Lottery Licences

The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) regulates charitable gaming and lottery licensing in Ontario. The AGCO has delegated authority to municipalities to issue certain types of lottery licences to eligible charitable and religious organizations.

A lottery licence may be required for events such as raffles, bingos, break open ticket sales, and certain bazaar gaming events. Lottery proceeds must be used for eligible charitable purposes and all lottery events must be conducted and managed in accordance with provincial legislation, AGCO policies, and the terms and conditions of the licence.

Lottery Licences Issued by the Township

The Township may issue lottery licences for certain eligible events, including:

• bingo events with prize boards of up to $5,500;
• media bingo events with prizes up to $5,500;
• break open tickets for local organizations;
• raffle lotteries with total prizes of $50,000 and under;
• paper-based 50/50 draws; and
• bazaar lotteries, including:
  • wheels of fortune with a maximum bet of $2;
  • raffles not exceeding $500; and
  • bingo events with prizes up to $500.

Some lottery licences must be issued directly by the AGCO, including certain electronic raffles and lottery events that exceed municipal licensing authority.

Eligibility

Lottery licences may only be issued to eligible charitable or religious organizations. Organizations must demonstrate that they are established to provide charitable services and that lottery proceeds will be used for eligible charitable purposes.

For lottery licensing purposes, charitable purposes generally fall within one or more of the following categories:

• the relief of poverty;
• the advancement of education;
• the advancement of religion; or
• other charitable purposes beneficial to the community.

Organizations are encouraged to contact the Clerk department before submitting an application to confirm eligibility and licensing requirements.

Groups That Are Generally Not Eligible

The following types of groups are generally not eligible for lottery licensing:

• social clubs;
• professional associations, unions, and employee groups;
• elected representatives;
• government ministries, agencies, or bodies;
• political lobby groups;
• political parties;
• adult hobby groups;
• private sport clubs, such as golf or curling clubs; and
• adult sports teams.

This list is not exhaustive. Eligibility is determined based on the organization’s structure, purposes, activities, and proposed use of lottery proceeds

How Eligibility is Determined

To be considered eligible for a lottery licence, an organization must:

• have been in existence for at least one year;
• have a place of business in Ontario;
• demonstrate that it is established to provide charitable services in Ontario; and
• use lottery proceeds for objects or purposes that benefit Ontario residents.

Charitable registration or incorporation as a not-for-profit organization does not automatically guarantee eligibility for a lottery licence.

Eligibility Review Requirements

When an organization applies for a lottery licence, the Township may require documents and information to determine whether the organization is eligible. This may include:

• incorporation papers or letters patent;
• constitution and by-laws;
• notification of charitable registration, if applicable;
• the most recent Registered Charity Information Return, if applicable;
• financial statement for the previous fiscal year, audited where applicable;
• a detailed outline of programs and services provided in the previous year, including related costs;
• a detailed outline of current programs and services, including related costs;
• the current operating budget;
• a current list of the Board of Directors; and
• any other information that may assist in determining the charitable nature of the organization’s objects and purposes.

An organization may not have all of the documents listed above. Applicants should provide as much information as possible. Additional documentation may be required as part of the eligibility review.

How to Apply for a Lottery Licence

Before submitting an application, applicants should contact the Township Office to confirm eligibility, licensing requirements, and whether the licence may be issued by the Township or must be issued by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario.

To apply for a lottery licence:

1. Determine the type of lottery event being held, such as a raffle, bingo, break open ticket lottery, or bazaar lottery.
2. Obtain the appropriate application form from the Township Office or access the municipal lottery licence forms through the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario website.
   AGCO Charitable Gaming Forms for Municipalities
3. Complete the application form and submit it to the Township with all required supporting documentation, which may include:
   • a copy of the organization’s articles of incorporation, constitution, or by-laws;
   • a copy of the organization’s budget or financial statements for the previous and current year;
   • information that assists in determining the nature and purpose of the organization, such as an annual report, charitable registration number, or brochure;
   • details of the proposed lottery event, including the date, location, prize structure, and rules;
   • the intended use of lottery proceeds, which must be consistent with the organization’s charitable objects or purposes; and
   • the applicable licence fee.

Reporting Requirements

All licensed lottery events are subject to reporting requirements. Licensees must submit the required lottery report and supporting documentation by the deadline set out in the licence terms and conditions.

AGCO Charitable Gaming Forms for Municipalities

Failure to submit required reports may affect the organization’s ability to obtain future lottery licences.

Fees

Licence fees are based on 3% of the prize value of the lottery scheme.