Licensing
Lottery Licences
Lottery Licensing Requirements
Obtaining a lottery license
Fund-raising is an important financial component for many charitable and not-for profit organizations. The following information will assist those organization's interested in conducting a lottery event. Please note that this information is intended as a guide only and all organizations conducting a lottery event are responsible for ensuring that all events are operated legally and may wish to consult legal counsel before conducting any event.
How do I know if I require a lottery license?
A lottery event may be defined as any event, which has the following three components:
- A prize;
- A chance (to win the prize); and
- Consideration or a fee.
A lottery event exists if money or some other consideration is given for a chance to win a prize.
What kinds of events require a lottery license?
All lottery events require a lottery license in order to be permitted. Lottery events conducted without a license are prohibited by the Criminal Code of Canada. However, there are some games where lottery licenses are not available.
What types of games can a license be issued for?
- Municipalities may issue licenses to charitable organizations for the following events only:
- Bingo events with prize boards up to $5,500;
- Raffles with prizes of up to $50,000;
- Break Open Ticket events;
- Bazaar gaming events; and
- Media Bingo.
What types of games are prohibited?
- Card Tournaments (eg. Poker, Texas Hold'em, Blackjack)
- Dice Games
- Coin Tables
- Wheel Games
- Sports Pools
Only approved charitable organizations are eligible for lottery licenses. Individuals wishing to conduct a lottery event are not eligible for a lottery license. If your charitable organization is interested in applying for a lottery license an eligibility review must first be conducted.
Forms
Request for Eligibility Review
Application to Conduct a Raffle
Application for a Blanket Raffle
Application to Conduct Break Open
Break Open Terms and Conditions
Application to Conduct a Bingo
Application to Conduct a Bazaar
For more information please contact the Clerk's Department
at 519.736.0012.ext. 227.