How to Qualify for a Charitable Gaming License in Ontario

Charitable Gaming Licence in Ontario: Key Facts (2026)

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Understanding Charitable Gaming Licences in Ontario

A charitable gaming licence lets an eligible organization conduct specific gaming activities to raise funds.

These licences cover events such as raffles, bingos, and break-open tickets.

The rules define which activities qualify and who oversees licensing, so that every event stays legally compliant.

What Constitutes Charitable Gaming

Charitable gaming means holding gaming events where the proceeds support charitable or religious causes.

Only charities, religious groups, and eligible nonprofits can apply for a licence, and the money raised must go toward charitable purposes rather than personal gain.

Examples include supporting community programs, health services, or religious activities.

The gaming activity must be conducted legally, with fair management and clear reporting, so that the funds raised genuinely benefit the intended cause.

Types of Charitable Gaming Activities

In Ontario, licensed charitable gaming includes several approved activities:

• Bingos – games held in community halls or centres
• Raffles – ticket draws with prizes for winners, including 50/50 draws
• Break-open tickets – instant-win tickets sold for an immediate prize
• Special occasion events – one-time activities such as blackjack or wheels of fortune at community gatherings

Each activity has its own rules and fees. Raffle licences, for example, may require you to submit sample tickets and rules of play before approval. Understanding which activity fits your fundraising goals helps you choose the correct licence type.

Who Regulates Charitable Gaming

The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) regulates charitable gaming under the framework set out in Order in Council 208/2024.

The AGCO reviews applications, issues licences, and monitors events to confirm compliance with provincial law.

Municipalities also play a role. Depending on where your event takes place, the prize amount, and the lottery type, your local municipality may issue the licence instead of the AGCO. Knowing which authority you need helps you avoid delays and stay compliant.

Eligibility Criteria for Charitable Gaming Licences

Your organization qualifies for an Ontario charitable gaming licence if it:

• ✅ Has operated for at least one year in Ontario
• ✅ Has a physical place of business in Ontario
• ✅ Uses proceeds for charitable purposes that benefit Ontario residents
• ✅ Falls under one of the four charitable purpose categories: relief of poverty, advancement of education, advancement of religion, or other purposes beneficial to the community
• ✅ Keeps lottery proceeds within Ontario (funds cannot be directed to out-of-province causes)

You will not qualify if your organization primarily serves the private interests of its members, is a for-profit business, is a political group, or has operated for less than one year.

What Makes an Organization Eligible?

To qualify, your organization must:

• Have existed for at least one year in Ontario.
• Have a physical location in Ontario.
• Use funds for charitable purposes that help Ontario residents.

Your purpose must fall under one of these four categories:

1. Helping those in need (poverty relief)
2. Supporting education
3. Advancing religion
4. Other activities that benefit the community

What Documents Do You Need?

When applying, you’ll need to submit:

• Incorporation papers & bylaws
• Financial statements & budget
• List of your board of directors

Details on your programs & how funds are used

Proof of charitable registration (if applicable)

Where to Apply

• AGCO (Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario) handles most applications.
• Municipalities or First Nations may issue licenses depending on your location, prize amount, and lottery type.

Need help with your application? Check with AGCO or your local municipality for specific guidelines.

Charitable Purposes Recognized in Ontario

Our activities must be for charitable purposes accepted by Ontario authorities.

Funds raised need to be used for public benefit, such as helping the community, supporting health, education, or poverty relief.

Funds from gaming events must directly support these purposes.

Using proceeds for personal profit or unrelated goals disqualifies the organization.

Valid uses include funding social programs, maintaining charitable operations, or supporting local community services.

Qualifying Organization Types

You must operate as a recognized type of organization.

Eligible groups include registered charities, religious organizations, nonprofits with at least a year of active charitable work, and other community service providers.

You will need documented proof of operations and a history showing charitable work for at least 12 months before applying.

For-profit businesses, political groups, and organizations without clear charitable objectives cannot apply.

Common Disqualifiers

Certain factors can disqualify your organization, including:

• Using lottery proceeds for personal gain or political activities
• Having no clear charitable purpose, or less than one year of operation
• Failing to provide the required documentation
• A history of misusing funds

Avoiding conflicts of interest and maintaining transparency are essential to meeting the eligibility rules.

Required Documentation and Information

To apply for a charitable gaming licence in Ontario, you need specific documents that prove your eligibility, legal status, and operational plans.

These documents show you meet the rules and can manage gaming activities responsibly.

Essential Supporting Documents

You must provide official documents that identify your organization and its leadership. This usually includes:

• A copy of your letters patent or certificate of incorporation
• A current list of board members or directors with contact details
• Proof of your organization's address
• A description of the gaming event or lottery type you plan to run
• Any agreements with venues or partners involved in hosting the event

A criminal record check for key officials may also be required to confirm integrity.

Proof of Charitable Status

Proving your charitable status is critical. If you are a registered charity, you must provide your valid charitable registration number issued by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).

If you are a religious organization, you must submit documentation confirming that status.

Keep in mind that a CRA registration confirms your federal charitable status but does not, on its own, guarantee AGCO eligibility — the AGCO assesses each applicant individually.

Financial and Operational Details

Your application must include a budget or financial plan showing how the funds you raise will be handled, including expected expenses, prize amounts, and how net proceeds will support your charitable work.

You also need to describe your internal controls for managing the event — financial record-keeping, ticket sales, cash handling, and event management procedures.

Clear plans for reporting and accountability show that you can comply with the licensing requirements.

Application Process for a Charitable Gaming Licence

Getting a charitable gaming licence in Ontario follows a clear sequence: confirm your eligibility, prepare your documents, submit your application, and wait for review and a decision.

Step 1: Apply for Charitable Gaming Eligibility (CGE)

The first step is applying for Charitable Gaming Eligibility (CGE), which determines whether your organization qualifies to hold lottery events. You must be a registered charity, religious group, or eligible nonprofit, and your proceeds must serve charitable or religious purposes.

Gather all required documents — proof of registration, a governing document, and details about how the funds will be used. If this is your first time, you can apply for both the CGE and the lottery licence at the same time. The application is detailed, so answer every question accurately and upload all necessary files to avoid delays.

Who Needs a CGE?

Most organizations applying for a charitable lottery licence need a CGE number. Some groups are exempt, including:

• Bingo Hall Charity Associations
• Fairs and Exhibitions
• Organizations raising funds on behalf of Federated Health or the United Way (a letter of agreement is required instead)

How to Apply for a CGE

1. Apply at least 45 days before your event to avoid delays.
2. Apply for your CGE and lottery licence at the same time if this is your first application.
3. Once approved, you will not need to resubmit eligibility documents unless something major changes — such as new directors or a different use of funds.

Step 2: Submit Your Application Through iAGCO

You submit your application through the official AGCO online portal, iAGCO. If you do not already have an account, you will need to create one first.

The process includes:

• Creating and verifying your account by email
• Logging in and selecting Lottery and Gaming under New Task
• Choosing the correct licence type
• Providing all requested details and uploading your documents

Applying online is faster and lets you track your application status in real time.

Step 3: Wait for Review and Approval

The review process can take several weeks, so plan ahead. Submit at least 45 days before your event if you are a new applicant, or 30 days before if you have held a licence previously.

After you submit, the AGCO reviews your eligibility and application details and may contact you for clarification. Once approved, you receive your CGE number and the licence to legally operate your chosen gaming event.

How Much Does an Ontario Gaming Licence Cost? (2026)

Licensing fees are based on the total prize value, not a flat rate:

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Because municipal fees vary, always confirm the exact amount with your local licensing office before budgeting your event.

After Approval: Setting Up and Managing a Lottery Trust Account

Once our charitable gaming licence is approved, we need to set up a specific trust account to handle all lottery funds.

Careful management of this account is vital because it ensures all money raised is tracked and used according to regulations.

Proper record-keeping and clear accounting help us stay compliant.

Opening a Designated Account

We must open a designated lottery trust account at a recognized financial institution in Ontario.

This account should be separate from any other business or charity accounts.

The account must:

• Be held in Canadian dollars
• Be clearly marked as a trust account by the bank
• Be used only for lottery proceeds and related expenses

If we run multiple types of lottery events, we may need different accounts for each.

This helps us keep funds organised and separate from other charity finances.

Record-Keeping and Accounting Requirements

We keep detailed records of every transaction in the designated trust account.

This includes money from lottery sales and all expenses related to gaming activities.

Our records must:

• Show clear dates and amounts
• Include invoices or receipts for all expenses
• Distinguish funds from different lottery events when necessary

Accurate bookkeeping helps us report correctly to regulators and maintain transparency.

This ensures funds are used only for their intended charitable purposes.

Types of Licensed Gaming Events and Additional Requirements

We need to understand the types of gaming events allowed under a charitable gaming licence.

Each event type has unique rules for prizes and advertising that we must follow.

Raffles and Bingo Events

Raffles and bingo are common licensed gaming events for charities.

We can hold raffles where tickets are sold and prizes are drawn.

Bingo events involve players buying cards and marking numbers for a chance to win prizes.

Each event requires a separate licence.

We must apply for these licences well before the event date.

This ensures we have permission and know the rules that apply.

Bingo games must follow rules about prize size and type.

For raffles, there are limits on ticket price, number of tickets sold, and the draw process.

Organizers must keep accurate records of all sales and prize distributions.

Prize Requirements and Valuations

Prizes must be clearly valued and meet specific limits.

We must record the estimated value of each prize before the event.

Cash prizes are usually allowed but often capped to certain amounts.

Non-cash prizes must be legal and cannot be alcohol unless properly licensed.

Prizes cannot be transferred or sold for profit.

We must award prizes fairly during the event, following all procedures in the licence terms and Charitable Gaming Rules.

Advertising and Promotion Rules

Advertising for charitable gaming events is strictly controlled.

We must promote the event truthfully, without exaggeration.

All advertising materials must include the licence number and basic information, like the purpose of the event and who benefits.

Promotions cannot target minors or encourage excessive gambling.

We must avoid making claims that the event guarantees winning.

This includes printed posters, social media posts, and local news ads.

Advertising must also follow local bylaws and any restrictions set by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario.

Conclusion

If your organization plans to conduct charitable gaming activities in Ontario, getting the right licence is essential.

It ensures your events follow legal requirements and that funds raised support your charitable goals.

Contact B.I.G. Charity Law Group for expert guidance through the application process.

Reach us at dov.goldberg@charitylawgroup.ca or call 416-488-5888.

Schedule a FREE consultation anytime via our website at CharityLawGroup.ca.

We look forward to supporting your charity’s gaming licence journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

These are common questions about getting a charitable gaming license in Ontario. The rules can seem complicated, but this guide will help you understand the basics.

These are common questions about getting a charitable gaming licence in Ontario. The rules can seem complicated, but the basics below will help you get started.

What is the charitable gaming association in Ontario?

The Ontario Charitable Gaming Association (OCGA) represents over 2,400 charities and nonprofits across Ontario. It helps organizations fundraise through bingo, raffles, and break-open tickets, and has helped generate over $500 million for Ontario charities.

How much is a gaming licence in Ontario?

The AGCO charges 1% of the prize board for raffle licences it issues (prizes over $50,000). Municipalities charge up to a maximum of 3% of the prize board for smaller raffles, bingos, and break-open tickets — the exact rate varies by municipality. For small local raffles, many municipalities charge a low flat fee, often around $6 for prizes of $500 or less.

Can you do a 50/50 raffle without a licence in Ontario?

No. Running any lottery without a licence is a criminal offence. All raffles need a licence from either your municipality (paper raffles with prizes of $50,000 or less) or the AGCO (larger or electronic raffles).

How long does it take to get a raffle licence in Ontario?

AGCO licences take about 45 days for new applicants, or 30 days if you already have eligibility status. Municipal licences typically take 20–45 working days, so apply early.

How do I get a gaming licence in Ontario?

First, apply for Charitable Gaming Eligibility (CGE) from the AGCO. Your organization must be a registered charity or eligible nonprofit operating in Ontario for at least one year. Once approved, apply for your gaming licence through your municipality or the AGCO, depending on the prize value and event type.

What do you need to get a gaming licence?

You need details about your programs, financial statements from the previous year, a list of your board directors, and proof of charitable registration. For raffles, you also need your rules of play and ticket samples.

Why do I need a gaming licence?

Gaming licences are required by law. Running any lottery event without one is a criminal offence. Licences ensure gaming is conducted properly and that the money raised goes to genuine charitable causes.

What is a gaming licence?

A gaming licence is official permission that allows charities and religious organizations to run lottery events such as raffles, bingo, or break-open ticket sales. The AGCO or local municipalities issue these licences.

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