Raffle: More than $20,000

Eligibility

Application process

Find out:

• if your group is eligible to apply for raffle licensing
• how to apply for eligibility for raffle licensing
• what happens after you submit an application
• how long it takes

Who can apply?

Charitable organizations can apply if their structure and programs follow AGLC policy.

Things to know before you apply

An eligible charitable or religious organization must:

• have volunteers from Alberta, who create, control and deliver a charitable program
• have an elected executive chosen from the volunteer members
• have no paid members
• have charitable programs that are available to all members of the public who wish to take part
• be incorporated in a form acceptable to AGLC
• have bylaws that follow AGLC policy

These four criteria determine charitable purpose:

1. relief of poverty
2. advancement of education
3. advancement of religion
4. other purposes beneficial to the community

For more information on eligibility, refer to the Charitable Gaming Policies Handbook.

How to apply

If your group has not had a raffle licence before, you must complete an Eligibility for Gaming Licence application and return it to gaming.licensing@aglc.ca or Fax: 780-447-8911.

Documents you will need (this checklist is on the application form to guide you):

• copy of meeting minutes authorizing the application
• copy of Incorporation Certificate
• copy of group's operating bylaws
• current List of Elected Executive, including addresses and telephone numbers
• current membership list, including addresses and telephone numbers
• copy of the last year of financial statements
• budget for the current year or proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year
• land title certificate or lease/rental agreement, if you own or rent a facility for your programs

Fees

There is no cost to submit an eligibility application.

How long it takes after you apply

A complete application will take approximately two weeks to review. If there is any missing information, we will contact you by letter, email or phone call.

The decision

AGLC will provide the eligibility decision to you in writing.

Questions

Call AGLC to speak to an Eligibility Analyst:

• 780-447-8600 or toll-free at 1-800-272-8876

Policies

The Charitable Gaming Policies Handbook has more information on:

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

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, home, 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 more than $20,000 must follow:

• Raffle Terms & Conditions
• Raffle FAQ 

Total ticket value

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.

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 $50 and discount tickets for sale at three for $100.

Add regular tickets and discount tickets to calculate total ticket value.

• 5,000 regular tickets X $10 per ticket = $50,000
• 3,000 discounted tickets @ two for $15 = $22,500

The total ticket value in this example is $72,500.

A group must not exceed the total ticket value approved for the licence.

Raffle application

A group must send this application to AGLC at least eight weeks before the ticket print deadline or start of sales:

• Raffle Licence Application Total Ticket Value More Than $20,000
• Raffle Licence Application Total Ticket Value More Than $20,000 - Addendum Electronic Raffles
• Progressive Raffles Best Practices

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:

Raffle Terms & Conditions 

Electronic Raffle Standards Document

For more information about gaming supplier registration, contact the Due Diligence Unit at duediligence@aglc.ca 

Licence fee

The licence fee for a raffle with a total ticket value:

• more than $20,000, but less than $100,000 is $150
• equal to or more than $100,000, but less than $1,000,000 is $500
• equal to or more than $1,000,000 is $1,000

Along with the application, the group must include a cheque or money order to AGLC for licence fees.

Raffle rules

Each group that plans to hold a raffle must establish raffle rules for each licence. For help, refer to:

• Section E. Raffle Rules in the Raffle Terms & Conditions.

Ticket sales

Each group must have ticket and financial controls for each raffle licence.

You may use the Raffle Ticket Inventory Control Procedure & Inventory Control Worksheet

Making changes to an existing licence

This guide lists required information when a group wants to change its licence. An example includes a request to extend the draw date.

• Raffle Amendment Guideline Sheet

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

Complete requirements are in K. Cancellation Procedures:

• Raffle Terms & Conditions