Do Canadian Online Casinos Require Gambling Licences?

Opening an online casino requires the operator to obtain a gambling licence from a related regulatory body or a local authority. The licence guarantees that the online casino operation is lawful, and all payouts are guaranteed. A gambling licence is typically required for all activities concerning online gambling in Canada, including table games, sports betting, slot games, and lottery.

What are the Benefits of Having a Gambling Licence?

A gambling licence for online casinos allows the following:

• Buying software from leading manufacturers
• Custom-built and reliable website payment systems that allow receiving payments and withdrawing winnings in various ways
• Running a legal and honest business
• Developing trust with your audience; in general, players won’t deposit money into a suspicious casino that lacks a licence and doesn’t guarantee a winnings payment.

How to Obtain Gambling Licence from Relevant Jurisdiction? 

Getting a gambling licence is a crucial step. Gambling businesses fall within a specific niche area that isn’t favoured in all countries. So, to not violate local laws and be able to conduct business legally, it is crucial to have a licence that grants consent from a relevant jurisdiction and preferably one that is more in sync with online casinos. Each country has its own set of requirements, with the cost of the licences varying too.

International Casino Licensing Bodies

There are numerous international licensing bodies and gaming regulators, with the Malta Gaming Authority, the Gibraltar Regulatory Authority, and the UK Gambling Commission being some of the more reputable well-known ones. In Canada, the Kahnawake Gaming Commission administers over 50 licensed operators across Canada and is the most significant regulatory body for online casinos and sportsbooks in North America. 

Local Canadian Gambling Regulators

Each country has its laws relating to gambling that are usually regulated by a gaming control board. Gaming control boards come under different classifications and can be referred to as gambling associations, commissions, committees, etc.

Several Canadian provinces have their own local gaming watchdogs. These include the British Columbia Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch, Nova Scotia Alcohol and Gaming Authority, Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario, and the Québec Régie des Alcools des Courses et des Jeux. 

Together, these agencies regulate casinos to guarantee that the end-users enjoy a secure and fair online gambling experience.

What Regulations Must be Followed to Obtain a Licence?

Each country has specific rules, but the most common regulations you need to abide by in Canada relate to implementing responsible gaming policies. These policies aim to prevent gambling addiction, require a visible display of acquired licence logos, and provide a random number generator certification stamp that guarantees games’ regularity and fair outcome.