The East Algoma Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) would like to remind organizers of the laws pertaining to raffles, lotteries and licencing requirements.
Planning a holiday raffle to fundraise for your favourite charity? Raffle lotteries require a licence. A raffle lottery is when tickets are sold for a chance to win a prize at a draw. This includes 50/50 draws, elimination draws, and calendar draws.
Eligible charitable or religious organizations may apply through the municipality if the prize is below $50,000. For any prizes above $50,000, a licence must be obtained from the Alcohol and Gaming Commission Ontario (AGCO). For more information on this process, visit the charitable lottery licensing overview page on the ACGO website. www.agco.ca/lottery-and-gaming/raffle-licensing-
Provincial Licence
Only the Registrar may issue a licence to an eligible charitable or religious organization for the following:
- Raffle lotteries where the total value of the prizes to be awarded exceeds $50,000;
- Raffles conducted in an unorganized territory;
- Raffles conducted on federal land such as Canadian Forces Bases;
- Raffles lotteries where the event is to be conducted in conjunction with another licensed lottery event;
- Electronic raffles.
Municipal Licence
A municipality may issue a licence to eligible local charitable or religious organizations for paper raffle lotteries where the total value of the prizes to be awarded does not exceed $50,000. Municipal licence applications may be made with the municipality where the event will be administered.
If you are applying for a municipal licence, contact the local municipality where the event will be administered for more detailed information on the application process, licensing fees and required attachments.
“Lotteries are governed by the Criminal Code and provincial licencing legislation. Organizing a lottery, including “50/50″ draws, raffles or other popular games of chance requires a licence to be issued and the applicant must meet eligibility criteria. Having a lottery without a licence is a criminal offence and carries criminal consequences. The Ontario Provincial Police works closely with our partners at the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario and municipalities to ensure compliance with the law and verify licencing. If you are planning on organizing or promoting a lottery, please reach out to the municipality in which the lottery will be hosted for more information on licencing requirements and obligations.” – Inspector Tyler Sturgeon, Commander, East Algoma Detachment.
