In Canada, casino licensing and regulation do not happen at the federal (national) level. Instead, gambling is regulated by each province and territory under the Criminal Code of Canada, which allows provinces to conduct and manage gaming within their borders.
This means that each province has its own regulatory authority that oversees casino licences, operations, and compliance.
Why Licensing Exists in Canada
Casino licensing in Canada is about protecting both players and the integrity of the gambling industry.
- For players – Licensed casinos must operate fairly, provide responsible gambling tools, and follow anti-money laundering laws.
- For operators – A licence is legally required to run a casino in Canada. Operating without one is illegal under the Criminal Code.
Casino Licensing Authorities by Province/Territory
Here’s a breakdown of the official provincial authorities that regulate casinos in Canada:
| Province/Territory | Licensing Authority | Key Role |
| Ontario | Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) + iGaming Ontario (iGO) | Regulates land-based casinos, lotteries, and internet gaming. iGO operates legal online casino market with private operators. |
| British Columbia | British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC) | Conducts and manages commercial gambling, including casinos and PlayNow.com (the only legal online casino in BC). |
| Quebec | Loto-Québec (through Société des casinos du Québec) | Operates and regulates casinos, lotteries, and online gambling via Espacejeux.com. |
| Alberta | Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission (AGLC) | Oversees land-based casinos and PlayAlberta.ca (the legal online gambling site). |
| Manitoba | Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries Corporation (MBLL) | Manages casinos, video lottery terminals, and lotteries. Works with BCLC to provide PlayNow.com in Manitoba. |
| Saskatchewan | Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority (SLGA) & SaskGaming | Regulates land casinos. In 2022, Saskatchewan launched legal online gambling through PlayNow.com in partnership with SIGA. |
| Nova Scotia | Nova Scotia Gaming Corporation (NSGC) | Conducts and manages casino gambling, lotteries, and responsible gambling programs. |
| New Brunswick | New Brunswick Lotteries and Gaming Corporation (NBLGC) | Oversees Casino New Brunswick and other gaming activities. |
| Prince Edward Island | PEI Lotteries Commission (part of Atlantic Lottery) | Regulates lotteries and gaming in PEI, mainly through the Atlantic Lottery Corporation. |
| Newfoundland & Labrador | Atlantic Lottery Corporation (ALC) | No commercial casinos. ALC manages lotteries and video lottery terminals. |
| Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut | Local governments + Western Canada Lottery Corporation (WCLC) | Only charitable and small-scale gaming is permitted under local authority. |
Key Point: Only provincial or territorial authorities can issue or manage casino licences in Canada. Private companies cannot operate legally without partnering with them.
The Legal Process of Getting a Casino Licence in Canada
While details vary by province, the common legal steps are:
- Application – Submit a licence application to the provincial authority (e.g., AGCO in Ontario).
- Background & Financial Checks – Regulators investigate owners, investors, and executives for criminal history and financial transparency.
- Business & Operational Review – Applicants must show compliance with laws, responsible gambling policies, and anti-money laundering rules.
- Technical Certification – For online casinos, all software and systems must be independently tested for fairness and security.
- Approval & Agreement – If approved, a formal operating agreement/licence is issued. Online operators often sign agreements with provincial corporations (e.g., iGO in Ontario, BCLC in BC).
- Ongoing Monitoring – Casinos are continuously monitored, audited, and must report financial and operational data.
Example: Ontario’s iGaming Market
Ontario is the only province in Canada with a regulated competitive online casino market.
- The AGCO licenses and regulates operators.
- iGaming Ontario (iGO) conducts and manages iGaming with private companies.
- Online casinos must meet strict standards on fairness, player protection, and anti-money laundering before being allowed to operate.
In other provinces (like BC, Quebec, Manitoba, Alberta, and Saskatchewan), only the provincial lottery corporation operates legal online casinos.
Universal 5-Step Process (Simple Version)
To make it easy, here’s a universal 5-step model for any province:
- Apply to the provincial regulator
- Pass financial and background checks
- Submit a business & security plan
- Get your games/software certified
- Receive licence & stay compliant
Frequently Asked Questions about Casino Licensing in Canada
- Who gives casino licences in Canada?
Casino licences are issued and regulated by provincial and territorial authorities, such as the AGCO in Ontario or BCLC in British Columbia. Canada does not have a federal licensing body.
- Can offshore casinos get a Canadian licence?
No. Offshore casinos cannot directly get a Canadian licence. Only provincial authorities can license casinos, and they only allow operators within their jurisdiction. For example, in Ontario, private online casinos can operate legally only if they are registered with AGCO and have an agreement with iGaming Ontario.
- Is online gambling legal in Canada?
Yes, but only when offered or authorized by a provincial authority.
- Ontario allows private licensed operators through iGaming Ontario.
- Other provinces (BC, Quebec, Manitoba, Alberta, Saskatchewan) operate their own legal online casinos through lottery corporations.
- Playing on offshore websites is not explicitly illegal for players, but these sites are not licensed in Canada.
- Do casinos in Canada need to follow responsible gambling laws?
Yes. All licensed casinos must follow strict responsible gambling standards, including self-exclusion programs, deposit limits, and resources for problem gambling. This is mandatory across all provinces.
- How long does it take to get a casino licence in Canada?
The process can take months to over a year, depending on the province, the complexity of the business, and background check results.
- What is the only province with a competitive online casino market?
Ontario is currently the only province that allows private operators to run online casinos legally, under the oversight of AGCO and iGaming Ontario.
Final Thoughts
- Canada does not have a single national casino licensing body.
- Each province or territory has the legal authority to manage and license casinos.
- To operate legally, casinos must apply through the appropriate provincial regulator and meet strict compliance requirements.
- For players, the safest choice is always a provincially licensed casino—either in person or online.
