The Lottery Licensing By-law 126-2004 licenses charitable or religious organizations to conduct and manage lottery schemes for charitable or religious purposes.
Below you will find useful information regarding lottery licenses, including the types or organizations eligible for a lottery license, what events are within provincial jurisdiction and which are municipally regulated, and how the licensing process works.
What is a Lottery? |
In simple terms, a lottery scheme may be defined as any scheme which has the following three components:
Therefore, a lottery scheme exists if money is paid or some other consideration is given for a chance to win a prize. Promotional draws in stores where there is no purchase necessary to fill out a ballot are not lotteries. |
Administration of Lotteries |
Lotteries are administered through two levels of government:
The Alcohol and Gaming Commission (AGCO) which reports to the Ministry of the Attorney General , is responsible for administering the lottery licensing program in the province of Ontario, and municipalities are partners with the AGCO. All authority to license gaming activity flows from the provisions in the Criminal Code (Canada). The Registrar of the AGCO has been delegated authority so that it can license all types of approval lottery events, while a Municipal Council may approve and license certain lottery events. The Municipal CouncilMunicipal Councils have the authority to issue licenses for most lottery events conducted in their communities, including:
Since raising funds through gaming contains a certain element of risk on the part of the charitable organization, lotteries should be viewed as a supplement or alternative to the organization's other fundraising ventures. |
Obtaining a Lottery License |
Licenses can only be issued to charitable or non-profit charitable organizations as defined by the Gaming Control Commission. Staff of the Town of Milton can advise organizations if they qualify for lottery licensing and which category they may fall under. |
What is Considered a Charitable or Non-Profit Charitable Organization? |
In order to qualify for a lottery license, an "eligible" organization must demonstrate that it exists to provide services in one of these charitable classifications: 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). Proceeds from lotteries must be used for charitable or religious objects or purpose in the province of Ontario. |
Eligibility |
In order to be eligible your organization must:
When an organization first applies for any type of lottery license, or whenever an eligibility review is required, it must provide all of the following information and documents that apply to it:
The Lottery Licensing Officer may also require clearances from the following:
The terms and conditions for each lottery license set specific application requirements, which are summarized in the relevant licensing category. Eligibility & Event Applications, Terms and Conditions and municipal requirements may be picked up in the Clerk's Division at Town Hall and can also be found under "Who Can I Contact for More Information" below, under "Additional Information". |
Cost |
Cost of a lottery license is 3% of the total prize value. |
Who Can I Contact for More Information? |
A Licensing Officer can answer specific questions related to each type of lottery. Licensing staff also directs organizations who may require a Provincial license (any lottery that the municipality cannot issue a license for) to the appropriate licensing authority. Phone: 905-878-7252 ext 2105 TTY: 905-878-1657 Fax: 905-876-5022 Email: Town Clerk Additional Information |