Lottery Licenses

 In simple terms, a lottery may be defined as any scheme that has the following three components:

• a prize;
• a chance (to win the prize); and
• consideration or a fee. 

Therefore, a lottery exists if money is paid or some other consideration is given for a chance to win a prize.

 Only eligible charitable and religious organizations may raise funds through lottery events.  The courts have determined that the term “charitable” refers to organizations which provide programs for:

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

Each application is unique. Determinations of eligibility will depend on the specific organization and its proposed use of proceeds.  

If you have any questions contact the Lottery Licensing Officer. 

 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.

When an organization applies for a lottery licence, the following documents or information are required by the municipality so that eligibility can be reviewed:

• Incorporation Papers (Letters Patent)
• Constitution and By-Laws
• Notification of Charitable Registration (Canada Customs and Revenue Agency) (if applicable)
• The most recent Registered Charity Information Return & Public Information Return, as submitted to Canada Customs and Revenue Agency (if applicable)
• Financial Statement for Previous Fiscal Year (audited, where applicable)
• Detailed outline of all programs/services provided in the previous year and specific costs incurred in delivery
• Detailed outline of all programs/service currently provided and specific costs incurred in delivery
• The current operating budget
• Current listing of the Board of Directors
• Any other information that will assist in determining the charitable nature of the objects and purposes. This could include an annual report, correspondence relating to its charitable number for income-tax purposes, and confirmation that it meets the reporting requirements of the Charities Accounting Act 

While an organization may not have all of these documents, applicants are to provide as much of the above list as possible.  Additional documentation may be required. 

Complete this questionnaire to begin the document review process.

There are different applications and terms and conditions for each lottery licence which are included below.  Applicants must comply with the respective Terms and Conditions.

• Application to Manage and Conduct a Raffle & Raffle Licence Terms and Conditions
• Break Open Ticket Licence Application &  Break Open Ticket Licence Terms and Conditions
• Application to Manage and Conduct a Blanket Raffle Lottery &  Blanket Raffle Licence Terms and Conditions
• Application to Manage and Conduct a Bingo Lottery &  Regular and Special Bingo Licence Terms and Conditions.

Once the application is complete it is to be submitted to the Municipal Office.

Applications are to be submitted a minimum of 30 days prior to any lottery event to allow sufficient time for the application to be reviewed and processed. 

When a lottery licence is issued, the licencee becomes responsible for the conduct and management of the lottery event.  

The licenced organization must perform the following general administrative functions:

• Set up and maintain a separate lottery trust account(s)
• Distribute lottery proceeds by individual cheques and only for the approved purposes;
• reconcile all receipts and deposit all receipts into the designated lottery trust account;
• keep all necessary records;
• prepare the lottery financial report and include relevant bank statements, copies of all cheques (disbursements) and expense receipts.  The report and supporting documentation is to be submitted to the licensing authority within 30 days of the event; and
• communicating with the licensing authority;
• maintain a list of Designated Members in Charge to oversee the conduct and management of the lottery event.

The use of lottery proceeds must be consistent with the primary objects and purposes of the organization and of a charitable nature consistent with at least one of the four classifications of charitable purposes.  Eligible uses of the proceeds must be:

• In themselves charitable and advance the charitable objectives and purposes of the organization
• Used for the direct delivery of the charitable objectives or purposes of the organization
• Directed toward specific segments of the Ontario community or residents of Ontario with a common need.

The eligible use of proceeds is determined on a case by case basis.  Contact the Lottery Licensing Officer if you have any questions on eligible use.

Organization Information

Designated Members in Charge

AGCO Forms:

Application to Manage and Conduct a Raffle

Raffle Report

Break Open Ticket Licence Application

Break Open Ticket Lottery Report

Application to Manage and Conduct a Blanket Raffle Lottery

Blanket Raffle Report

Application to Manage and Conduct a Bingo Lottery 

Bingo Report