1. What types of organizations are eligible to conduct lotteries?
The Alcohol & Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) regulations state that lottery licenses can only issued to Charitable organizations. To qualify as a "charitable" organization, the organization must have a demonstrated charitable or religious mandate. The Courts have determined that the term "charitable" refers to organizations, which provide programs for:
i) the relief of poverty
ii) the advancement of education;
iii) the advancement of religion; or
iv) other purposes beneficial to the community
Examples of eligible organizations are as follows:
- Churches and their affiliated groups
- Service Clubs, e.g. Kiwanis, Kinsmen, Lions, Knights of Columbus, Optimist, etc.
- Schools; Nursery Schools, Elementary and High schools and various school organizations -- sports teams, bands etc. Note: Only one group will be licensed per school
- Museums and Galleries (excluding private facilities)
- Health and Special Needs Organizations; Heart & Stroke, Cancer Society, Hospital Foundations, etc.
- Youth Groups; Minor Sports Teams, Choirs, Scouts, Guides etc.
In all instances organizations must have been in existence for at least one (1) year before being considered for lottery licenses.
These lottery guidelines are for all lottery events; bingos, break open tickets, (Nevada), Raffles including 50/50 draws and Bazaars.
2. Who is not eligible to conduct lottery events?
The following organizations ARE NOT eligible:
- Unions or employee groups
- Professional associations
- Political Parties or Action Groups
- Government Agencies or Bodies
- Business Associations
- Chamber of Commerce
- Social or Private Sport Clubs
- Adult recreational hobby or sporting teams
For further information please visit the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario website and follow the links to Lottery Licensing or call the Lottery Licensing Office at St. Thomas City Hall - 519-631-1680, extension 4105.