If you are thinking about holding a fundraising lottery there are a few key pieces of information you need to review before you begin this process. Lotteries will only be licensed if they are being held by charitable, religious or non-profit organizations. Below are a few basic questions to get you started, with additional tools listed on the right-hand side.
What types of organizations can receive a lottery licence?
The Criminal Code of Canada permits charitable, religious and non-profit organizations to conduct lottery schemes to raise funds once a licence is issued. Organizations must have an established charitable, religious or non-profit mandate to qualify. Specifically, your mandate must fall within one of the four following categories:
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Relief of poverty
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Advancement of education
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Advancement of religion
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Other charitable purposes beneficial to the community (i.e. culture and arts, health and welfare, enhancement of public safety, enhancement of youth, youth sports where the majority of players are under 18 years of age and service clubs.)
Types of organizations that are not considered charitable for lottery licensing purposes (and will not be licensed) include:
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Adult hobby groups
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Adult sports teams
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Elected representative groups including municipal, regional, provincial and federal governments
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Government ministries, agents or bodies
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Individual youth sports teams
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Political lobby groups
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Political parties
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Private sports clubs (e.g. golf/curling)
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Professional associations, union, employee groups
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Social clubs
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Volunteer organizations which promote volunteerism
What types of lotteries are permitted?
The following lottery schemes are prohibited (not allowed) under the Criminal Code of Canada:
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Three Card Monte
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Coin Tables
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Punchboards
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Dice Games
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Razzle Dazzle (a.k.a. Razzle, Bolero, Football Game, Hundred Yards or Roll Down)
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Swinger Game
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Any lottery event held at a Stag & Doe is unlicensable
Who licenses each type of lottery?
|
TYPE OF LOTTERY |
PROVINCE OF ONTARIO |
CITY OF HAMILTON |
|
Lottery schemes at Bazaars |
No |
Yes |
|
Bingos |
Yes |
Yes
(Includes media bingo events) |
|
Break Open Ticket Lotteries |
Yes
Provincial Break Open Only |
Yes
All break open ticket lotteries not licensed by the Provincial office |
|
Combined Events: Lotteries held in conjunction with another gaming event licensed by the Provincial office including break open tickets at bingo events |
Yes |
No |
|
Fair, Exhibition or at Public Place of Amusement |
Yes |
No |
|
Lottery schemes conducted in unorganized territories |
Yes |
No |
|
Raffle Lotteries |
Yes
With total prizes over $50,000 |
Yes
With total prizes of $50,000 and under |
|
Social Gaming Events |
Yes |
No |