Running a 50/50 draw, prize raffle, or some other fundraising lottery in Ca...
Running a 50/50 draw, prize raffle, or some other fundraising lottery in British Columbia? You need to play by the rules — or risk it all getting shut down.
According to the province, to run an online raffle in British Columbia, you must apply online for the Gambling Event License Fundraising at least 10 business days before the first day of ticket sales for raffles under $20,000 (Class B license), and at least 10 weeks before the first day of ticket sales for raffles over $20,000 (Class A license).
But hey, we suggest you get ahead of the game and apply for your lottery license well before you need it. Rafflebox can't bend time or licensing rules, and we can't launch a raffle without the proper paperwork.
This guide cuts through the noise and lays out everything you need to do to apply for a lottery license in British Columbia.
What’s considered a charitable lottery?
If your fundraiser has these ingredients, it’s a lottery, and you’re going to need approval:
✅ A chance to win. Someone’s got to lose.
✅ An entry fee. If they’re paying to play, it counts.
✅ A prize. Cash, cars, or something else people actually want.
Think 50/50 draw, prize raffle, home lottery — you get the idea.
Running a charitable lottery in British Columbia?
Provincial laws say you're going to need a license.
It's easy enough to apply, but a little preparation goes a long way with The Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch (GPEB). Before applying for a charitable lottery license, make sure:
➡️ You're eligible for the license (19+ and a registered charity or non-profit organization).
➡️ You've finalized your raffle rules and prize descriptions (you'll need these details for your application).
How to apply for a charitable lottery license in British Columbia:
1️⃣ For raffles under $20,000 (Class B license), connect with Rafflebox to secure your online raffle agreement (you'll need this for your application).
For raffles over $20,000 (Class A license), connect with Rafflebox to secure your online raffle agreement and sample ticket (you'll need these for your application).
2️⃣ Read the full instructions and rules before applying (yeah, we know you were going to jump ahead).
3️⃣ Reach out to Rafflebox and we will provide an example of an email ticket you'll need to submit with your license application.
4️⃣ For raffles under $20,000 (Class B license), apply online with the help of this guide.
5️⃣ For raffles over $20,000 (Class A license), apply online with the help of this guide.
6️⃣ Apply online. Reminder to select the Licensed Online Gaming (LGO) option within the online application and submit this required document.
7️⃣ Submit the contract with Rafflebox, your raffle service provide, in support to an application by email to Gaming.Licensing@gov.bc.ca.
How much does a lottery license cost?
For raffles under $20,000 (Class B license), there's a $25 processing fee. For raffles over $20,000 (Class B license), there's a $50 processing fee. Processing fees are paid to the GPEB directly during the application process.
Wrapping up your raffle fundraiser in British Columbia:
First, pick your winner in the Rafflebox Dashboard.
Then, fill out the mandatory reporting form online using the online services. It is mandatory that all licensees complete the Gaming Event Revenue Report within 90 days after an event has occurred and the license period expires. You'll need:
1️⃣ Lottery license number.
2️⃣ Revenue and expenditure numbers.
3️⃣ Description and dollar amount for each prize.
4️⃣ Name, address, phone number and prize for each winner.
5️⃣ Signature of a representative from your organization.
Pro tips before applying for your lottery license in British Columbia:
⭐ Before applying, for raffles under $20,000 (Class B license), connect with Rafflebox to secure your online raffle agreement. For raffles over $20,000 (Class A license), connect with Rafflebox to secure your online raffle agreement and sample ticket.
⭐ Apply online for the Gambling Event License Fundraising at least 10 business days before the first day of ticket sales for raffles under $20,000 (Class B license), and at least 10 weeks before the first day of ticket sales for raffles over $20,000 (Class A license).
⭐ Complete the Gaming Event Revenue Report within 90 days after an event has occurred and the license period expires.
⭐ Use the reports in the Rafflebox Dashboard to help you complete the Gaming Event Revenue Report.
Stick to the rules, file your paperwork, and run a raffle that’s legit. Got questions? We're here to answer them.
Let’s make your fundraiser a success without breaking a sweat — or the law.
