License Name
Gambling Control Authority Casino and Gambling License
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Issuing Country/Region
Samoa
Regulatory Body
https://gca.gov.ws
Types of Regulated Games
Casinos, lotteries, totalisator betting, bingo, telecommunications gaming, sales promotions
Market Coverage
Local
Regulator's Reputation
Average
Legal Entity Requirements
Company registration in Samoa is necessary
Directors and Shareholders Requirements
Suitability of directors, shareholders, and key influencers—requires background checks and disclosures
Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Requirements
Compliance with AML/CFT legislation and due diligence, including financial and personal history checks on key personnel
Reporting Requirements
Annual audited financial reporting, disclosure of licensee details, and updates on any changes to license conditions
Audit Requirements
Mandatory audits and retention of financial records
Software Certification Requirements
Gaming equipment, machines, and software must be approved by the Authority
Payment System Requirements
The Authority approves equipment and suppliers, including payment solutions
Server Location Requirements
Casinos restricted to hotel-casino complexes as specified in license
Domain Name Requirements
Not specified in legislation
Language Support Requirements
Not specified in legislation
Currency Support Requirements
Not specified in legislation
Background Checks
Mandatory background, financial, and police report checks on applicants, directors, and persons of significant influence
License Scope Restrictions
Limit of two casino licenses in total for Samoa; no gambling by minors under age 21; casino gaming restricted to foreign passport holders staying at approved hotels
Jurisdictional Tax Compliance
Exemption from income tax for prize winnings in national lotto; general compliance with Samoa tax laws
Player Data Storage Requirements
Not specified in legislation
License Application Transparency
Minister and Authority may publicly invite expressions of interest; granted licenses reported in annual public report
Regulatory Contact Point
Chief Executive Officer of the Gambling Control Authority
Compliance Officer Requirement
Not expressly stated, but responsible personnel required
Local Partnership Requirements
Casino license applications must comply with Authority terms; partnership with hotel-casino complexes
Legal Dispute Resolution
Samoa courts, Authority regulatory actions, right to Ministerial appeal for certain refusals
License Transferability
Assignment or transfer void without Minister’s consent upon Authority’s recommendation
Sub-Licensing Rules
Not specified in legislation
License Cost
Casino license fee payable to Authority; fee for expressions of interest required
Annual Fees
Annual license and commission fees payable as set by Authority
Application Processing Time
Not specified in legislation
Required Documents
Application form, authorized purpose statement, supporting documents for applicant and key individuals as set by Authority
Business Plan Requirements
Sufficient business management and financial plans required; evaluation of applicant’s qualifications, experience, and capital resources
Internal Policy Requirements
Responsible gambling and consumer protection obligations
Testing Requirements
Authority approval of gaming machines and equipment; technical compliance reviewed by Authority
Responsible Gaming Measures
Prohibition on gambling by minors (under 21), promotion of responsible gaming, enforcement of player exclusion
Self-Exclusion System
Exclusion of persons from casino as ordered by Authority; casino must keep exclusion list
Age Verification Procedures
Mandatory verification; gambling not allowed for persons under 21
KYC Procedures
Identification under anti-money laundering, personal background and financial checks
Complaint Handling Procedures
Complaints reviewed by Authority; mechanisms in place for investigation and appeals within GCA
Player Funds Protection
Casino required to maintain accounts as supervised by Authority
Permitted Games List
Limited to authorized casino games, totalisator, lotteries, bingo, approved telecommunications games
Betting Limits
Set by Authority per license and class of gambling
License Duration
Casino license remains in force until expiration date specified unless affected by surrender or cancellation
Renewal Procedure
Renewal subject to Authority approval and payment of applicable fees
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Fines, suspension, or cancellation of license for breaches, plus criminal penalties for offenses
Ownership Change Rules
Minister's consent required for any assignment or encumbrance of license rights
Subcontractor Regulations
Approval or disallowance of suppliers by the Authority
Branding Requirements
Not specified in legislation
Dispute Arbitration
Disputes may be referred to Authority; appeals procedure for certain decisions
Official Address
Gambling Control Authority, Samoa
Departments
Board of the Authority (includes Chairperson, Attorney General, CEO of Ministry of Finance, nominated legal, business, and community representatives)
FAQ Question 1
What is Gambling Control Authority Casino and Gambling License?
FAQ Answer 1
The license authorizes regulated casino, lottery, and certain online gaming activities in Samoa under the Gambling Control Authority and Casino and Gambling Control Act 2010. If not available: Information not found in publicly available sources.
FAQ Question 2
Which jurisdiction issues Gambling Control Authority Casino and Gambling License?
FAQ Answer 2
The Gambling Control Authority of Samoa issues this license under the Casino and Gambling Control Act 2010. If not available: Information not found in publicly available sources.
FAQ Question 3
What is the cost of obtaining Gambling Control Authority Casino and Gambling License?
FAQ Answer 3
Fees for expression of interest, casino licenses, and annual commissions are payable; specific amounts set by the Gambling Control Authority. If not available: Information not found in publicly available sources.
FAQ Question 4
What are the main requirements for Gambling Control Authority Casino and Gambling License?
FAQ Answer 4
Applicants must be suitable, submit to background checks, comply with financial and management standards, operate in accordance with regulations, and pay all required fees. If not available: Information not found in publicly available sources.