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A Step-by-Step Guide to Obtaining a Tobique Gaming License

#1 · July 30, 2025, 1:28 pm

Quote from wealthideas on July 30, 2025, 1:28 pm
Step-by-Step Guide to Obtaining a Tobique Gaming License

The Tobique Gaming License, issued by the Tobique Gaming Commission (TGC) in Tobique First Nation, New Brunswick, Canada, is an attractive option for online gambling operators due to its streamlined process, favorable tax conditions, and global reach.

Below is a comprehensive guide to securing this license.

Step 1: Understand the Regulatory Framework

Research the Tobique Gaming Commission (TGC): The TGC, established in 2021 and empowered by the Tobique Gaming Act of 2023, regulates all gambling activities within Tobique’s sovereign territory. It oversees both online and land-based gambling, ensuring compliance with strict standards for fairness, transparency, and player protection.

License Types: The TGC offers several licenses, including:

B2C Remote Gaming License: For operators offering casino games, sports betting, poker, bingo, and lotteries.

B2B Software License: For casino or sports betting software providers.

B2B Approved Vendor Status: For service providers supporting gambling operations.

Prohibited Activities: The license does not cover financial betting, cryptocurrency gambling, or skill-based games.

Restricted Jurisdictions: Operations are permitted globally except in restricted jurisdictions such as the UK, USA, Israel, Ontario, New Brunswick, and FATF-sanctioned countries. Consult the TGC for an updated list.

Step 2: Register a Legal Entity

Choose a Jurisdiction: You do not need to register a company in Tobique. The TGC allows businesses registered in other jurisdictions (e.g., Belize, Costa Rica, or Cyprus) to apply for the license. A popular choice is an offshore jurisdiction like Belize for flexibility and tax benefits.

Company Formation: Register your company as a legal entity (e.g., LLC or IBC). This process typically takes 2–10 business days, depending on the jurisdiction. Ensure the company structure includes:

Articles of incorporation and bylaws.

Appointed directors and shareholders (Ultimate Beneficial Owners, UBOs).

A qualified Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO).

Local Requirements: If registering in Tobique, approval from the Tobique Council may be required, but this is optional.

Step 3: Prepare Required Documentation

Business Documents:

Articles of incorporation and bylaws.

Detailed business plan outlining your operational strategy, target markets, and financial projections.

Financial statements or bank statements (last three months) proving sufficient funds for operations.

Personal Documents (for Directors and UBOs):

Proof of identity (e.g., passport copies).

Proof of residency (e.g., utility bills).

Clean criminal record certificates.

CVs or letters of recommendation demonstrating experience in the online gambling industry.

Compliance Policies:

Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Counter-Terrorism Financing (CFT) policies.

Know Your Customer (KYC) procedures.

Responsible gaming policies to protect players and promote safe gambling practices.

Technical Documentation:

Certification for gaming software from reputable labs (e.g., iTechLabs, GLI, or BMM Testlabs) if applicable.

Details of your website or platform, which must be functional and compliant by the end of the licensing process.

Step 4: Engage Professional Assistance (Optional)

Consultancy Firms: Firms like Wealth Ideas Agency, Tetra Consultants, GFLO Consultancy, or Chambers & Co can streamline the process by assisting with document preparation, compliance, and application submission. They also provide post-licensing support for audits and regulatory compliance.

Legal Support: Professional legal assistance ensures compliance with TGC requirements and minimizes delays due to errors or incomplete documentation.

Step 5: Submit the Application

Application Form: Complete the TGC’s application form, available through the TGC website or a consultancy firm.

Document Submission: Submit all required documents to the TGC. Ensure documents are notarized and certified where necessary.

Application Fees: Pay the non-refundable application fee (approximately €2,500, which may be deducted from the total license cost upon approval). Total first-year costs are around €36,000, including:

License fee: €18,000.

Professional or consultancy fee: €18,000 (varies by provider).

Additional costs: €4,000 annually for technical compliance and €7,000 for ongoing compliance fees.

Payment Method: Fees are typically paid via bank transfer to the TGC or through a consultancy firm handling the process.

Step 6: Undergo Background Checks and Audits

Due Diligence: The TGC conducts comprehensive background checks on all directors, UBOs, and the company to verify:

Clean criminal records.

Financial stability.

Compliance with AML, KYC, and CFT regulations.

Technical Audit: The TGC reviews your gaming platform or website to ensure:

Data security and fraud protection measures.

Age verification processes (no anonymous accounts or accounts under fictitious names).

Responsible gaming features, such as self-exclusion options.

Compliance with terms and conditions, including clear withdrawal processes and currency conversion rates.

Additional Documents: The TGC may request further documentation during this stage to address any discrepancies.

Step 7: Receive License Approval

Processing Time: If all documents are in order, the TGC typically processes applications within 1–8 weeks (most sources cite 4–6 weeks). Delays may occur if documents are incomplete or fail compliance checks.

License Issuance: Upon approval, the TGC issues the gaming license, valid for one year. The license covers two URLs, with additional URLs available for a fee.

Post-Licensing Requirements: After receiving the license:

Open a corporate bank account or establish a payment agent company to handle financial transactions.

Ensure ongoing compliance with TGC regulations, including regular audits, financial reporting, and responsible gaming measures.

Step 8: Launch Your Operations

Platform Setup: Finalize your gaming platform, integrating certified software, payment processors, and cryptocurrency options (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum) if applicable.

Marketing Compliance: Ensure marketing materials do not target minors or unverified audiences under 18. Include warnings on your website prohibiting underage participation.

Player Protection: Implement self-exclusion policies, where players who self-exclude from one Tobique-licensed site are excluded from all others, enhancing responsible gaming credibility.

Go Live: Launch your online gambling operations, ensuring compliance with TGC standards to maintain your license.

Costs Overview

First-Year Costs: Approximately €36,000–€68,000, including:

Application and license fees: €36,000 (license: €18,000; professional fees: €18,000).

Technical compliance: €4,000 annually.

Compliance fees: €7,000 annually.

Additional costs: Company registration, legal services, audits, and software certifications (varies by jurisdiction and provider).

Annual Renewal: €18,000 for the license, plus €4,000 (technical compliance) and €7,000 (compliance fees).

Tax Benefits: No corporate or income tax, and no gaming revenue tax (unlike other jurisdictions). Operators pay only fixed annual fees.

Benefits of the Tobique Gaming License

Fast Processing: 1–8 weeks, faster than many jurisdictions like Curacao (5–7 months).

Cost-Effective: Lower fees and no gaming revenue tax compared to Curacao or Malta.

Global Reach: Operate in multiple markets (except restricted jurisdictions).

Tax Advantages: 0% corporate, income, and gaming revenue tax.

Comprehensive Coverage: Supports casino games, sports betting, poker, bingo, and lotteries under one license.

Responsible Gaming: Strong player protection measures enhance credibility with banks and payment providers.

Cryptocurrency Support: Allows transactions in Bitcoin, Ethereum, and ERC-20 tokens alongside fiat currencies.

Key Considerations

Compliance is Critical: Incomplete or non-compliant documents can cause delays. Engage professionals to ensure accuracy.

Restricted Jurisdictions: Verify your target markets are not on the TGC’s prohibited list.

Ongoing Obligations: Regular audits and financial reporting are required to maintain the license.

Comparison to Alternatives: Unlike Curacao’s reformed regulations (higher costs, local presence requirements), Tobique offers similar benefits with fewer hurdles, making it a viable alternative.

Conclusion

The Tobique Gaming License is an excellent choice for startups and established operators seeking a cost-effective, efficient, and globally recognized licensing solution. By following the steps outlined above and ensuring compliance with TGC requirements, you can secure your license within weeks and launch a competitive online gambling business. For expert assistance, consider consulting firms like Tetra Consultants (tetraconsultants.com), GFLO Consultancy (gflolaw.com), or Chambers & Co (chambersandco.com).

For the latest information or to begin the application process, contact the Tobique Gaming Commission directly at thetgc.ca or through a licensed consultant like Wealth Ideas Agency.

Step-by-Step Guide to Obtaining a Tobique Gaming License

The Tobique Gaming License, issued by the Tobique Gaming Commission (TGC) in Tobique First Nation, New Brunswick, Canada, is an attractive option for online gambling operators due to its streamlined process, favorable tax conditions, and global reach.

Below is a comprehensive guide to securing this license.

Step 1: Understand the Regulatory Framework

Research the Tobique Gaming Commission (TGC): The TGC, established in 2021 and empowered by the Tobique Gaming Act of 2023, regulates all gambling activities within Tobique’s sovereign territory. It oversees both online and land-based gambling, ensuring compliance with strict standards for fairness, transparency, and player protection.
License Types: The TGC offers several licenses, including:
- B2C Remote Gaming License: For operators offering casino games, sports betting, poker, bingo, and lotteries.
- B2B Software License: For casino or sports betting software providers.
- B2B Approved Vendor Status: For service providers supporting gambling operations.
Prohibited Activities: The license does not cover financial betting, cryptocurrency gambling, or skill-based games.
Restricted Jurisdictions: Operations are permitted globally except in restricted jurisdictions such as the UK, USA, Israel, Ontario, New Brunswick, and FATF-sanctioned countries. Consult the TGC for an updated list.

Step 2: Register a Legal Entity

Choose a Jurisdiction: You do not need to register a company in Tobique. The TGC allows businesses registered in other jurisdictions (e.g., Belize, Costa Rica, or Cyprus) to apply for the license. A popular choice is an offshore jurisdiction like Belize for flexibility and tax benefits.
Company Formation: Register your company as a legal entity (e.g., LLC or IBC). This process typically takes 2–10 business days, depending on the jurisdiction. Ensure the company structure includes:
- Articles of incorporation and bylaws.
- Appointed directors and shareholders (Ultimate Beneficial Owners, UBOs).
- A qualified Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO).
Local Requirements: If registering in Tobique, approval from the Tobique Council may be required, but this is optional.

Step 3: Prepare Required Documentation

Business Documents:
- Articles of incorporation and bylaws.
- Detailed business plan outlining your operational strategy, target markets, and financial projections.
- Financial statements or bank statements (last three months) proving sufficient funds for operations.
Personal Documents (for Directors and UBOs):
- Proof of identity (e.g., passport copies).
- Proof of residency (e.g., utility bills).
- Clean criminal record certificates.
- CVs or letters of recommendation demonstrating experience in the online gambling industry.
Compliance Policies:
- Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Counter-Terrorism Financing (CFT) policies.
- Know Your Customer (KYC) procedures.
- Responsible gaming policies to protect players and promote safe gambling practices.
Technical Documentation:
- Certification for gaming software from reputable labs (e.g., iTechLabs, GLI, or BMM Testlabs) if applicable.
- Details of your website or platform, which must be functional and compliant by the end of the licensing process.

Step 4: Engage Professional Assistance (Optional)

Consultancy Firms: Firms like Wealth Ideas Agency, Tetra Consultants, GFLO Consultancy, or Chambers & Co can streamline the process by assisting with document preparation, compliance, and application submission. They also provide post-licensing support for audits and regulatory compliance.
Legal Support: Professional legal assistance ensures compliance with TGC requirements and minimizes delays due to errors or incomplete documentation.

Step 5: Submit the Application

Application Form: Complete the TGC’s application form, available through the TGC website or a consultancy firm.
Document Submission: Submit all required documents to the TGC. Ensure documents are notarized and certified where necessary.
Application Fees: Pay the non-refundable application fee (approximately €2,500, which may be deducted from the total license cost upon approval). Total first-year costs are around €36,000, including:
- License fee: €18,000.
- Professional or consultancy fee: €18,000 (varies by provider).
- Additional costs: €4,000 annually for technical compliance and €7,000 for ongoing compliance fees.
Payment Method: Fees are typically paid via bank transfer to the TGC or through a consultancy firm handling the process.

Step 6: Undergo Background Checks and Audits

Due Diligence: The TGC conducts comprehensive background checks on all directors, UBOs, and the company to verify:
- Clean criminal records.
- Financial stability.
- Compliance with AML, KYC, and CFT regulations.
Technical Audit: The TGC reviews your gaming platform or website to ensure:
- Data security and fraud protection measures.
- Age verification processes (no anonymous accounts or accounts under fictitious names).
- Responsible gaming features, such as self-exclusion options.
- Compliance with terms and conditions, including clear withdrawal processes and currency conversion rates.
Additional Documents: The TGC may request further documentation during this stage to address any discrepancies.

Step 7: Receive License Approval

Processing Time: If all documents are in order, the TGC typically processes applications within 1–8 weeks (most sources cite 4–6 weeks). Delays may occur if documents are incomplete or fail compliance checks.
License Issuance: Upon approval, the TGC issues the gaming license, valid for one year. The license covers two URLs, with additional URLs available for a fee.
Post-Licensing Requirements: After receiving the license:
- Open a corporate bank account or establish a payment agent company to handle financial transactions.
- Ensure ongoing compliance with TGC regulations, including regular audits, financial reporting, and responsible gaming measures.

Step 8: Launch Your Operations

Platform Setup: Finalize your gaming platform, integrating certified software, payment processors, and cryptocurrency options (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum) if applicable.
Marketing Compliance: Ensure marketing materials do not target minors or unverified audiences under 18. Include warnings on your website prohibiting underage participation.
Player Protection: Implement self-exclusion policies, where players who self-exclude from one Tobique-licensed site are excluded from all others, enhancing responsible gaming credibility.
Go Live: Launch your online gambling operations, ensuring compliance with TGC standards to maintain your license.

Costs Overview

First-Year Costs: Approximately €36,000–€68,000, including:
- Application and license fees: €36,000 (license: €18,000; professional fees: €18,000).
- Technical compliance: €4,000 annually.
- Compliance fees: €7,000 annually.
- Additional costs: Company registration, legal services, audits, and software certifications (varies by jurisdiction and provider).
Annual Renewal: €18,000 for the license, plus €4,000 (technical compliance) and €7,000 (compliance fees).
Tax Benefits: No corporate or income tax, and no gaming revenue tax (unlike other jurisdictions). Operators pay only fixed annual fees.

Benefits of the Tobique Gaming License

Fast Processing: 1–8 weeks, faster than many jurisdictions like Curacao (5–7 months).
Cost-Effective: Lower fees and no gaming revenue tax compared to Curacao or Malta.
Global Reach: Operate in multiple markets (except restricted jurisdictions).
Tax Advantages: 0% corporate, income, and gaming revenue tax.
Comprehensive Coverage: Supports casino games, sports betting, poker, bingo, and lotteries under one license.
Responsible Gaming: Strong player protection measures enhance credibility with banks and payment providers.
Cryptocurrency Support: Allows transactions in Bitcoin, Ethereum, and ERC-20 tokens alongside fiat currencies.

Key Considerations

Compliance is Critical: Incomplete or non-compliant documents can cause delays. Engage professionals to ensure accuracy.
Restricted Jurisdictions: Verify your target markets are not on the TGC’s prohibited list.
Ongoing Obligations: Regular audits and financial reporting are required to maintain the license.
Comparison to Alternatives: Unlike Curacao’s reformed regulations (higher costs, local presence requirements), Tobique offers similar benefits with fewer hurdles, making it a viable alternative.

Conclusion

The Tobique Gaming License is an excellent choice for startups and established operators seeking a cost-effective, efficient, and globally recognized licensing solution. By following the steps outlined above and ensuring compliance with TGC requirements, you can secure your license within weeks and launch a competitive online gambling business. For expert assistance, consider consulting firms like Tetra Consultants (tetraconsultants.com), GFLO Consultancy (gflolaw.com), or Chambers & Co (chambersandco.com).

For the latest information or to begin the application process, contact the Tobique Gaming Commission directly at thetgc.ca or through a licensed consultant like Wealth Ideas Agency.

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