Raffle: $20,000 and Less

Eligibility

What is a Raffle?

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. 

Who can apply?

Alberta based non-profit, charitable or religious groups can apply if:

• their structure and programs follow AGLC's policies, (see the Charitable Gaming Policies Handbook – Section 2.1 – Basic Eligibility)
• the money earned supports the group's programs

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.

How to apply              

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.

How long it takes

A complete application will take approximately three to five business days to review. If there is any missing information, we will contact you.

The decision

If approved, you will receive up to two emails:

• the first will provide your AGLC ID Number, giving you information on how to get your licence
• the second will provide your password for your internet account, which will allow you to go online to AGLC website and create your raffle licence(s); (you will receive this email if you submitted the Internet Account Request form with the Eligibility Application)

The Charitable Gaming Policies Handbook has more information on:

• legislation and policies
• general eligibility
• types of groups that may be eligible
• using gaming proceeds

Popular Eligibility Questions

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

Applying for a Raffle Licence

What is a Raffle?

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).

Before you start

A group AGLC has found eligible for raffles with a total ticket value $20,000 and less must follow:

• Raffle Terms & Conditions Total Ticket Value $20,000 and Less

Total Ticket Value

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:

• 500 regular tickets x $3 per ticket = $1,500
• 3,000 discounted tickets at two for $5 = $7,500

The total ticket value in this example is $9,000.

A group must not exceed the total ticket value of the licence.

Planning for the Licence

Before you get a licence online through an AGLC web account or from a registry agent, you need to know:

• the format of the raffle: cash or merchandise; 50/50; progressive (see FAQ for additional detail)
• the number of tickets for sale
• the price per ticket
• prize description and retail value of each prize
• date and location of the draw(s)
• all expenses, such as ticket printing, advertising etc.

Conducting the Raffle Online

Raffles with a TTV less than $100,000, including small raffles with a TTV of $20,000 or less, may use the Internet to:

• Advertise the raffle
• Accept ticket orders and payment only on a PCI compliant platform

These conditions apply:

• The tickets or ticket numbers must not be distributed to the ticket purchaser electronically e.g. via email
• Tickets must be provided to ticket purchasers via Canada Post or in person. 
• Use of a random number generator (RNG) to select prize winner(s) is not allowed; a manual draw must be conducted

Raffle Rules

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 Total Ticket Value $20,000 and Less.

Ticket sales

Each group must have ticket and financial controls for all raffle licences.

The Raffle Ticket Inventory Control Procedure & Inventory Control Worksheet may be used.

Licence Fee

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. 

Making Changes to an Existing Licence

A group that wants to change its licence, such as extend the draw date, must notify AGLC. This guide lists required information.

• Raffle Amendment Guideline

Cancelling a Raffle Licence

A group must send a request in writing to AGLC to cancel a raffle licence.

The group must:

• identify the number of tickets sold
• state the reason for the request
• make a reasonable effort to provide refunds to all ticket buyers
• advertise the raffle cancellation

Requirements are in:

• Section J. Cancellation Procedures - Raffle Terms & Conditions Total Ticket Value $20,000 and Less