Start Your Other Gambling Industries Venture in Surrey
This page is your practical, step-by-step guide to starting an Other Gambling Industries business in Surrey (NAICS 713290). You’ll find a clear six-item requirements overview, the permits and licenses you’ll need, plus upfront costs and a realistic timeline. Whether you’re exploring licensing paths or outlining a business plan, you’ll get actionable steps you can take today.
You’ll learn exactly what the six requirements cover and how to meet them in Surrey’s regulatory landscape. We break down the permit and license process, give you a ballpark of setup costs (facility, equipment, insurance, and regulatory fees), and map out a practical timeline from initial inquiry to opening day. This page is designed to help you move from idea to launch with confidence.
Surrey is a growing urban hub with supportive local resources and a favorable business climate for regulated entertainment ventures. The city’s proximity to Vancouver and strong community networks can help you attract customers, navigate approvals smoothly, and build a compliant, successful operation in this dynamic market.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a business in Surrey is obtaining a Business Number (BN) Registration. This federal identifier from the Canada Revenue Agency is how you handle taxes, payroll, and other government filings. You cannot legally run a business or hire staff without a BN, and this requirement is non-negotiable.
For day-to-day operation, you’ll need to keep health and safety and local permits in mind. Ensure you have WorkSafeBC coverage to protect workers and meet safety standards. You’ll also need a Surrey business licence to operate within the city’s limits. If your business uses a specific name, make sure your BC Business Name Registration is in place (for sole proprietorships or partnerships). Grouped together, these items cover the essential permissions and safety obligations you must satisfy to operate responsibly in Surrey.
On the administrative and tax side, you’ll want to secure the business identity and tax numbers that keep your finances compliant. This includes finalizing your BN, completing BC Business Name Registration, and handling GST/HST Registration as applicable to your activities. If you have employees, you’ll also register for Payroll Deductions and set up ongoing payroll processes. These registrations are how you report earnings, remit taxes, and comply with wage-related requirements.
Taking the next steps is straightforward and achievable. Start with obtaining your BN, then apply for a Surrey business licence and register your business name if needed. Set up GST/HST and payroll registrations, and arrange WorkSafeBC coverage. Gather your documents, map out a realistic timeline, and consider a quick consultation with a local business advisor to tailor these steps to your exact gambling-related venture. You’ve got this—taking these steps will put you on solid, compliant footing.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a other gambling industries in Surrey:
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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).
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Business Licence RequiredGeneral business licence required to operate a business in City of Surrey. Apply to City of Surrey for Business Licence: 1. Determine business category 2. Complete business licence application 3. Submit required documents (ID, lease, zoning confirmation) 4. Pay application and annual fees 5. Await approval and receive licence Contact City of Surrey Business Licensing for specific requirements. Home-based businesses may have different requirements. Annual renewal required.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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 other gambling industries:
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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: …
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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 …
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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, …
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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 …
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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 …
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