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Lottery Licences

The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) has delegated the responsibility to issue specific types of lottery licences to municipalities.  This includes bingos, raffles and break open tickets and special occasion gaming events with the following restrictions:

  • 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
  • Paper-based 50/50 draws
  • bazaar lotteries which include: wheels of fortune with a maximum bet of $2, raffles not exceeding $500, and bingo events up to $500

Information on conducting and managing lottery events can be found in the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario’s Lottery Licensing Policy Manual.  This manual provides an outline of the legal and policy framework and administrative procedures for lottery licensing purposes.  A municipality is permitted to attach additional terms and conditions to a licence, provided that they do not conflict with provincial Terms and Conditions or policies.

All lotteries must be conducted and managed in accordance with licensing policies and the terms and conditions of the licences.  This includes fulfilling all prescribed reporting requirements.

 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 prerequisites 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.

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 licensee becomes responsible for the conduct and management of the lottery event.  

The licensed 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.

Land Acknowledgement

We recognize the traditional keepers of this land and, specifically our neighbours of the Alderville First Nation, with a formal territorial acknowledgement.

Welcome to the Gunshot Treaty Lands of 1788. It is on these lands and on the shores of the big lake, the Mississauga Anishinabeg met with the Crown to facilitate the opening of these lands for
settlement.

Let us be reminded of the responsibility we all have in making sure that we respect these lands and waters that give us life and sustain our livelihoods.

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