The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario
The Alcohol and Gaming Commission (AGCO) is responsible for administering the lottery licensing program in the province - municipalities are partners with the AGCO in issuing lottery licences to eligible charitable and religious organizations. For information about Charitable Lottery Licensing, visit the AGCO Charitable Gaming website.
What is a Lottery?
A lottery is defined as "any time consideration is paid for a chance to win a prize".
Examples:
- Raffle Tickets
- Bingo Games
- Break Open (Nevada Tickets)
- Charity Casino (Monte Carlo Events)
In the above examples consideration (cash) is paid for a chance (ticket/card) to win a prize. Promotional draws in stores where no purchase necessary to fill out a ballot are not lotteries. All lotteries require a licence either issued by a municipality or by the Provincial Government.
Who can obtain a lottery licence?
Licences can only be issued to charitable or non-profit charitable organizations as defined by the Gaming Control Commission. Clerk's can advise organizations if they qualify for lottery licensing and which category they may fall under. Lottery proceeds must be used for charitable or religious objects or purposes in the province of Ontario.
How does an organization obtain a licence?
Applications, Terms and Conditions and municipal requirements may be picked up in Clerk's at City Hall. The Application to Manage and Conduct a Raffle Lottery form is also available online from the AGCO website. Clerk's can also answer specific questions related to each type of lottery. The division also directs organizations who may require a Provincial licence (any lottery that the municipality cannot issue a licence for ) to the appropriate licensing authority.
Lottery Licensing By-law
Contact
Lottery Licensing Co-ordinator
City of Niagara Falls
4310 Queen Street, PO Box 1023
Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6X5
Canada
Phone: 905-356-7521 ext. 4275
