Lottery Licensing

The Town of Penetanguishene issues lottery licences to eligible charities and religious organizations within the community for the purpose of raising funds through events such as bingos, raffles, break-open tickets and social gaming events. As per the Criminal Code of Canada, all lotteries and raffles are required to have a licence.

The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) administers the charitable lottery licensing program in the province.

Types of licensed lottery events

We have the authority to issue lottery licences for:

  • Bingo events, with prize boards of up to $5,500
  • Media bingo events with prizes up to $5,500
  • Break-open tickets for local organizations
  • Raffle lotteries with total prizes of up to $50,000
  • Bazaar lotteries, including wheel of fortune games with a maximum bet of $2.00, raffles not exceeding $500 and bingo events of up to $500

Before you apply

If you are not currently licensed by the Town to conduct a lottery or have not been licensed in the past two years, you must complete and submit the Lottery Licensing Eligibility Review Form, along with your supporting documentation and any fees, to the Town. View the form for more information on application instructions.

Eligible organizations

You must meet the following mandatory pre-requisites to be considered eligible for a lottery licence. Your organization must:

  • Be a non-profit or registered charitable organization
  • Have been in existence for at least one year
  • Have a place of business in Ontario
  • Prove how it benefits the citizens of Penetanguishene and area as a whole
  • Conduct one of the following primary purposes: Relief of poverty, advancement of education, advancement of religion, or other charitable purposes beneficial to the community
  • Be properly organized such that it is separate from any other organization (e.g. legally, financially and organizationally)

Ineligible organizations

  • Adult hobby groups
  • Adult recreational or adult-oriented sports (e.g. hockey teams)
  • Elected municipal representative groups, including municipal, regional, provincial and federal governments
  • Government agencies or bodies
  • Political lobby groups and those persuading the public to adopt a particular view on a broad social question
  • Political parties
  • Private sports or clubs (e.g. golfing, curling)
  • Professional associations, unions and employee groups
  • Professional or semi-professional athletics (e.g. CFL, NHL, AHL, OHL)
  • Social clubs
  • Those attempting to bring about or oppose changes in the law or government policy
  • Those promoting a political doctrine

Apply for a lottery licence

The AGCO provides a full list of the many types of charitable gaming lottery licences available. You can apply for the following lottery licences through the AGCO, which the Town may then approve. Details on each licence and corresponding application forms are linked below. 

Please submit your AGCO application to the Town by mail or in-person at Town Hall, or by email to lottery@penetanguishene.ca, along with:

Our staff will promptly follow up with you after receiving your application.

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