to successful access and further operation of a gambling business on the territory of Canada.

What law regulates online gambling in Canada?

Internet gambling in Canada is regulated by both federal and provincial legislation. One single law regulates gambling in general, including Internet gambling, the Criminal Law Code of Canada; however some particular aspects are under the regulation at the level of separate provinces.

Federal legislation: All forms of gambling in Canada are based upon the country’s Criminal Law Code. The latter provides that all forms of gambling are prohibited except for those exceptions allowed by law. The Code, more precisely, through its Section 207, provides that the licensing and regulation of both lotteries and gambling establishments is to be reserved to the provincial governments.

Provincial regulation: Each province in Canada has its specific legislation and a number of regulating bodies to keep track of gambling, including online gambling. Example:

• Ontario regulates online gambling through the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation, known as the OLG, operating sites offering a range of betting and gaming activities.
• Quebec coordinates online gambling via Loto-Québec, an online lottery and casino platform.

Regulation in indigenous territories: Some Indigenous territories, such as the Kahnawake Mohawk Territory, self licence and regulate online gambling. Mohawk Internet Technologies, located on these territories, is one of the largest online gambling hosting centres in the world.

Legislative initiatives: Over the last decade, several legislative efforts have taken place to update and open up Canada’s remote gambling market. For example, as recently as 2021, legislation has passed that would enable provinces and aboriginal nations to conduct and regulate betting over selected sporting events-a huge step in industry development.

Multilayered and quite complicated is the online gambling legislation of Canada. While the main task for the federal and provincial governments is licensing and regulation, unique opportunities both for operators and players come under the Indigenous territories. Adherence to these laws at all times is vital to any successful and lawful operation of online gambling within the country.

What are the documents that are necessary for application in order to obtain an online license to gamble in Canada?

Obtaining an online gambling license in Canada is a seriously prepared process, needing a lot of preparation and gathering of documents and papers. Requirements might differ from one province to another, but general categories of documents are demanded for all applicants.

The compilation of an application document for an online license to gamble in Canada is a complicated process that requires a great level of attention. Proper and full completion of all forms massively enhances the possibility of receiving a licence and unlocking an authentic online gambling business in a very short time.

Characteristics of a license document for gambling in Canada

The license to gamble in Canada is the main document that allows businesses and people to gamble legally. Because each province has its own peculiarities in gambling laws and regulations, so does the specific license issued for that province. Below are common features commonly found in gambling licenses across Canada.

It does not ‘allow’ gambling but forms a basis for responsible and lawful gambling within the State of Canada. Any license is performed based on stern compliance with all the requirements and conditions necessary to assure transparency, fairness, and safety of gambling for all participants.

Setting up an online gambling company in Canada

It is quite thoughtful and hence advisable opening an online gambling business in Canada should be done with a lot of consideration and in accordance with the law of the land. Canada maintains a special position in online gambling, yet operates under specific demands from its operators. The key elements on how to setup such a company are highlighted below.

Type of legal form

First of all, you have to decide and select a proper legal form for your company. The most popular legal forms of entities for carrying on business in Canada include:

• Corporation
• Limited Liability Company
• Partnership

Each of these forms has its certain advantages and disadvantages, especially with regard to taxation and liability.

Registration of Business

After selecting the legal form, the second step is the registration of the business. This would include: registering of the name of the company, issuance of corporate tax numbers and, depending on the expected volume, possible registration for GST/HST.

Licensing

The most daunting and complex matter regarding the establishment of an online gaming firm is its licensing. The licensing of online gaming in Canada is governed at the provincial levels. For example, in Ontario, it goes through the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario. Every province has its own set of requirements in terms of licenses, with different ways of giving documentation, proof of financial stability, responsible gaming policies, and player protection systems.

Compliance with the legislation on data protection

Online gambling businesses are required by law to comply with data protection legislation, like PIPEDA, that dictates rules for processing users’ personal data.

Technological infrastructure

Online gambling operators shall ensure a strong technological infrastructure which may ensure safe and efficient game activities. That shall include server costs, software, and fraud protection systems.

Establishing an online gambling company in Canada isn’t that piece of cake but also involves not just business details, but also thorough correspondence with legal criteria. At the same time, future operators should carefully examine the regulatory requirements of the selected province and be ready to invest substantial resources at the initial stage of the company and during its further work.

History of gambling in Canada

The history of gambling in Canada is long and convoluted, moving from the most primitive Indigenous games to today’s legally regulated casinos and online gaming. An examination of the historical development of gambling in Canada puts into perspective trends that are current and their respective legislative frameworks.

The history of gambling in Canada has been highlighted by a series of changes in public attitudes and government policy. From initial prohibition to modern regulation, from recognition to a significant source of income and entertainment, the journey of gambling has been long and continues to be an integral part of not just the Canadian economy but also the culture.