Charitable lottery regulations in Ontario

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

According to the province, to run an online raffle in Ontario, you must apply for a raffle lottery license at least 45 business days before the first day of ticket sales if you're a new applicant, and at least 30 business days if you've applied before.

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 Ontario.

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 Ontario?

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 and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO). Before applying for a charitable lottery license, make sure:

➡️ You're eligible for the license (18+ 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 gaming license in Ontario:

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 before applying (yeah, we know you were going to jump ahead).

3️⃣ Review the checklist for a successful electronic raffle.

4️⃣ Prepare your application before applying. Before you can apply for a charitable gaming license, you need to have these key things ready:

• a CGE number (see the “Eligibility” section above for how to get a CGE number), unless you are fundraising on behalf of the United Way or Federal Health campaigns (you’ll need a letter of agreement for these)

• the raffle type (paper or electronic) 

• a draw schedule, with the time, start and end date(s) and location of each draw in the event

• rules of play, including a description of how each game is played, the price value for each game, and other details 

• ticket sample (Rafflebox will provide an example of an email ticket you'll need to submit with your license application)

• an explanation of how you’re going to use the money (net proceeds) you raise, including a list of projects or items which must support your group’s purpose

• copy of your municipal notification 

• your group’s verified financial statements for last fiscal year (see Raffle license terms and conditions reporting requirements)

• list of your board of directors with contact information

• copy of your safety and security plan

• governing documents - letters patent, by-laws, constitution, charter, trust deed, memorandum/articles of association

• Revenue Canada notification of registration letter, if your organization is registered

• detailed outline of your programs and services (what they are, how they are delivered to clients, specific costs, supporting materials, etc.)

• your group’s current operating budget

5️⃣ Apply online via your iAGCO account.

6️⃣ Go through the screens, answer all the questions, and submit the documents the application asks for listed above.

How much does a lottery license cost?

There's a license fee of 3% of prizes to the AGCO.

Wrapping up your raffle fundraiser in Ontario:

First, pick your winner in the Rafflebox Dashboard.

Then, submit to the AGCO within 30 days of the last draw, your:

➡️ Post event compliance form

➡️ Financial report

For your financial report, you'll need:

1️⃣ Breakdown of administrative expenses.

2️⃣ Breakdown of donations by recipient.

3️⃣ Name, address, phone number and prize for each winner.

4️⃣ Report the use of net proceeds to the AGCO.

5️⃣ All proceeds deposited into the designated lottery trust account.

Pro tips before applying for your lottery license in Ontario:

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

⭐ Apply for a raffle lottery license at least 45 business days before the first day of ticket sales if you're a new applicant, and at least 30 business days if you've applied before.

⭐ Use the reports in the Rafflebox Dashboard to help you complete the post event compliance form and financial 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.