Licensing
Lottery Licences
Lottery Licensing Requirements
Obtaining a lottery license
Fund-raising is an important financial component for many charitable and not-for profit organizations. The following information will assist those organization's interested in conducting a lottery event. Please note that this information is intended as a guide only and all organizations conducting a lottery event are responsible for ensuring that all events are operated legally and may wish to consult legal counsel before conducting any event.
How do I know if I require a lottery license?
A lottery event may be defined as any event, which has the following three components:
· A prize;
· A chance (to win the prize); and
· Consideration or a fee.
A lottery event exists if money or some other consideration is given for a chance to win a prize.
What kinds of events require a lottery license?
All lottery events require a lottery license in order to be permitted. Lottery events conducted without a license are prohibited by the Criminal Code of Canada. However, there are some games where lottery licenses are not available.
What types of games can a license be issued for?
· Municipalities may issue licences to charitable organizations for the following events only:
· Bingo events with prize boards up to $5,500;
· Raffles with prizes of up to $50,000;
· Break Open Ticket events;
· Bazaar gaming events; and
· Media Bingo.
What types of games are prohibited?
Examples of games that are prohibited include:
· Card tournaments (i.e. Euchre, Texas Hold'em, Blackjack etc.);
· Toonie toss;
· Dice games;
· Raffles by donation;
· Sports pools;
· Lottery events involving betting;
· Wheel games; and
· Coin tables.
Who is eligible for a Lottery License?
Only approved charitable organizations are eligible for lottery licenses. Individuals wishing to conduct a lottery event are not eligible for a lottery license.
How do I apply for a lottery license?
If your charitable organization is interested in applying for a lottery license, an eligibility review must first be conducted. Please download the document "Eligibility Review Guidelines".
Once your organization has been approved, you may complete a lottery license application. Please contact the Clerk’s department so that we may assist you in the requirements each organization must have in place in order to hold a lottery event (i.e. lottery trust account, etc).
Please note that an eligibility review will take 7 to 10 business days to complete.
Lottery license forms
Link to Bingo Lottery Application Form (PDF, 0.1MB)
Link to Bingo Lottery report Form (PDF, 0.1MB)
Link to Raffle Lottery Application form (PDF, 0.1MB)
Link to Raffle Lottery report Form (PDF, 0.1MB)
Link to Break Open Ticket License Application Form (PDF, 0.1MB)
Link to Break Open Ticket Lottery Report (PDF, 01.MB)
Nicole Rubli
Lottery Licensing Assistant
Phone (519) - 736-0012 ext 227
Fax (519) - 736-5403
email - nrubli@amherstburg.ca