Lottery Licences

Lottery schemes allowed under the Criminal Code of Canada include:

• Bazaars
• Bingos (With prize boards of up to $5,500)
• Break Open Tickets
• Raffles (With total prizes of $50,000 and under)
• 50/50 Draws.

**Please note that you cannot get a license for any lottery event to be held at a Stag and Doe. Check the AGCO website for specific information on those type of lottery schemes. 

The Alcohol & Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) regulations state that lottery licenses can only issued to charitable organizations. To qualify as a "charitable" organization, the organization must have a demonstrated charitable or religious mandate. The Courts have determined that the term "charitable" refers to organizations, which provide programs for:

1. The relief of poverty
2. The advancement of education;
3. The advancement of religion; or 
4. Other purposes beneficial to the community.

Some examples are:

• Churches and their affiliated groups
• Service Clubs, e.g. Kinsmen, Lions, Optimist, etc.
• Schools; Nursery Schools, Elementary and High Schools and various school organizations -- sports teams, bands, etc.

Note: Only one group will be licensed per school.

• Museums and Galleries (excluding private facilities)
• Health and Special Needs Organizations; Heart & Stroke, Cancer Society, Hospital Foundations, etc.
• Youth Groups; Minor Sports Teams, Choirs, Scouts, Guides etc.

It should be noted that organizations must have been in existence for at least one (1) year before being considered for lottery licenses. 

The following organizations ARE NOT eligible:

• Unions or employee groups
• Professional associations
• Political Parties or Action Groups
• Government Agencies or Bodies
• Business Associations
• Chamber of Commerce
• Social or Private Sport Clubs
• Adult recreational hobby or sporting teams.

Money raised by lotteries must fall within one of following four (4) charitable purpose categories:

1. Relief of poverty
2. Advancement of education
3. Advancement of Religion
4. Other charitable purposes beneficial to the community such as: culture and arts, health and welfare, enhancement of public safety, enhancement of youth, youth sports where the majority of players are under 18 years of age and service clubs.

• Copy of incorporation papers/letters patent, if applicable
• Copy of notification of charitable registration (Revenue Canada)
• Copy of constitution and by-laws
• Copy of financial statements for the previous year (Audited where applicable)
• Copy of budget for the current year
• Copy of previous  board minutes
• Copies of charitable returns to the Canada Revenue Agency for the previous calendar year
• List of Board of Directors
• Detailed outline of charitable programs/services provided
• Details outlining proposed use of lottery proceeds
• Application package must show that the total value of the prices to be awarded is no less than 20% of the gross proceeds from the sale of all tickets printed
• Sample of proposed ticket/stub
• If any prize is over $500: must include copies of receipts/invoices etc. pertaining to that prize.

The cost of a lottery licence is 3% of the total prize value.  This is due upon receipt of your lottery licence.