Home
A A A

Lottery Licenses

The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario

The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) is responsible for administering the lottery licensing program in the province – municipalities are partners with the AGCO in issuing lottery licenses to eligible charitable and religious organizations.

What is a Lottery?

A lottery is defined as "any time consideration is paid for a chance to win a prize" where consideration (cash) is paid for a chance (ticket/card) to win a prize. Examples include: raffle tickets, bingo games and break open tickets.

All lotteries require a license either issued by a Municipality or by the Province of Ontario.

Who can obtain a lottery license?

Licenses can only be issued to charitable or non-profit charitable organizations as defined by the Gaming Control Commission. The Courts have determined that "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.

Proceeds from lotteries must be used for a charitable or religions objects or purpose in the Province of Ontario.

How does an organization obtain a license?

Applications, terms and conditions, and municipal requirements may be picked up at the Englehart Municipal Office during business hours or from the AGCO website.

The following pre-requisites are mandatory to be considered eligible for a lottery license:

  • Organization must have been in existence for at least one (1) year before being considered eligible for lottery licenses; and
  • 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

 
Raffle Lottery

For raffle lotteries, the license fee is 3% of the total retail value of prizes.

Bingo Lottery

For bingo lotteries, the license fee is 3% of the total retail value of prizes.

Break Open Ticket Lottery

For break open ticket lotteries, the license fee is 3% of the total retail value of prizes.