Regulatory Framework
The legal and regulatory structure that governs gaming operations on Six Nations of the Grand River Territory, establishing the rules, standards, and oversight that ensure integrity, accountability, and protection of the community.
The Six Nations Gambling Control Directive and Regulations, known as “the Ordinance,” is the primary legal instrument through which the Six Nations Gaming Commission (SNGC) exercises its regulatory mandate. Accepted under enabling resolution ICGC#98/01/31/2017, the Ordinance became effective on April 1, 2017. Following a formal review in January 2019, the document remains a working instrument under active revision as of May 2025 to ensure it continues to meet the evolving needs of the community.
The Ordinance establishes a comprehensive framework for Licensing and Eligibility, defining the specific individuals and entities permitted to hold a license and the conditions under which they may operate. It mandates rigorous suitability assessments and background investigations for key employees, management officials, and vendors to ensure that only those possessing proven character, honesty, and integrity participate in the territory’s gaming activities.
For Operations and Conduct, the Ordinance dictates how licensed gaming must be managed to maintain public trust. This includes strict requirements for internal financial controls and the technical certification of all gaming devices to preserve the fairness of play. It further enforces comprehensive security and safety standards alongside conflict-of-interest policies designed to protect patrons and prevent any corruption or undue influence within the gaming operations.
For Enforcement and Accountability, the Ordinance empowers the Commission to maintain jurisdictional integrity through continuous monitoring and formal investigative procedures. The Commission is authorized to conduct formal investigations, demand documentation, and issue disciplinary sanctions—including license suspensions or civil fines—for any violations of the regulations. These oversight measures ensure that all operations remain transparent and strictly compliant with the standards of the Six Nations.
Ordinance Section Summary
General Provisions
Sets out the general and administrative provisions of the regulations, including the authority of the Commission, the enforceability and scope of the regulations, the means of amendment, and guidelines for interpretation.
Definitions
Lists definitions of terms used throughout the document, including a comprehensive glossary of gaming terminology used industry-wide, built to anticipate the evolution of this and any associated documents.
General Regulations Regarding Gaming Operation
Aims to maintain honesty, security, integrity and fair play in the operations of a gaming facility and establishes regulations, rules, and requirements for operating a gaming or gaming-related facility on Six Nations land — covering age requirements, marketing, responsible gaming, internal controls, reporting and audit requirements, testing controls, and AML controls.
Investigations and Incident Reporting
Outlines the requirement that gaming operators establish uniform, standardized methods for formatting, writing, investigating, routing, and filing incident reports and a protocol for sharing those reports. This policy must be transparent and be designed to promote honesty, integrity and fair play in the gaming environment. At a minimum, the policy and control mechanisms used must be approved by the Commission, regularly reviewed and evaluated. In addition, this section outlines the policy objectives and powers of the Commission to investigate gaming operators and licensees.
Licensing
Details the regulations, requirements, and policy for the approach, treatment and oversight of all things related to the licensing of any and all Six Nation Gaming Activities. In this section you will find the different categories and the application requirements for Gaming License Applicants.
Barred, Self-Exclusion, and Excluded Persons
Sets forth a standardized process and guidelines for the barring of, and the temporary and long-term exclusion of persons from a Gaming Operation.
Gaming Devices
Describes the procedural requirements for the procurement, testing, certification, installation, and maintenance of Gaming Devices. It also introduces guidelines on the access to the interior of certain devices and maintenance of the same. Overall, this section sets the requirements for handling certain devices that are considered to be a Gaming Devices.
Transaction Reporting
Establishes requirements for a Gaming Operation to ensure compliance with the Internal reporting controls regarding financial transaction reporting. All gaming transactions must be governed by a system of internal controls approved by the Commission.
Non-Patron Visitors to Gaming Operations
Provides guidelines for the control and accountability of unlicensed persons visiting a Six Nations gaming facility for personal or business purposes, which are outside of entertainment.
Security and Safety
Any Six Nations gaming facility shall be constructed, operated and maintained in a manner, which adequately protects the environment, as well as the health and safety of patrons and employees. This section sets out the minimum guidelines and requirements to provide that protection.
Conflict of Interest Policy
Paramount to the Commissions goal to preserve honesty, integrity and fairness, in both the actual and perceived reality of Six Nations Gaming, is the ability to ensure that operations are free from corruptive influences. This section prescribes guidelines aimed at protecting the integrity of gaming from corruption and undue influence.
Other Internal Control Standards
Outlines other Internal Control requirements. It acts in conjunction with the internal control standards discussed in earlier sections. This section focuses on internal controls that have to do with money management, accounting and auditing the same.
Variance
Provides the discretionary authority to the Gaming Commission to allow an approved variance of a regulatory responsibility when certain conditions are met.
Information Technology
Sets out the guidelines and requirements of a licensee’s responsibility in handling IT concerns. Such as hardware, software, information transmission and storage. It ensures safeguards are put in place to protect the honesty, integrity and security of the activity in question.
Licensing Rules and
Procedures
All gaming operations within the Six Nations of the Grand River Territory require a license issued by the Six Nations Gaming Commission before any activity begins. The following rules govern eligibility, application, and conduct.
Eligible Organizations
Non-profit charitable organizations may be licensed to operate or sponsor a gaming operation. Eligible purposes include: relief of poverty, advancement of education, advancement of religion, health, public amenities, or other purposes beneficial to the community. Organizations engaged in professional or semi-professional sport are not eligible as sponsoring organizations. Priority is given to Six Nations of the Grand River minor sports organizations and community groups. Off-territory organizations must prove Six Nations of the Grand River membership. Adult organizations and organizations representing other First Nations are not eligible for the Bingo Sponsorship Program.
The Commission shall meet with the representatives of sponsoring organizations at least once a year. All organizations must announce the winner of any game in a public and predetermined manner. Gaming proceeds may be spent outside of Six Nations Territory provided the Commission deems that such expenditure benefits the community or members of Six Nations. Gaming proceeds cannot be used to set up an organization.
License Requirements
All licenses issued by the Commission must be in writing, signed by at least two members of the Commission, and include the date of issue. A license must be posted prominently at the location where gaming is conducted. All advertising must include the licensee’s name and license number. Gaming proceeds may only be used for purposes specified in the license application and approved by the Commission. Any change to approved purposes requires prior written authorization from the Commission.
Prize Rules
All advertised prizes must be secured before gaming begins. Prizes must not be less than 20% of total gross ticket sales. Prizes may be cash or merchandise. Alcohol may not be offered as a prize and may not be served at any gaming event.
Application Requirements
Applications must include: a completed application form, payment of the applicable license fee, a budget for the organization, an audited financial statement for the preceding year (if applicable), a current constitution or mandate, an executive listing, and a Six Nations member listing. Two unrelated signing authorities are required. Signing officers must be bona fide members of the organization, and not related by blood, marriage, or common law.
Incomplete applications will be returned with a notice of deficiency.
To apply, contact Melanie Bomberry, Commission Coordinator —
coordinator@sixnationsgaming.ca — 905-765-1490.