Raffle FAQ

A raffle is a gaming scheme where ticket purchasers pay for a chance to win a prize through a random draw of tickets purchased.

• Raffles with a total ticket value $20,000 and less. AGLC determines eligibility and the group obtains its licence(s) online with an AGLC web account or through an Alberta registry agent.
• Raffles with a total ticket value more than $20,000. The group submits an application to AGLC a minimum eight weeks prior to the start of ticket sales for the licence.

To calculate total ticket value, multiply the price(s) of the ticket(s) by the number of tickets for sale. For example, 5,000 tickets @ $20 each equals a total ticket value of $100,000.

• Traditional raffle: requires a two-part ticket on which the ticket purchaser's name and contact information is recorded. Tickets are sold for a period of time (days, weeks, months) prior to the draw. The overall value of the prizes (cash or merchandise) must be a minimum of 20% of the total ticket value of the licence.
• 50/50 (percentage draw raffle):  may only be conducted during a specific entertainment event (e.g. sports) where ticket sales, the draw, and announcement of the winner occur on the same day. The cash prize is the percentage of the gross ticket revenue.
• Progressive raffle: (e.g. Chase the Ace) is limited to a raffle with a total ticket value $20,000 and less and allows ticket buyers the opportunity to win a prize from one draw (minimum 20% of event sales) and potentially win a percentage of ticket sales accumulated (i.e. prize pot) from previous raffle ticket sales at a later draw.
• Prize Options
  Prizes for raffles where tickets are sold over a period of time greater than one day (first bullet above) may not be based on a percentage of ticket sales (second bullet above).
  If your group wishes to offer a percentage of ticket sales as the prize (first bullet above) you must still guarantee a minimum prize that is 20% of the total ticket value of the raffle along with the option of a percentage of the ticket sales, whichever is greater. These options must be identified on the raffle ticket.

Only eligible charitable organizations currently registered with AGLC may obtain a licence to conduct a raffle.

Conducting a raffle online is dependent on the approved total ticket value (TTV) of the raffle licence. Raffles (Traditional and bearer ticket such as a 50/50) may only be conducted online if the TTV of the licence is $100,000 or more and the electronic raffle system (ERS) is approved. See below.

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 payments 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 a prize winner(s) is not allowed; a manual draw must be conducted

Raffles with a TTV of $100,000 or more may use an electronic raffle system (ERS) if each component of the ERS has AGLC and accredited-testing-facility approval. A licensed charitable organization can develop, purchase, or lease electronic components from a registered gaming supplier.
The use of an ERS platform may include:

• Tickets orders and payment
• Ticket distribution e.g. email
• Use of an RNG to select the prize winner(s)
• Prize distribution

Licensed charitable organizations can contact AGLC for confirmation.

A random number generator is currently limited to raffles with a TTV of $100,000 or more so that AGLC can monitor each event. This ensures the electronic selection of prize winners is done in a secure manner and with integrity.

• The online medium (e.g. website) must be able to confirm that the purchaser is 18 years or older and is a resident of Alberta with an Alberta mailing address
• No ticket orders may be accepted from outside Alberta

Additional information is available from the following policies at www.aglc.ca:

• Raffle Terms and Conditions Total Ticket Value $20,000 and Less
• Raffle Terms and Conditions Total Ticket Value more than $20,000
• Electronic Raffle Handbook