Lottery Licensing

Lottery licence applications may be obtained Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

In order to qualify for a lottery licence, a charitable or religious organization may conduct a lottery scheme to raise funds if they have a demonstrated charitable or religious mandate to qualify. "Charitable" refers to organizations which provide programs for:

• Relief of poverty;
• Advancement of education;
• Advancement of religion; and
• Other charitable purposes beneficial to the community.

The following prerequisites are mandatory to be considered eligible for a lottery licence:

• Organizations must have been in existence for at least one year before being considered eligible for lottery licence.
• The organization must have a place of business in Oshawa, demonstrate that it is established to provide charitable services in Oshawa and use proceeds for objects or purposes which benefit Oshawa residents.

The primary purposes of an organization are determined by considering:

• The mandate of the organization as set out in its incorporation documents or documents stating the organization's objects;
• The objects of the organization as described in the licence application; and
• The services which have actually been provided by the organization to the community.

Types of organizations which are not considered charitable by the Province of Ontario for lottery licensing purposes are:

• Social clubs;
• Professional associations, unions, employee groups;
• Elected representative groups including municipal, regional, provincial and federal governments;
• Government ministries, agents or bodies;
• Political lobby groups;
• Political parties;
• Adult hobby groups;
• Private sports clubs (e.g., golf, curling); and
• Adult sports teams.

Bazaar Lottery Licence

To qualify for a bazaar lottery licence, your organization must have a proven charitable mandate. Your application must be completed by two members of your organization and returned to the Licensing Section for review and approval. The fee for a bazaar licence is three percent (3%) of the prize value up to a maximum of $500. Please note a Bazaar means an event where any combination of the following lotteries may be conducted:

• A raffle not exceeding $500 in prizes;
• A bingo not exceeding $500 in prizes; and/or
• A maximum three wheels of fortune with a maximum $2 bet.

Bingo Lottery Licence

To qualify for a bingo lottery licence, your organization must have a proven charitable mandate. Your application must be completed by two members and two principal officers of your organization and returned to the Licensing Section for review and approval. The fee for a bingo licence is three percent (3%) of the prize board.

Break-open Lottery Licence

To qualify for a break-open lottery licence, your organization must have a proven charitable mandate with an office based in Oshawa, must employ a minimum of one full-time staff person or a capable member dedicated to the administration of lottery licence regulations and must not hold a bingo lottery licence issued by the City of Oshawa.

Your application must be completed by two principal officers of your organization and returned to the Licensing Section for review and approval. Additional documentation may be required. The fee for a break-open lottery is three percent (3%) of the prizes awarded.

Raffle Lottery Licence

To qualify for a raffle licence, your organization must have a proven charitable mandate. Your application must be completed by two members of your organization and returned to the Licensing Section for review and approval. The fee for a raffle licence is three percent (3%) of the retail value of the prize including taxes. Any raffle with a prize value of $10,000 or more requires additional documentation. Contact the Licensing Section for more information.

Click here for additional Information and lottery application forms available from the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario.

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