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. 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.

Lottery licensing eligibility of your organization will be determined by the licensing office. The licensing authority will review all relevant documentation to determine eligibility. These decisions are based on what is considered charitable in law according to the Criminal Code of Canada. 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 Town of Renfrew 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.

RAFFLE LOTTERIES

A raffle lottery is a scheme whereby tickets are sold for a chance to win a prize at a draw and includes 50/50 draws, elimination draws, and calendar draws. To qualify for a raffle license your organization must have a proven charitable mandate. Your application must be completed by two members of your organization and returned to the Town of Renfrew for review and approval. Please allow 3 business days for processing. The license fee is 3% of the value of the prizes.

The application must include the location, date and time of draw. Price of the tickets. Total number of tickets printed. Rules for the draw. The cutoff date for tickets sales. A complete list of prizes, with their full retail value (plus taxes) – attach to application if there is not enough room on form. (if your prize(s) are donated a prize value is still mandatory). In the case of 50/50 draws the estimated maximum value of the prize is required.

BREAK OPEN TICKET LOTTERIES

Break Open Ticket (Nevada) is a game of chance to win instant prizes by revealing a specified arrangement of numbers or symbols. Prizes may be instant prizes or a chance to win prizes determined by a subsequent event.

Break Open Ticket 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. (cheque payable to Town of Renfrew or cash)
• 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)

The licensee may lease or rent break open ticket dispensers provided it complies with the requirements and standards for devices, is approved by the Registrar and is manufactured by a gaming equipment manufacturer and supplied by a gaming equipment supplier or gaming equipment manufacturer registered under the Gaming Control Act, 1992 and Regulations.

The licensee shall provide a licensing authority with a financial report outlining the results of the lottery on the prescribed form in the prescribed time frame.

BINGO LOTTERIES

To qualify for a bingo lottery license your organization must have a proven charitable mandate. The fee for a Bingo license is 3% of the prize board.

CATCH THE ACE LOTTERIES

A Catch the Ace progressive raffle lottery is a multiple-draw game in which participants purchase tickets for a chance to win:

• A percentage of the proceeds from the sale of tickets from one draw, and

• The draw winner also gets a chance to win a progressive (cumulative) jackpot by selecting a card from a standard deck of 52 playing cards.