Launch a Burnaby Casino: Your NAICS 713210 Startup Guide
This page lays out a practical, step-by-step path to opening a Burnaby casino under NAICS 713210 (Casinos, excluding casino hotels). You’ll get a concise overview of the 9 essential requirements, plus what permits, licenses, and regulatory steps you’ll likely need. Expect clear guidance on costs and a realistic timeline to plan with confidence.
Learn exactly what to prepare, how the licensing process typically works in British Columbia, and where to file. We break the 9 requirements into actionable tasks: business registration, local approvals, gaming licenses, financial disclosures, security and compliance measures, facility standards, staffing, and insurance. You’ll also see typical costs and approximate processing timelines.
Burnaby is a strong fit for a casino venture thanks to its thriving leisure scene, proximity to Vancouver, and solid business infrastructure. The city’s mix of residents and visitors supports steady demand, while BC gaming rules provide a clear compliance framework. This page is your practical starter kit for a confident launch.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a casino in Burnaby is BC Employment Standards Act Compliance. This is a legal must-have for any employer in British Columbia, and you cannot legally operate or hire staff without meeting these standards. It ensures fair pay, overtime rules, leaves, and other worker protections. This requirement is non-negotiable, so make it your starting point before anything else.
Next, there are several mandatory operational requirements you’ll need to put in place for compliant day-to-day work. You’ll need WorkSafeBC Coverage and Registration to protect workers in case of injuries. Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Program and FINTRAC Reporting Entity Registration are important for how you handle money and report certain transactions. For gaming activities, the BC Charitable Gaming Event Licence (GPEB) is required to run charitable gaming events legally. Grouped together, these items establish the health, safety, and regulatory perimeter your casino must operate within.
On the business and tax side, you’ll handle registrations and numbers that agencies use to track and tax your business. This includes BC Business Number (BN) Registration with the federal government, and BC Business Name Registration if you’re operating as a sole proprietorship or partnership. You may also need GST/HST Registration and Payroll Deductions Registration depending on your revenue and payroll, so set these up as part of your foundation.
If you’re ready to move forward, start with confirming the CRITICAL Ontario requirement, then map out the other registrations and licenses you’ll need. Gather the relevant documents, reach out to the BC Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch for licensing guidance, and consider consulting a compliance advisor to create a practical implementation plan. You’ve got this—take it step by step, and you’ll build a solid, lawful foundation for your Burnaby casino operation.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a casinos (except casino hotels) in Burnaby:
-
BC Employment Standards Act Compliance RequiredEmployer compliance with BC Employment Standards Act requirements for wages, hours, and working conditions BC Employment Standards Act sets minimum requirements for all employers. Minimum wage: $17.85/hour (effective June 1, 2025). Standard hours: 8 hours/day, 40 hours/week. Overtime: time-and-a-half after 8 hours/day or 40 hours/week. 5 paid sick days required. Vacation: 2 weeks after 1 year, 3 weeks after 5 years. Contact Employment Standards Branch: 1-833-236-3700.
-
Business Number (BN) Registration RequiredA 9-digit Business Number is required for most businesses operating in Canada. It is used to interact with the Canada Revenue Agency and other federal programs. Required for GST/HST, payroll, corporation income tax, and import/export accounts. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) at canada.ca. Takes 15-30 minutes. As of November 3, 2025, online registration is MANDATORY for new BNs - phone registration no longer available. You'll need: business name, address, owner SIN, business type, and start date. BN (9-digit number) issued INSTANTLY online. Available 21 hours/day, 7 days/week (closed 3-6am ET for maintenance).
-
FINTRAC Reporting Entity Registration RequiredBusinesses engaged in financial activities must register with FINTRAC (Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada) as a reporting entity under the Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act. Register with FINTRAC if you are a Money Services Business (MSB) or reporting entity: 1. Visit fintrac-canafe.canada.ca before beginning operations 2. Required for: MSBs, banks, credit unions, insurance, accountants, real estate, casinos 3. Submit registration form via secure Canada Post Connect 4. Need: Business info, criminal record checks (issued within 6 months) 5. Keep registration current and renew as required 6. Changes to business info must be reported within 30 days Recent changes: Title insurers, payment providers, crowdfunding now included
-
BC Charitable Gaming Event Licence (GPEB) RequiredLicence for charitable and non-profit organizations to conduct gaming events including raffles, bingos, poker, and wheels of fortune in British Columbia Apply to Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch (GPEB). Lottery retailer registration: $45. Charitable gaming licences based on projected revenue. Class A/B licences require eligibility review. First-time applicants need eligibility assessment. Processing: 3-6 months. Contact: GPEB at 250-387-5311.
-
BC Business Name Registration (Sole Proprietorship/Partnership) RequiredRegistration of sole proprietorship or partnership business names with BC Registries Register sole proprietorship or partnership at bcregistry.gov.bc.ca. Name reservation: $30 (standard) or $100 (priority 1-2 days). Registration fee: $40. Total: ~$70. Name reserved for 56 days after approval. Registration is continuous (no renewal required). No name protection for sole proprietorships. Personal names operating under own name do not require registration. Contact BC Registries: 1-877-526-1526.
-
GST/HST Registration ConditionalRequired if annual taxable revenue exceeds $30,000 (small supplier threshold). Taxi/ride-share drivers must register regardless of revenue. Businesses with gross revenues over $30,000 in any single quarter or over four consecutive quarters must register for, collect, and remit GST/HST. Small suppliers (under $30,000) may register voluntarily. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) when your revenue exceeds $30,000 in any 4 consecutive quarters (small supplier threshold). Takes 15-30 minutes. You MUST register within 29 days of exceeding threshold and start charging GST/HST immediately on the sale that made you exceed it. Need your BN (or get one simultaneously). As of Nov 3, 2025, online registration is mandatory. Voluntary registration available anytime for input tax credits.
-
Payroll Deductions Registration ConditionalRequired if you pay salaries, wages, or other remuneration to employees. Must register before first pay period. Required if you have employees. You must withhold Canada Pension Plan (CPP), Employment Insurance (EI), and income tax from employee wages and remit to CRA. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) when you hire your first employee. Takes 15-20 minutes. You'll need your Business Number (BN) or can get one simultaneously. Payroll account (RP) added to your BN instantly. Register BEFORE your first pay date. Required to deduct CPP, EI, and income tax from employee wages. For 2025: CPP rate 5.95%, EI employee rate $1.66/$100 insurable earnings.
-
Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Program ConditionalRequired for FINTRAC reporting entities: MSBs, banks, insurance, real estate, accountants, casinos. Implementation of a comprehensive AML/ATF compliance program including customer identification, record keeping, suspicious transaction reporting, and staff training. Establish AML/ATF Compliance Program under PCMLTFA: 1. Appoint a Compliance Officer responsible for program 2. Develop written policies and procedures for: - Customer identification and verification (KYC) - Record-keeping (5-year retention) - Suspicious transaction reporting to FINTRAC - Risk assessment and ongoing monitoring 3. Implement staff training program 4. Conduct independent effectiveness review every 2 years 5. Report listed persons/entities property to FINTRAC Details at fintrac-canafe.canada.ca/guidance-directives
-
WorkSafeBC Coverage and Registration ConditionalRequired if you have workers in BC. Workers compensation insurance coverage through WorkSafeBC for employers in British Columbia WorkSafeBC coverage required for most BC employers. Average base premium rate: 1.55% of assessable payroll ($1.55 per $100). Register online at worksafebc.com. Apply 30 days before starting business or hiring workers. Processing: ~10 business days. Premium rates vary by industry classification (514 classification units). COR certified employers eligible for 10% rebate. Contact: 604-276-3100 or 1-888-967-5377.
Funding & Grants
Available funding programs that may apply to your casinos (except casino hotels):
-
A provincial personal and corporate income tax credit for arm's-length investors who purchase shares in certified eligible NL small businesses. The credit is 35% for businesses operating outside the North East Avalon region and 20% for businesses within the North East Avalon. Maximum annual credit is $50,000 per investor. Carry-forward: …
-
The Tourism Relief Fund was a $500-million federal program administered through Canada's regional development agencies and ISED to help the tourism sector recover from the impacts of COVID-19. The fund supported eligible projects involving capital upgrades, product development, and adaptation of tourism offerings to public health measures. The program's two-year …
-
The Nova Scotia Creative Industries Fund provides project-based grants of up to $30,000, covering up to 50% of eligible costs, to creative and cultural businesses and non-profit organizations seeking to grow their export markets. The program targets sectors including fashion and design, screen, music, performing arts, production and fine craft, …
-
The Tourism Growth Program (TGP) offered repayable interest-free contributions (up to $250,000) for SMEs and non-repayable contributions for not-for-profits in the tourism sector. Approximately 15% of funding was earmarked for Indigenous tourism. Delivered by Canada's regional development agencies. The program ran from 2023–2026 and is now fully subscribed and closed …
-
SSDIC operates through three streams: Stream One funds Provincial/Territorial Aboriginal Sport Bodies and the Aboriginal Sport Circle; Stream Two supports Indigenous governments and not-for-profit Indigenous organizations; Stream Three focuses on Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ peoples. The 2024-2026 cycle invested $24.2M across 119 Indigenous-led projects. New funding available for 2026-27 …
Ready to Launch Your Business?
Starting a business can be complex, but you don't have to do it alone. Our AI-powered business matcher can help you understand exactly what you need for your specific situation.
Try Our AI Business Matcher Get Expert Help
No credit card required • Takes 2 minutes
Browse Other Business Sectors
Explore business requirements in other industries: