Charitable lottery regulations in Manitoba

Running a 50/50 draw, prize raffle, or some other fundraising lottery in Manitoba? You need to play by the rules — or risk it all getting shut down.

According to the province, to run an online raffle in Manitoba, you must apply online for a charitable gaming license at least 4 weeks before the first day of ticket sales for raffles under $10,000, and at least 4 - 7 weeks before the first day of ticket sales for raffles over $10,000.

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 Manitoba.

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 Manitoba?

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 Liquor, Gaming, and Cannabis Authority of Manitoba (LGCA). 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 Manitoba:

1️⃣ First, 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 terms and conditions 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 Apply online.

How much does a lottery license cost?

There's no cost for raffle under $10,000. For raffles over $10,000, there's a license fee of 1% of the actual gross revenue. The fee is due when you submit the financial reports after the raffle has ended. The LGCA will provide the reporting requirements when the license is issued.

Wrapping up your raffle fundraiser in Manitoba:

First, pick your winner in the Rafflebox Dashboard.

Then, submit the financial reports and pay the applicable license fee to the LGCA.

Pro tips before applying for your lottery license in Manitoba:

⭐ Before applying, connect with Rafflebox to secure your online raffle agreement and sample ticket.

⭐ Apply online for a charitable gaming license at least 4 weeks before the first day of ticket sales for raffles under $10,000, and at least 4 - 7 weeks before the first day of ticket sales for raffles over $10,000.

⭐ Complete the financial reports and pay the applicable license fee to the LGCA once your raffle has ended.

⭐ Use the reports in the Rafflebox Dashboard to help you complete the financial reports.

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.