Lottery Licences

"A lottery is a scheme where you offer a chance to win a prize for a fee."

• Municipality of North Perth - Licensing of Lottery Schemes (Rates By-Law Schedule "C") (PDF)
• Lottery licenses (Bingo/Raffle/Nevada) are approved and issued to eligible organizations.

What is "charitable gaming" and how is it regulated in Ontario?

"Charitable gaming: refers to lottery schemes permitted by a licence under the Criminal Code (Canada). Typically these may include bingos, raffles, break open tickets and social gaming events held by charitable and religious organizations. Charitable organizations are regulated by licensing policies and the terms and conditions of the licence's issued by the province or municipalities under the authority of an Order-in-Council. The commercial sector of the charitable gaming industry is regulated by the Gaming Control Act, 1992 and Regulations.

Who can get a licence to conduct a lottery scheme?

Canada's Criminal Code permits charitable and religious organizations to conduct a lottery scheme to raise funds pursuant to a licence being issued. Organizations must have a demonstrated charitable or religious mandate to qualify. 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;
4. other charitable purposed beneficial to the community.

Determination of Eligibility:

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 before being considered eligible for lottery licences.
• The organization must have a place of business in Ontario, demonstrate that it is established to provide charitable services in Ontario and use proceeds for objects or purposes which benefit Ontario residents.

Application Forms for lottery licences and their Terms & Conditions can be obtained from the Clerk's Office or on line at The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) web site.

Related Documents:

• Lottery License Fees (Rates By-law 24-2006 Schedule "C") - (PDF)

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