Canadian Gambling License Jurisdictions

Best Canadian Gambling Licenses

Canada has two well-known gambling regulators: the Kahnawake Gambling Commission and the Tobique Gaming Commission. These bodies allow operators to work in the country and the global market (except for restricted countries). We deeply analyzed both regulators and shared must-know information below.

Kahnawake – the Best for Global Casinos and Bookmakers

The Kahnawake Gambling Commission (KGC) has been issuing gambling licenses since 1999. This is one of the oldest and most reputable authorities with high standards of regulatory oversight, regular eCOGRA audits, and monthly reports. The KGC provides licenses for 250+ gambling websites, guaranteeing safety and prestige. The permit from Kahnawake Gambling Commission suits betting sites, online casinos, and poker rooms. 

When we help our clients get a gambling license in Canada from KGC, we explain that they need to go through several stages. The first step is to collect the necessary documents (business plan, passport, criminal record certificate, financial statements, etc.) After that, we help the applicant submit for the license, pay the required fees, and pass the verification process. Then, business owners only need to wait for the response.

• Cost: 40,000 USD
• Terms of obtaining: 6-12 weeks
• The difficulty of obtaining: Medium

Tobique – the Best for Startups and Small Operators

Tobique is one of the newest regulators in the gambling market, as it started operating in 2023. If you decide to obtain an online casino license in Canada to operate globally, the Tobique Gambling Commission (TGC) is a good call. License owners may count on zero corporate and income tax structure, maximizing their profit. This regulator suits various gambling companies, including bookmakers, online casinos, bingo, and lotteries. Our experts recommend picking this license for small companies and startups due to the affordable price.

To become a licensed operator, you need to register your business entity in Tobique and gather all the required documents (business plan, proof of incorporation, AML and KYC details, financial statement, etc.). After that, you should go through the verification process, proving financial stability and other details. Then, pay fees, submit your license application, and wait for the result. After approval, your company can work legally according to the Tobique Gambling Commission terms.

• Cost: 36,000 USD
• Terms of obtaining: 4-8 weeks
• The difficulty of obtaining: Easy

Comparison of Gambling License Counties

If The Business Is Registered in Canada

Canada has 10 provinces and three territories. If your iGaming business is registered in the country, you should receive a license from the empowered regulatory body that operates in the region. Based on our knowledge, we briefly describe regulators that work in each province.

Alberta

iGaming activities in this province are regulated by the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission (AGLC). Initially, only religious and charitable organizations could register as gambling service operators. Still, on February 26, 2025, the local government passed Bill 16, the Red Tape Reduction Statutes Amendment Act, which simplified obtaining the online gambling license in Canada from AGLC.

British Columbia

The Gaming Control Act of 2002 guarantees the province’s gambling regulation. If your company is registered in this province, you should receive a license from the local authority – the Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch (MoF). You need to wait 2 to 4 months to obtain the requested permit.

Manitoba

Gambling activities have been regulated by Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries Corporation in this province since 2013. Once your online company receives a license from this body, you must follow the regulator’s terms to operate legally in the region. 

New Brunswick

In this province, applicants can obtain a Canadian gambling license only for lotteries. The Gaming Control Branch of the (DoPS) is the regulator body. Still, to receive a permit, you should apply to the Gaming, Liquor, and Security Licensing Branch under the Department of Justice and Public Safety. Gambling licenses are issued to non-profit, charitable, religious organizations, and agricultural fairs. Waiting time is 2-4 weeks.

Newfoundland and Labrador

This province doesn’t have land-based gambling establishments. Only non-profitable games of chance are allowed, including card games, lotteries, and bingo. The regulator body in Newfoundland and Labrador is the Consumer Affairs Division (DGaS). If you want to provide classic gambling activities, you should pick another jurisdiction.

Northwest Territories

In Canada’s Northwest Territories (NWT), online gambling is legal but not locally regulated. As a result, players turn to global platforms, which come with potential risks since these sites operate outside Canadian regulatory oversight. Discussions about establishing a regulatory body in the region have been ongoing for a while, but no concrete steps have been taken yet. Therefore, you cannot receive a separate Canadian gambling license in the Northwest Territories.

Nova Scotia

This region allows online slots, poker, and sports betting on a legal basis. Gambling activities have been regulated by the Alcohol, Gaming, Fuel, and Tobacco Division of Service Nova Scotia since 1994. To apply for such a gambling license in Canada, business owners must complete an application form and submit it to the AGFT Division. ​

Nunavut

Although gambling is legal in the province, Nunavut has no regulatory body. As a result, only offshore websites operate in the region. You may obtain Tobique or Kahnawake licenses to operate here.

Ontario

Ontario has fewer gambling restrictions than other provinces. The main regulator body is the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO). Nowadays, AGCO regulates 80+ online gambling platforms, including sportsbooks, online casinos, poker rooms, bingo, etc. Operators who want to receive a Canadian gambling license in this region should apply to AGCO.The licensing procedure includes meeting strict regulatory requirements, maintaining financial stability, and complying with responsible gambling methods. 

Prince Edward Island

You can only provide online lotteries in this province, having received a license from the Prince Edward Island Lotteries Commission. The main regulation document in the region is the Lotteries Commission Act. Applicants in Canada should complete a special gaming license application form and submit it at least 14 days before they start lottery ticket sales. ​

Quebec

This province has been known for its gambling-friendly environment since the 1970s. Quebec has one strong regulator – the Quebec Alcohol, Racing and Gaming Commission. It controls horse racing, public lotteries, bingo games, and online casinos.

Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan’s main gambling regulatory body is the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority (SLGA). It started legal work in 1997. SLGA provides licenses for charitable gambling activities: bingo, raffles, mock casinos, and Texas Hold’em poker. To apply for the permit, prepare the required list of documents (including business plans, financial statements, etc.). ​

Yukon

In this province, gambling is illegal. Nonetheless, public lotteries such as Lotto 6/49 are allowed if these activities are conducted by authorized agents of government or non-profit organizations on a charity basis. The Yukon Lottery Commission regulates these activities.

How Legal Pilot Can Help With Obtaining a Canadian Gambling License

As you can see, there are many legal nuances in gambling licensing in Canada, depending on the provinces and their laws. Therefore, we encourage you to seek professional assistance from lawyers rather than navigate the intricacies of Canadian licensing on your own. Legal Pilot experts have years of experience obtaining licenses for online gambling businesses in Canada. Moreover, our partnerships in this country are a huge benefit for fast-tracking your license approval. 

We’ll help you establish a company in the chosen jurisdiction and assist with gathering and filing the required documents. Our specialists will stay in touch with you throughout the licensing process – from applying for an online gambling license in Canada to launching your casino or betting website. If you want to start a gambling business in Canada, we’d be delighted to be part of your success. Our experts can also help you explore alternative options such as the Curaçao Gambling License if Canadian jurisdictions don’t meet your business requirements.

Final Thoughts

We have analyzed all possible gambling licenses in Canada, considering different jurisdictions. The Kahnawake Gambling Commission (KGC) and the Tobique Gambling Commission (TGC) are the most popular regulators. These authorities issue licenses for all gambling activities, including sports betting, online casino, bingo, and lotteries. Besides operations in Canada, the licensed companies may also provide their activities in the global market. 

Nonetheless, suppose you want to register a company in one of 10 Canadian provinces or three other territories. In that case, you should also obtain an online gambling license in Canada from the local regulatory body.  After our research, we have found that the Ontario province offers the best opportunities for online gambling companies, allowing all iGaming activities. The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) is the local regulator. 

The main tip we can give is to carefully choose the jurisdiction for registering gambling activities and to consider all legal terms and potential pitfalls. On top of that, in most cases, it is profitable to hire lawyers who will help you to go through the licensing without mistakes and worries.