Government of Ontario Announces a New Progressive Jackpot Raffle Offering and a new Social Gaming Licence

03 December 2021

This release has been provided by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario.

December 2, 2021-  As part of the Ontario government’s efforts to support community initiatives, two new gaming opportunities are being introduced:

  • A new Social Gaming Licence issued exclusively by the AGCO (Licence application available December 2, 2021).
  • A Progressive Jackpot Raffle opportunity under the Blanket Raffle Licence issued by municipalities and First Nations with an Order in Council (OIC).

Details about these new initiatives are outlined in the following December 2, 2021 AGCO Information Bulletins and attached Question and Answer resource document

Please consider sending the bulletins above to your colleagues and/or the service clubs you licence.

While there are some similarities, there are several important distinctions between these two initiatives. Most importantly, the progressive jackpot raffle is a charitable fundraising opportunity, whereas the social gaming licence primary purpose is social gaming. Please see the chart below for a summary of the differences.

Topic

Progressive Jackpot Raffle

Social Gaming Licence

What is it?

A new kind of progressive raffle (sometimes called “loonie-toonie”)

A new licence for a wide variety of social, small stakes, commonly played games (e.g. cribbage, bridge, bingo)

Licensing Authority

Issued by municipalities and First Nations with an OIC

Issued exclusively by the AGCO

Availability

Applicants may start to contact their municipal licensing office or First Nations with and OIC for information about application requirements and the process for approvals.

Available in iAGCO as of December 2, 2021

Application

Uses existing Blanket Raffle Licence application or amendments to existing Blanket Raffle Licences

Uses a new online application process in iAGCO.

Eligibility

Available to eligible service clubs only (as defined by the LLPM section 2.7.4(f)(i) and determined by the licensing authority)

Available to service clubs, individuals, charities or other organizations seeking to host casual social gaming events.

* This licence is not intended for private homes or liquor licensed establishments except Legions and service clubs

Fees

Up to 3% licensing fee as per the Blanket Raffle Licence

No fee applies. This licence is free.

Charitable Purpose

Fundraising opportunity (50% of proceeds up to a maximum of $50K prize board per licence)

NOT a fundraising opportunity for applicants

Expenses

Allowable expenses as established in LLPM

Up to $50 per day can be allocated for event costs only

Prizes

Progressive raffle (must-go at $2500)

Single day gaming limit is $500

Ticket Limits

Per ticket price limit is $1 for daily or $2 for weekly draw

Bet limit is $2 per person

Compliance Documents

Existing Terms & Conditions and Lottery Report Form for blanket raffle licence apply with some modifications

New Terms and Conditions published

Please note that these activities are subject to provincial public health restrictions under the Reopening Ontario Act, including gathering limits, as well as any additional local public restrictions implemented by municipalities and/or Medical Officers of Health.

For more information:

Call AGCO Customer Service at 416-326-8700 or toll-free in Ontario at 1-800-522-2876 Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET

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