Running a 50/50 draw, prize raffle, or some other fundraising lottery in Pr...
Running a 50/50 draw, prize raffle, or some other fundraising lottery in Nova Scotia? You need to play by the rules — or risk it all getting shut down.
According to the province, to run an online raffle in Nova Scotia, you must apply for the Ticket Lottery License: raffles with prizes over $4,000 at least 14 business days before the first day of ticket sales.
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 Nova Scotia.
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 Nova Scotia?
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 Alcohol, Gaming, Fuel and Tobacco Division (AGD). 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 Nova Scotia:
1️⃣ First, connect with Rafflebox to secure your online raffle agreement (you'll need this for your application).
2️⃣ Read the full instructions before applying (yeah, we know you were going to jump ahead).
3️⃣ Apply online (find the PDF application form).
4️⃣ Provide the full details — name of your organization, draw dates, and confirm use of electronic technology.
5️⃣ You'll need the proof of charitable status, raffle rules, and all ticket and prize details.
6️⃣ Send the completed PDF to the AGD via mail, email, or fax.
7️⃣ You may also need to complete an interview and provide additional information if asked by the AGD.
How much does a lottery license cost?
There's no cost to get your lottery license, but when your raffle wraps up and you submit your Ticket Lottery Report (more on that later), you'll need to pay 2.13% of the prize awarded to the AGD.
Wrapping up your raffle fundraiser in Nova Scotia:
First, pick your winner in the Rafflebox Dashboard.
Then, fill out the Ticket Lottery Report and pay your 2.13% fee to the AGD. 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 Nova Scotia:
⭐ Before applying, connect with Rafflebox to secure your online raffle agreement.
⭐ Apply at least 14 business days before you start selling tickets. Your license could take two weeks to process, so give yourself time incase you need to reapply or provide more information.
⭐ Use the funds raised to help pay your fees. The AGD accepts Visa, MasterCard, debit card, cheque, money order, and cash.
⭐ Use the reports in the Rafflebox Dashboard to help you complete the Ticket Lottery 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.
