Step-by-Step Instructions for Obtaining an Online Casino Licence in Canada

Federal and Provincial Gambling Regulation

The general rules for obtaining an online gambling licence in Canada are set by the federal government. However, the main scope of work regarding licensing belongs to the provincial governments, such as the AGLC, Loto Quebec, the DDGC, the NLLC, the NSAGA, and other bodies, depending on the location. These bodies independently determine the legal aspects of the casino business. 

How to Get a Gambling Licence in Canada

The casino site must operate under a licence to be a legitimate gambling platform. Here are the steps to getting a gambling licence in Canada:

1. Deciding on the licence category. Clarify the activities available on your website and determine the category based on that. 
2. Applying for a licence to the respective licensing body. To apply for an online gambling licence in Canada, the company must provide documentation related to its past and existing commercial activities, issues with other regulators, future business plans, confirmation of good reputation, technical data related to the site, etc. Application requirements vary among provinces.
3. Going through the screening and evaluation procedures. At this stage, the regulatory bodies conduct rigorous checks on applicants, such as financial audits, examining previous activities, etc.
4. Receiving a licence. If the applicant passes the previous step successfully and their application gets approved, they receive a licence for a specified time.

What Regulatory Fees Will Be Charged at Registration?

When an operator is about to get an online casino licence, it must pay a regulatory fee of C$100,000 per platform every year. This fee must be paid at the application submission step.

According to the law, manufacturers of gambling equipment are also subject to the C$15,000 annual fee, and gaming services and equipment suppliers must pay C$3,000 annually.

Features in Different Provinces

Ontario

In Ontario, the AGCO is the licensing body responsible for casino regulation. In this province, the licensing process takes around 9 months but may last for longer or shorter depending on how complete and accurate documentation is provided. An important feature is that many online casinos available to gamblers from most other Canadian cities and provinces are unavailable in Ontario. To gamble at platforms licensed in Ontario, the player must be physically present there.

Quebec

To get a Canadian online casino licence in Quebec, the applicant should turn to Loto-Québec, which issues licences to gambling sites. Overall, such activities are controlled by the RACJ here. The applicant can receive a licence in 3 to 6 months.

British Columbia

In British Columbia, casino activities are regulated by the GPEB, and the BC Lottery Corporation issues the licences for online platforms. To receive a licence, an applicant should wait for around 3-6 months.

Alberta

In Alberta, casinos are regulated and licensed by the AGLC. The applications are usually approved in 3-4 months. Many gamblers living in Alberta still prefer playing at offshore casino sites that offer higher quality and better user experience. Therefore, the competition between Alberta-licensed online casinos is quite low.

Summary

To get a license for an online casino, the operator should turn to the respective body in their province since, in Canada, each of them has specific conditions for gambling sites. One is required to provide a filled-out application form and go through rigorous checks before receiving approval from the licensing body. Besides, to get a gambling licence in Canada, the casino operator should pay solid fees: an annual fee plus taxes ( 8%-15% of income).

FAQ

Who and What Needs to Be Registered or Certified?

The operator providing gambling services online, all the games, and the software must be carefully checked, registered, and certified.

How Much Does a Gambling Licence Cost in Canada?

The annual regulatory fee for registering an online casino is C$100,000 per gambling site. Besides, the operators are subject to other regular fees and commissions depending on their activities and where they are licensed.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Gambling Licence?

Depending on the province and the accuracy of the application form, the operator may wait for 3 to 12 months to receive a gambling licence.