Launch Your Other Gambling Industries Venture in Victoria Today
This page breaks down how to start an NAICS 713290, Other Gambling Industries business in Victoria, with practical, step-by-step guidance. You’ll find a clear overview of the six requirements you’ll need to meet, plus what permits and licenses to apply for, typical costs, and a realistic timeline from registration to launch. It’s designed to be approachable, actionable, and tailored to British Columbia’s regulatory landscape.
In this guide, you’ll learn exactly what the six requirements cover and how to navigate them: evaluating zoning and venue suitability, securing provincial gaming approvals, obtaining municipal permits, and aligning with safety, security, and financial reporting standards. You’ll also get a practical sense of costs—start-up fees, ongoing licenses, and compliance costs—and a realistic timeline from filing to your first day of operations.
Victoria’s thriving tourism scene, attractive venues, and community-focused business climate make it a solid fit for launching entertainment-focused ventures. With clear local guidance and a straightforward permit process, you can move from idea to launch efficiently while staying compliant and customer-focused.
Requirements Overview
Starting a gambling-related business in Victoria, BC requires several official registrations and licenses. The core items you’ll need are a Business Number (BN) registration with the Canada Revenue Agency, a local Business Licence from the City of Victoria, and BC Business Name Registration if you’re operating as a sole proprietorship or partnership. These registrations are mandatory to legally operate, and you cannot run your business without them. Getting these in place sets the foundation for everything else you’ll need to do.
Beyond the basics, you’ll handle mandatory operational requirements that keep people safe and compliant. This includes health and safety obligations and obtaining any necessary permits for your specific activities. A key part of this is WorkSafeBC coverage and registration to ensure your workers are protected and that you’re meeting provincial workplace safety laws. Grouping these items under operational readiness helps you plan a compliant start-up rather than chasing multiple scattered tasks.
For registration and tax, you’ll align business and tax numbers in one smooth flow. This means completing BN registration, BC Business Name Registration for partnerships or sole proprietorship under a name other than your own, and registering for GST/HST with the Canada Revenue Agency when you meet the revenue threshold. If you have employees, you’ll also handle Payroll Deductions registration. WorkSafeBC coverage often ties into this phase as well, ensuring you’re properly insured as you grow.
Next steps: map out a simple action plan and start contacting the right offices. Check with the City of Victoria for your business licence, register or confirm your BC business name, set up your BN with the CRA, and complete GST/HST and payroll registrations as needed. With these essentials in place, you’ll move from setup to steady, compliant operation with more confidence and clarity.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a other gambling industries in Victoria:
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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 Victoria. Apply to City of Victoria 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 Victoria 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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