Lottery Licensing

Municipailities have licensing authority for:

  • 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 for total prizes of $50,000 and under; and
  • bazaar lotteries which include: wheels of fortune with a maximum bet of $2.00, raffles not exceeding $500, and bingo events up to $500.

  • The municipality may attach terms and conditions to a licence, in addition to those established by the province, provided that they do not conflict with provincial Terms and Conditions or policies.

    The municipality may attach terms and conditions to a licence, in addition to those established by the province, provided that they do not conflict with provincial Terms and Conditions or policies.

Your organization may qualify for a lottery license if it provides a charitable service to Ontario residents under one of these categories:

  • Relieve Poverty
  • Advance Religion
  • Advance Education
  • Benefit the Community

The following pre-requisites are mandatory to be considered eligible for a lottery license.

  1. Organizations must have been in existence for at least one (1) year before being considered eligible for lottery licenses.
  2. 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.
  3. Completion of the Application for Licensing Eligibility form.

Lottery licensing refers to lottery schemes permitted by the license under the Criminal Code of Canada. Typically, these may include Bingos, Raffles, Break Open Tickets and social gaming events held by charitable or religious organizations. Licensed Charitable or Religious Organizations must conduct and manage their events in accordance with licensing policies and the terms and conditions of the licenses and fulfill all prescribed reporting requirements. It is illegal to print tickets, promote or conduct a charitable gaming event without a license.

For more information to go to the AGCO WEBSITE and read all the policies and procedures for lotteries.

License Application Checklist

  • Application for Licensing Eligibility form (Required Yearly)
  • License Fee
  • The fee for a Break Open Ticket License is 3% of the total prizes to be awarded. 
  • Completed Application Form
  • Copy of preceding and current operating budget, which includes all sources of revenues and expenses
  • Copy of proposed lottery budget
  • Type and style or styles of tickets to be sold (ticket samples not required)
  • The organization's system for keeping track of sales and inventory
  • A list of bona fide members assisting with the Break Open Ticket administration/sales
  • A copy of the Break Open Ticket Seller Registration must be presented for your file
  • Governing Documents, constitution and/or by-laws, letters patent, charter, trust deed, memorandum of association, signed as required.
  • Detailed Outline of programs/services; What they are, how delivered to clients, specific costs, supporting materials
  • Organization's Current operating budget
  • Organization's verified financial statements for the last fiscal year (Required Yearly)
  • List of the Board of Directors (Required Yearly)
  • Membership list (if applicable)
  • Organization's Annual Report (if applicable)
  • Latest Report to the Public Guardian and Trustee (if applicable)
  • Revenue Canada notification of registration letter (If Registered)