Lottery Licences

A lottery is a game or method of raising funds for public charitable purposes. A lottery event has the following three components:

• a prize
• a chance to win the prize
• a fee or consideration (direct or indirect)

To qualify for a lottery licence, the organization must be an eligible "charitable organization" or a non-profit organization with charitable purposes or objects.

In order to determine if an organization is eligible for a lottery licence, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) uses the following four (4) charitable classifications as set out below:

1. Relief of Poverty
2. Advancement of Education
3. Advancement of Religion
4. Other charitable purposes beneficial to the community

The following pre-requisites are mandatory to be considered eligible for a lottery licence:

• Organizations must have been in existence for at least one (1) year
• The organization must have a place of business in Ontario
• The organization must demonstrate that it is established to provide charitable services in Ontario and use proceeds for objects or purposes which benefit Ontario residents

Application for Licensing Eligibility

Individuals and for-profit groups cannot conduct lotteries. This may include but is not limited to:

• Adult hobby groups
• Adult sports teams/clubs
• Political parties/lobby groups
• Social clubs
• Professional associations, unions or employee groups
• Elected representative groups including municipal, regional, provincial and federal governments
• Government ministries, agents or bodies
• Private sports clubs (i.e. golf/curling)

The types of lottery games allowed to be conducted by approved groups are outlined in the Lottery Licensing Policy Manual published by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario. Each type of licensed lottery is governed by a specific set of rules known as Terms and Conditions. 

Bingo

Bingo is a game of chance where players are awarded a prize for being the first to complete a specified arrangement of numbers on bingo paper, based on numbers selected at random.

Currently, the following types of bingo events may be licensed in Ontario:

• Regular Bingo
• Super Jackpot Bingo
• Special Bingo
• Merchandise Bingo
• Media Bingo
• Decision Bingo
• Table Board Bingo
• Progressive Bingo

OLG Bingo Permit Application

Break Open Tickets/Nevada

“Break open tickets” are instant-win lottery tickets, commonly known as “pull tab” or “Nevada” tickets and the brand name “Pocket Slots.” Break open tickets:

• are made of cardboard;
• have one or more perforated cover window tabs that conceal winning and losing numbers or symbols;
• are played by tearing off the cover tabs; and
• include seal cards and bingo event tickets

Break Open Ticket Licence Application

Break Open Terms & Conditions

Raffle

A raffle is a lottery scheme where tickets are sold for a chance to win a prize in a draw. The different types of raffle schemes are usually identified by the method of determining the winner. Raffle prizes may consist of merchandise or cash, or a combination of the two.

Currently, the following types of raffle events may be licensed in Ontario:

• Stub Draw
• Elimination Draw
• Calendar Draw
• Golf Ball Drop
• Rubber Duck Race
• 50/50 Draw
• Blanket Raffle Licence
• Meat Spin/Turkey Roll
• “Name the Raffle” Lottery
• Bossy Bingo/Cow Patty Bingo
• Auction-Style Raffles
• Electronic Raffles

Raffle Application

Raffle Lottery Terms & Conditions

Any lottery not specifically outlined as "permitted" by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario is prohibited.

Sections 206 and 207 of the Criminal Code of Canada establish the regulatory framework within which games are permitted. Equally, the Criminal Code of Canada establishes prohibited lottery schemes and makes it an indictable offence to conduct a lottery scheme without an appropriate licence. Examples of games that are not licensable and therefore prohibited may include (but are not limited to): 

• Card tournaments (Euchre, Texas Hold'em, Blackjack, etc.)
• Toonie Toss   
• Dice games    
• Raffles by donation    
• Coin tables
• Sports pools   
• Lottery events involving betting         
• Wheel games