A raffle is a lottery scheme where ticket purchasers pay for a chance to win a prize. Any time you pay a price for a chance to win a prize, a raffle licence is needed.
Alberta based non-profit, charitable or religious groups can apply if:
An organization does not need to be registered as a charity with Canada Revenue Agency to be considered a charitable organization with AGLC.
For-profit businesses, individuals and government are not considered charitable or religious and are not eligible to apply for a licence.
To apply for approval to conduct raffle licenses fill out the Eligibility for Raffle Licence (Total Ticket Value $20,000 and Less Only) which includes an Internet Account Request Form to get your AGLC ID Number. There is no fee to apply for eligibility or the internet account. Return completed forms to AGLC at gaming.licensing@aglc.ca or Fax: 780-447-8911.
A complete application will take approximately three to five business days to review. If there is any missing information, we will contact you.
If approved, you will receive up to two emails:
Answers to some of your questions may be found in our list of popular eligibility questions.
For questions not answered, call AGLC to speak to an Eligibility Analyst.
Phone: 780-651-7600 ext. 4 or toll-free: 1-855-506-1066 ext. 4
A raffle is a lottery scheme where ticket purchasers pay for a chance to win a prize. Some examples include cash, merchandise, travel, or a percentage draw (such as a 50/50).
To calculate the total ticket value, multiply the price(s) of the ticket(s) by the number of tickets for sale. For example, 10,000 tickets at $2 each equals a total ticket value of $20,000.
A group may choose to sell discount tickets in multiples at a lower price per ticket than a regular ticket. For example, one ticket for sale at $5 and discount tickets for sale at three for $10.
Add regular tickets and discount tickets to calculate total ticket value:
The total ticket value in this example is $9,000.
A group must not exceed the total ticket value of the licence.
Before you get a licence online through an AGLC web account or from a registry agent, you need to know:
Any organization registered with AGLC may conduct a raffle online with the use of an approved electronic raffle system to:
Prior to being used in a raffle, all electronic raffle system software and equipment must be:
A licensed charitable organization may develop, purchase, or lease electronic components from a supplier registered with AGLC.
The online medium (e.g. website) must be able to confirm that the ticket purchaser is 18 years or older and present in Alberta at the time of purchase.
The group must follow:
For more information about gaming supplier registration, contact the Due Diligence Unit at duediligence@aglc.ca
Each group that plans to hold a raffle must establish raffle rules for each licence. Raffle rules must be provided when asked. For guidance, refer to Section E of the Raffle Terms & Conditions.
Each group must have ticket and financial controls for all raffle licences.
AGLC does not charge a licence fee for this type of raffle. If you get a licence at an Alberta registry agent, there may be a service fee.
A group that wants to change its licence, such as extend the draw date, must notify AGLC. This guide lists required information.
Cancelling a Raffle Licence
A group must send a request in writing to AGLC to cancel a raffle licence.
Requirements are in: