Gambling Activities in Canada

Those interested in starting a business in the gambling industry in Canada must comply with several laws, among which federal, but also territorial and provincial ones (our team offers the necessary legal support in entering gambling activities in Canada).

Below, our Canadian company formation consultants offer information on the gambling activities which can be carried out in this country and the laws regulating them.

Is it necessary to obtain a license for gambling activities in Canada?

Yes, local and foreign investors who want to register a business in Canada in the gambling industry are legally required to apply for suitable licenses or register with the competent authorities. Rules and requirements vary from one province to another, therefore it is advisable to request tailored assistance from our team, which can provide information on the province of your choice.

It must also be noted that the registration requirements can vary in accordance with the specific type of gambling activity carried out by the entity, as well as by the nature of the applicant (individual, company, association, etc.).

For example, those who want to set up a company in Canada in Ontario need to address the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO), which regulates 4 sectors (gaming, alcohol, cannabis and horse racing), including operators involved in activities related to:

1. gaming;
2. alcohol;
3. cannabis.

Considering gambling activities in Canada, AGCO imposes operators to register with the institution and obtain appropriate licenses, for which specific fees are charged. Under the current AGCO fee schedule (Order in Council 208/2024), the maximum charitable gaming licence fees include:

• for bingo events at charitable gaming sites, up to $165 per event (municipal authorization fee) plus a provincial licence fee of 0.78% of gross wagers;
• 3% of the total prize value for a raffle licence (1% of the prize board for stand-alone raffles licensed by the Registrar);
• the casino license fee is charged following a specific formula – the number of gaming tables x $5 (special occasion gaming events) for which the location receives the right to carry operations under the license;
• the casino license fee can also be charged for events and venues held at fairs and/or exhibitions, situation in which the fee is calculated following the above-mentioned formula, only that $10 per table per day applies (plus $100 per merchandise bingo);
• Ontario authorities also charge a license fee for bingo facilities, which costs $500 for applicants who are individuals, partnerships or corporations.

Please know that there are fee exemptions granted in some of the above-mentioned categories, and our consultants in company formation in Canada may provide in-depth advice. We also mention that Ontario applies a Social Gaming License, necessary for individuals and organizations that carry out gaming activities in public places such as seniors’ homes, service clubs, charities, etc.

Gaming activities carried out by charities must also be registered and licensed in other provinces, such as British Columbia, therefore during the process of company incorporation in Canada in this region, investors must apply for appropriate licenses.

Types of gaming activities in Canada

Both the federal and provincial laws accept the following gambling activities in Canada:

• casinos;
• racetrack operations;
• bingo activities;
• online gambling activities (in Ontario, through the iGaming Ontario regulated market since April 2022);
• slot machines;
• lotteries and ticket lotteries.

It should be noted that each Canadian territory imposes certain restrictions related to the age of the participants in gambling activities and the consumption of alcoholic beverages on the premises of casinos.

Gambling legislation in Canada

As mentioned above, those who want open companies in Canada and operate in the gambling industry must comply with several laws which apply at national level, but also with laws which apply in the region they will operate.

The main law governing gambling activities in Canada is the Criminal Code which contains specific provisions for those setting up casinos and other types of gaming facilities in the country. At provincial level, the following laws apply:

• the Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Act in Albertaand the Gaming Control Act in British Columbia;
• the Gaming Control Law in New Brunswick and the Lotteries Law in Northwest Territories;
• the Gaming Control Law in Nova Scotia and the Liquor, Gaming and Cannabis Control Act, the Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries Corporation Act in Manitoba;
• the Gaming and Liquor Regulations and the Gaming Corporation Law in Saskatchewan and the Lottery Corporations Law and the Lotteries, Amusement Machines and Publicity Contents Law in Quebec;
• the Gaming Control and Gaming Corporations Law in Ontario and the Lottery Licensing Law in Yukon.

Our local consultants can assist foreign investors who want to open Canadian companies in the gambling industry.

Gambling operators, just like any other entities, must abide by accounting obligations and for this purpose, you can rely on our team of accountants in Canada.

For full information on gambling activities in Canada, please contact our advisors. You can also rely on us if you want to open a company in Canada. As a foreigner involved in the business environment, you can relocate here under the Owner Operator program in Canada or Intra-Company Transfer in Canada, on which our team provides full assistance (we offer immigration services designed for the needs of corporate clients).