Land-based casinos in Canada: licensing
According to section 207 of the Criminal Code, gambling is a monopoly of the Crown. No one except the provincial government can act as a provider of gambling services.
Since the government needs to enter into contracts to ensure the functioning of gambling organizations, each province requires the registration of persons supplying goods and services to gambling establishments.
Any company can apply with a proposal to open a gambling house, bookmaker’s office or hall. The government, after consideration, opens and controls the work of the institution. The company cooperates under the contract as an operator.
The law does not separate digital and terrestrial software and hardware vendors. Game products can only be shipped to the respective provincial operators. Distributed – only in the territory of a certain jurisdiction.
Consideration of applications in Canada is paid. The provinces decide how much to pay. If companies refuse to open an institution, the fee is returned in full.
There are no restrictions on permanent residence for persons applying for registration. Residents and non-residents of the country can apply.
Each province has its own application procedure and list of required documents. As a rule, three forms are filled out:
Application for registration.
Enterprise Disclosure Form.
personal form.
Applicants are carefully screened for risk assessment, honesty and integrity, financial responsibility, compliance with the law, type of registration, financial benefit from registration.
Canada: online casino licensing
In accordance with the current Criminal Code, online casinos in Canada can only be opened within the framework of the laws and regulations of individual provinces.
The list of permitted entertainment is set by the provincial regulator individually.
The Kahnawake Gaming Commission (KGC) issues licenses to online gambling operators operating in and outside of Canada.
Licenses must be renewed every 5 years. License fees are paid annually. The amount of covering the costs of the commission for the examination is non-refundable.
Registration of a new operator in the service provider list costs 3,000 USD. The penalty for late payment of annual contributions is 10% of the annual fee.
Protection of the rights of players and arbitration
Help in the fight against gambling addiction for players in Canada is protected by the government of the country. State clinics and centers provide treatment for gambling addiction free of charge.
There is no unified register of self-excluded persons in Canada. Local authorities set the time limits for possible suspensions and the procedure for including players on these lists.
Gambling service providers are required to provide an opportunity to file complaints or disputes. To register an appeal, users must provide personal data, describe in detail the essence of the dispute and the steps taken to resolve the problem.
Players have the right to file a complaint against KGC license holders within 7 days from the date of registration by the licensee of a formal complaint. The statute of limitations of the incident should be no more than 6 months. The Commission considers player applications submitted exclusively to CPA licensees. KGC email: [email protected].
In other provinces, player complaints are handled by local regulators.
If you suspect fraudulent activity, you can contact the Canadian Fraud Center or call: 1 888 495 85 01.