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Eligibility
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Applying for a Raffle Licence
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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.
You do NOT need a licence or AGLC approval for:
You do need a licence for:
- silent auctions
- 50/50
- live auctions
- Grey Cup/NHL/sports draft pools
- bottle drives
- Chase the Ace
- receiving donations
- wine survivor
- free giveaway contests
- gift basket draws
- fundraising sales – almonds, popcorn, meat
- wine basket draws (no liquor licence required)
- table draws
- poker rally
- squares board
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
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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:
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.
Electronic Raffle Systems
Any organization registered with AGLC may conduct a raffle online with the use of an approved electronic raffle system to:
- Accept ticket orders and payment
- Distribute tickets (e.g. email)
- Use a random number generator to select the prize winner(s)
- Distribute prizes
Prior to being used in a raffle, all electronic raffle system software and equipment must be:
- Certified by an accredited testing facility
- Compliant with the AGLC Electronic Raffle System Document
- Approved by AGLC
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:
Electronic Raffle Standards Document
For more information about gaming supplier registration, contact the Due Diligence Unit at duediligence@aglc.ca
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.
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.
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