Lottery Licences

What is a Lottery?

Lottery licensing refers to lottery schemes permitted by a licence under the Criminal Code of Canada. Typically, these include bingos, raffles, break open tickets and special occasion gaming events held by charitable or religious organizations. The licence process is governed by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario. 

The Municipality of Middlesex Centre issues licences for:

• Bingo events with prize boards up to $5,500
• Break Open tickets for local organizations
• Raffle Lotteries for total prizes of up to $10,000
• Bazaar Lotteries not to exceed $500

Eligibility

Are you eligible for a lottery licences? The eligibility of your organization will be determined by the municipality. Charitable registration with Revenue Canada or incorporation as a non-profit organization does NOT guarantee eligibility for licences. Your organization may be eligible if it:

• has a purpose to provide charitable services to Ontario residents to:
  • advance religion
  • advance education
  • benefit the community
  • relieve poverty
• has carried out activities consistent with its charitable purpose for at least 1 year
• is located in Ontario
• is non-profit

Examples may include, but are not limited to:

• hospitals
• service clubs
• youth activities or sports groups
• arts or culture institutions

Organizations that only promote the private interests of their members do NOT qualify for gaming event licences. These may include, but are not limited to:

• adult recreation or sports
• individual sport teams
• unions or employee groups
• social clubs
• professional associations
• political, government, lobbying or advocacy groups.

Lottery Application Instructions

Your licence application is a legal document and will be returned or delayed if the instructions (below) are not followed or if checklist items (see attached) are missing. This may result in the cancellation of your charitable gaming event.

• The Municipality of Middlesex Centre requires a minimum of 5 days processing time and 10 days for first time licensees.
• Type or legibly print all information.
• Answer every question completely.
• Only original forms and signatures will be accepted.

Persons signing any Licence Application must have a good knowledge of the applicable Licence Terms and Conditions.
It is illegal to print tickets, promote or conduct a charitable gaming event without a licence.

Activities are regulated by Criminal Code of Canada, Section 206 & 207, Ontario Order in Gaming Control Act, 1992 and Regulations.
You can obtain copies of the Gaming Control Act and Regulations, Provincial Information Bulletins, and forms from Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario.

How to Apply for a Lottery Licence

1. First Time Applicants: Review and complete the Lottery Licence Eligibility Application and await determination of eligibility
2. Eligible Groups: Complete the Lottery Licence Application 
3. Please send completed lottery licence applications to the Office of the Clerk

Please note that a minimum of five (5) business days are required to process applications. For first-time applicants, a minimum of ten (10) business days are required to review an eligibility application.