1. Introduction and Scope
This document sets out the Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) policy applicable to Starlight Casino New Westminster, located at 350 Gifford Street, New Westminster, BC V3M 7A3, Canada. The casino operates under a provincial gaming license issued in British Columbia and is regulated by the British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC).
Starlight Casino New Westminster is operated as part of the Gateway Casinos and Entertainment Limited network. All compliance obligations described in this document apply to the land-based venue and to all persons who access gaming areas or conduct financial transactions on the premises.
The policy is established in accordance with Canadian federal anti-money laundering legislation, the Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act, and the regulatory requirements of the British Columbia Lottery Corporation. The casino is required by law to implement and maintain procedures that prevent, detect, and report money laundering and terrorist financing activity.
2. Regulatory Framework
Starlight Casino New Westminster operates under the following regulatory authorities:
Regulator | Role
British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC) | Provincial gaming regulator and compliance oversight body
FINTRAC (Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada) | Federal financial intelligence unit receiving mandatory reports
Gateway Casinos and Entertainment Limited | Corporate operator responsible for internal compliance systems
The casino is subject to the Gaming Control Act of British Columbia and all applicable federal financial reporting legislation. Compliance with BCLC directives is mandatory for the continued operation of the venue.
3. Know Your Customer (KYC) Requirements
3.1 Mandatory Identification for Entry
BCLC requires mandatory identification for entry into British Columbia casinos. All persons seeking access to gaming areas at Starlight Casino New Westminster are subject to identity verification. Acceptable identification must be government-issued, current, and include a photograph.
3.2 Identity Verification Thresholds
The following thresholds trigger formal identity verification procedures at the venue:
Transaction Type | Threshold | Verification Required
Single-day buy-in (any form) | $3,000 CAD or more | Government-issued photo ID required
Cash, bank draft, or certified cheque buy-in | $10,000 CAD or more in a 24-hour period | Source-of-funds declaration required
Persons who decline to provide required identification or source-of-funds documentation will be refused service for the relevant transaction. The casino reserves the right to refuse or terminate any transaction where identity cannot be confirmed to the required standard.
3.3 Age Verification
Identity verification also serves to confirm that all persons accessing gaming areas meet the minimum legal age requirement under British Columbia law. Persons who cannot demonstrate compliance with the applicable age requirement will be denied access to gaming areas.
4. Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Procedures
4.1 Transaction Monitoring
BCLC operates a transaction monitoring system that covers all casino venues in British Columbia, including Starlight Casino New Westminster. This system is used to monitor, investigate, and identify transactions that may indicate suspicious financial activity. The casino contributes to and cooperates with this monitoring framework as required by its operating license.
4.2 Suspicious Transaction Reporting
Where there are reasonable grounds to suspect that a transaction is connected to money laundering or terrorist financing, the casino is required to file a Suspicious Transaction Report with FINTRAC. This obligation applies regardless of the amount involved and regardless of whether the transaction was completed or only attempted.
Grounds for suspicion may include but are not limited to:
- Unusual patterns of cash exchange or chip redemption
- Transactions structured to remain below reporting thresholds
- Inability or refusal to explain the source of funds
- Conduct inconsistent with the stated purpose of a visit
4.3 Large Cash Transaction Reporting
Casino disbursements exceeding $10,000 CAD are reported to FINTRAC, including the identity of the ultimate beneficiary. This reporting obligation applies to all qualifying transactions conducted at the venue. Effective October 1, 2025, BCLC reports all such casino disbursements to FINTRAC in accordance with updated federal requirements.
4.4 Record Retention
The casino maintains records of identity verification, transaction data, and compliance reports in accordance with the retention periods specified under applicable federal and provincial legislation. These records may be disclosed to FINTRAC, BCLC, or law enforcement authorities as required by law.
5. Customer Obligations
Persons conducting transactions at Starlight Casino New Westminster are required to:
- Present valid government-issued photo identification upon request
- Provide a source-of-funds declaration when a transaction meets or exceeds the applicable threshold
- Cooperate with identity verification procedures at any point during their visit
- Refrain from structuring transactions in a manner intended to avoid reporting obligations
Failure to comply with any of the above obligations may result in refusal of service, termination of a transaction, or reporting to the relevant authority.
6. Privacy and Data Handling
Personal information collected during KYC and AML procedures is processed in accordance with the Gateway Casinos and Entertainment Limited Privacy Policy. Information collected for compliance purposes may be shared with BCLC, FINTRAC, and other regulatory or law enforcement bodies as required by applicable law. Individuals may direct privacy-related inquiries to the designated Privacy Officer.
Privacy Officer contact: [email protected]
7. Contact Information
For compliance-related inquiries or to request further information regarding this policy, the following contacts are available:
- General inquiries: [email protected]
- Phone: 604-777-2946
- Group and venue inquiries: [email protected]
- Group phone: 778-828-6685
Starlight Casino New Westminster operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. The venue is located at 350 Gifford Street, New Westminster, BC V3M 7A3, Canada.
8. Policy Updates
This policy is subject to amendment in response to changes in applicable legislation, BCLC directives, or FINTRAC guidance. The current version of this policy governs all transactions and interactions at the venue from the date of its implementation. Persons with questions regarding recent amendments should contact the venue directly using the contact details provided in Section 7.