Lottery Licence

The following pre-requisites are mandatory in order to be considered for a lottery licence:

• The organization must have been in existence for at least one year
• The organization must have a place of business in Ontario
• The organization must demonstrate that it is established to provide charitable services in Ontario
• The organization must use the lottery proceeds for the benefit Ontario residents

Who is eligible to conduct a lottery scheme?

Charitable and religious organizations may conduct a lottery to raise funds pursuant to a licence being issued. The courts have termed 'charitable' as an organization that provides programs for one or more of:

• the relief of poverty
• the advancement of education
• the advancement of religion
• other charitable purposes that benefit the community

Types of groups not eligible to be licenced:

• Social clubs
• Professional Associations - unions, employee groups
• Elected Representatives
• Government ministries, agents or bodies
• Political lobby groups
• Political parties
• Adult hobby groups
• Private sport clubs (golf/curling)
• Adult sports teams

• Bingo events where the prize board is less than $5,500
• Media Bingo Events
• Ticket raffles where the total prizes are $50,000 or less
• Break Open Ticket Lotteries (Nevadas) not licenced by the Province
• Bazaars

Application for Licencing Eligibility

1. Determine the type of lottery scheme
2. Obtain an application form from the Township of Selwyn Municipal Office located at 1310 Centre Line, Selwyn
3. Complete the form and include the following information:
   • Copy of the Articles of Incorporation or Constitution or Bylaws
   • Copy of the budget or financial statements for the preceding year and coming year
   • Any information that will assist in determining the nature of the organization e.g. Annual Report, Charitable Income Tax Number, Brochure
   • The use of proceeds for the lottery funds - must be consistent with the nature of the organization.

Licence fees are based on 3% of the prize value of the lottery scheme.

For example, for a ticket lottery where the prizes being raffled are valued at $1,000.00, the licence fee is $30.00.

• Does the organization qualify as a charitable or religious organization e.g. relief of poverty, advancement of education, etc...?
• Is the organization established to provide charitable services in Ontario and will it use the proceeds to benefit Ontario residents?
• Does the organization restrict its mandate to any segment of the community?
• Does a significant portion of the community benefit by the charitable proceeds of the organization?
• Is the organization properly organized? Legally, financially etc..
• Are there at least 3 persons who will assume full responsibility for the operation and conduct of the event?
• What will the proceeds be used for and is it consistent with the mandate of the organization?
• Does the organization have a place of business in Ontario?

Gaming Registration and Lotteries
20 Dundas Street West, 7th Floor
Toronto, Ontario
M5G 2N6

Tel: 416-326-8700
Toll Free: 1-800-522-2876
Fax: 1-416-326-8711
Website