In Ontario, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario is responsible for regulating and overseeing the licensed lottery events (such as bingo, raffles and the sale of break open tickets) conducted by charitable and religious organizations to raise funds to support charitable purposes. 

Order-in-Council 1413/08 provides that the Registrar of Alcohol and Gaming and municipal councils may issue lottery licences to charitable organizations. The AGCO and municipalities work together to ensure that the legal requirements, including terms and conditions to the licences, are complied with by lottery licensees and any gaming suppliers used by the charities.

To be eligible to receive a lottery licence, an organization must first have charitable purposes and objects that fall within one of the four classifications of charitability.

a) The Relief of Poverty

b) The Advancement of Education

c) The Advancement of Religion

d) Other Charitable Purposes Beneficial to the Community, not

falling under a)  b) or c)

An organization must also demonstrate that for a minimum of one year it has carried out charitable activities that provide a direct benefit to Ontario residents, which are consistent with their mandate.

The Township fee for a lottery licence is 3 percent of the total prize value available.

For more information on Lottery Licensing, please contact Ann Hoard at ahoard@blandfordblenheim.ca