Lottery Licence

On this page:

• Lottery definition
• Licence eligibility
• Licence applications

The rules and regulations for lottery licensing are set out by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO). You need a lottery licence, to:

• Conduct a lottery event
• Qualify as an eligible charitable organization or as a non-profit organization with charitable purposes or objects
• Have a bingo, raffle or 50/50, bazaar event, or sell break-open tickets

Contact the by-law office for help with:

• Eligibility and applying for a lottery licence
• Raising funds with lottery events or visit www.agco.on.ca

A lottery is a plan/scheme that has:

• a consideration or fee; or
• a chance (ticket); to
• win a prize

Let us help you confirm if you need a licence for your proposed lottery event. 

If your lottery is confirmed eligible, your organization must further apply for a lottery licence and hold responsibility to make sure it is operated legally.

To be eligible for a lottery licence, the applying organization must be one of the following:

• An eligible charitable organization
• A non-profit organization with charitable purposes or objects

Organizations must have a demonstrated charitable or religious mandate to qualify. The courts have determined that the term “charitable” refers to organizations which provide programs for:

1. The relief of poverty
2. The advancement of education
3. The advancement of religion
4. Other charitable purposes beneficial to the community

Read and fill out the lottery eligibility checklist and application. Once eligibility is confirmed, you will be notified to proceed with applying for a lottery licence. Completed lottery reports are due within 30 days of the event or draw. Necessary forms will be provided by the bylaw department.

The Town of Huntsville can assist with the issuance of the following licences:

• Bingo events with prize boards of up to $5,500.00;
• Raffles or 50/50 with prizes of up to $50,000.00;
• Break open ticket events that are not conducted in conjunction with another event, and where the tickets are sold within the municipality;
• Bazaar gaming events; and
• Media bingo

Visit the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) website for more infomation and up-to-date application forms.

Note: The Town of Huntsville licensing office is required to meet the guidelines and procedures set out by the AGCO when determining organization eligibility, and issuing lottery licenses.