January 7, 2026

Who is TGC? – getting to know casino licensing bodies

In the world of online casinos, a licence is more than a legal formality – it’s your first line of defence as a player. A strong regulator checks that games are fair, players’ money is handled correctly, and operators follow rules on anti-money laundering and responsible gambling.

The Tobique Gaming Commission (TGC) is one of the newest names in this space. Based in Tobique First Nation (Neqotkuk) in New Brunswick, Canada, it was created to license and regulate remote gambling from within the Nation’s sovereign territory.

For operators, a Casino TGC license offers a relatively fast, cost-effective way to launch or expand an online casino brand globally. For players, seeing the TGC seal on an online casino shows that an external authority is overseeing how that casino runs its business, rather than the operator simply regulating itself.

What is TCG

TGC sits at the heart of Tobique First Nation’s modern gaming and regulatory strategy.

Over several decades, the Tobique First Nation has been involved in land-based gaming on its territory, through venues such as a local casino and bingo operations. The community later moved into online regulation by creating the Tobique Gaming Commission as the authority responsible for licensing online gambling in the territory.

TGC is a very new regulator in global terms, with remote licences only recently appearing on casino and B2B websites. That makes it an emerging name compared to long-established authorities in Europe and elsewhere, but it also means its rules and processes have been built with the modern online gambling market in mind.

Importantly, TGC is a regulator, not a casino brand. It sets rules, issues licences and oversees compliance. At the same time, Tobique First Nation as a whole benefits from gaming activity that takes place under its laws, including both land-based and remote operations. That combination – a sovereign First Nation with its own regulator and economic benefit from gaming – is relatively unique in the global licensing landscape.

In short, TGC is the independent authority that grants the Casino TGC license and monitors whether license holders live up to its rules.

Online Casino Licensing by TGC

TGC focuses on remote and online gambling, with a licensing framework that aims to be clear and efficient for international iGaming operators.

Types of TGC licences

While terminology can vary between advisors, you will typically see three broad licensing categories:

B2C remote gaming licence – for online casinos and sportsbooks that deal directly with players (slots, table games, live dealer, sports betting, bingo, lotteries and more).
B2B software licence – for game suppliers, platforms and aggregators providing casino or sports betting software to operators.
Vendor or service licences – for payments, risk management and other service providers working with Tobique-licensed operators.

How TGC oversees licence holders

Once licensed, operators are expected to comply with a full set of regulations and codes, including:

a general code of practice (fair gaming, clear player communication, complaint handling)
anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing obligations
a remote gambling AML framework
responsible gambling provisions such as player limits and self-exclusion

TGC provides the regulatory framework and enforcement powers, while specialist advisers and compliance partners often help operators prepare their applications and policies.

Application and approval – the basic journey

The usual path to a Casino TGC license looks roughly like this:

Planning and scoping – deciding which licence type is needed (B2C casino, B2B software, or both) and which markets the operator intends to target.
Company formation – setting up a legal entity and appointing key individuals such as directors and a money laundering reporting officer.
Documentation – preparing a business plan, financial projections, ownership structure, KYC and AML policies, responsible gambling procedures, and technical documentation.
Technical testing – ensuring games and platforms meet TGC’s fairness and security requirements, often via approved test labs.
Regulatory review – the Commission (and any authorised facilitators) review the application, raise queries and, if satisfied, issue the licence.
Ongoing supervision – licence holders file regular reports, maintain their policies and risk controls, and face the risk of warnings, suspension or revocation for serious breaches.

Because the framework is new and relatively streamlined, many advisors view TGC as faster to work with than some older regulators, particularly for remote-only operations.

What Does TGC Regulate?

TGC’s remit covers a broad range of remote gambling activities, across both B2C and B2B:

Online casinos – video slots, table games, live dealer games and instant win titles
Sports betting – online sports wagering and related markets
Poker, bingo and lotteries – where offered under a TGC licence
Gaming platforms and software – via B2B licences for platform providers and studios

Beyond products, TGC also regulates key compliance areas such as:

game testing and fairness
secure handling of player funds and segregated accounts where applicable
AML monitoring, reporting and customer due diligence
protection of minors and vulnerable players
responsible gambling tools, including self-exclusion and player-imposed limits

The emphasis is on creating a framework that protects consumers and the integrity of gambling, while still allowing licensed operators to run commercially viable businesses.

Advantages of a TGC-Licensed Casino

From a player standpoint, a Casino TGC license acts as a quality signal. It does not magically make a casino perfect, but it does mean the operator has been checked, approved and remains under ongoing supervision.

Benefits for players

Independent oversight – TGC monitors licence holders and can sanction operators that break the rules.
Public verification – TGC maintains a public list of licensed companies and domains, allowing you to confirm whether a brand is genuinely authorised.
Safer gambling tools – TGC encourages limits on deposits, losses and session time, as well as self-exclusion options that help players control their activity.
Structured complaint route – if a dispute cannot be resolved directly with the casino, there is a path to escalate concerns to the regulator.

Benefits for operators

Faster, modern licensing – as a newer regime, TGC aims to be efficient and business-friendly, with approval times often shorter than some legacy regulators.
Cost-effective option – fees and ongoing costs are generally competitive compared with more established licensing hubs.
One umbrella framework – B2C casino, sportsbook and B2B services can often sit under the same regulatory umbrella, simplifying group structures.

The trade-off is that TGC is still building its name. It does not yet carry the same weight everywhere as older regulators, which can affect access to certain markets or payment providers.

How to Check if a Casino is TGC-Licensed

If you land on an online casino that claims to hold a Casino TGC license, it is worth taking a moment to verify the claim. Here’s how:

Check the footer for the TGC logo or Tobique Shield-Legitimate Tobique-licensed sites typically display a logo or shield in the website footer, alongside licensing information.
Click the seal-When you click the logo or shield, it should open an external validator page specific to that casino and its operating company. This page confirms whether the domain is covered by a valid licence.
Read the licence details-On the validator page, you should see the company’s name, licence status, licence type (for example, B2C or B2B), and sometimes the licence expiry date. These details should match what the casino states in its own terms and conditions.
Cross-check with the public licence holders list-The TGC website includes a public list of licence holders, including both numbered entities and named companies, along with the domains assigned to them. If a brand does not appear on that list, or the domains do not match, treat its claims with caution.
Look out for warning lists-TGC also publishes information about fraudulent sites that misuse its logo or attempt to imitate its validator. If the brand you are considering appears on such a list, it is a clear red flag.

Following these steps only takes a minute but can make a big difference to how safe your next session at an online casino feels.

TGC Compared to Other Global Licensing Bodies

When operators decide where to license their online casinos, TGC now sits alongside more established authorities such as the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) and the regulators in Curaçao.

UKGC (United Kingdom)

Strengths: Very strong consumer protection, strict affordability checks, detailed technical standards and tough enforcement on AML and social responsibility. Highly trusted by banks and mainstream payment methods.
Weaknesses: High regulatory burden and taxes, making it expensive and complex for many operators, especially those targeting only international markets.

MGA (Malta Gaming Authority)

Strengths: Long track record, EU-based, and widely trusted. Offers a well-developed framework for multiple gambling verticals with solid player protection.
Weaknesses: Higher set-up and ongoing costs than many newer offshore regulators, as well as longer application processes.

Curaçao

Strengths: Traditionally, one of the most accessible offshore options, with relatively low costs and flexible structures. Recent reforms are strengthening supervision and clarity.
Weaknesses: Historic reputation for lighter-touch oversight, and a transition period as old master licences are replaced by new structures.

TGC Compared to Other Global Licensing Bodies

Compared with long-standing regulators like the UK Gambling Commission, Malta Gaming Authority and Curaçao, TGC is a newer, more streamlined option focused on remote gambling. It generally offers faster approvals and lower costs than many traditional hubs, but it doesn’t yet have the same global recognition or track record. TGC works best for operators targeting international markets who want modern rules and a clear framework, rather than strict access to heavily regulated countries where local licences are still required.