Lottery Licensing

Here you'll learn about what a lottery license is, and how to apply for one. Make sure you read this section carefully before booking your appointment.

What is a Lottery License?

The Alcohol and Gaming Commission (AGCO) is responsible for administering the lottery licensing program in the province. Municipalities and the AGCO are responsible for issuing lottery licences to eligible charitable and religious organizations. Eligible charitable and religious organizations may raise funds through provincially or municipally licensed lottery events.

Lottery licensing refers to lottery schemes permitted by a licence under the Criminal Code of Canada. Typically, these may include bingos, raffles, break open tickets and social gaming events held by charitable or religious organizations. In Ontario, Order in Council 1413/08 authorizes the licensing framework for eligible charitable or religious organizations to hold lottery events and sets out the limits of municipal and provincial licensing. Licensed charitable or religious organizations must conduct and manage their events in accordance with licensing policies and the terms and conditions of the licences and fulfill all prescribed reporting requirements. Information on conducting and managing lottery events can be found in Lottery Licensing Policy Manual, which provides an outline of the legal and policy framework and administrative procedures for lottery licensing purposes.

Order in Council 1413/08 - Authorizes the licensing framework for charitable organizations to hold lottery events and sets out the limits of municipal and provincial licensing.

AGCO - Provincial Office AGCO Provincial Office Information

When you apply for a Lottery License...

1. Review the AGCO Terms and Conditions
You are encouraged to review the AGCO terms and conditions, and forms to be aware of lottery licensing requirements in the Province of Ontario. The AGCO Lottery Licensing Policy Manual is updated from time to time. The most recent updates by the AGCO took place "Winter 2012". Review the Manual to ensure you have the most up-dated information.

2. Make sure you qualify
Canada's Criminal Code permits charitable and religious organizations to conduct a lottery scheme to raise funds once a licence is issued. Organizations must have a demonstrated charitable or religious mandate to qualify, i.e., it provides programs for:

relief of poverty;
advancement of education;
advancement of religion;
other charitable purposes beneficial to the community

3. Make an appointment
You are also encouraged to make an appointment at Town Hall if you have specific concerns about your application, the requirements, etc., to ensure that a staff member is available to assist.

PLEASE NOTE: Although municipal authority to issue lottery licenses has been granted by the Order-in-Council, along with additional approval to develop documentation for licensing purposes, it is with the policies and manuals established by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario. Therefore the Town of Aylmer Lottery Licensing Officer is bound by the guidelines and procedures set out by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario in determining organization eligibility and the issuance of lottery licences.

Administrative Assistant