St. Albert… The Alberta Government and Alberta Gaming, Liquor & Cannabis (AGLC) are reminding anyone that wishes to conduct charitable gaming activities within the province that licensed lotteries must have an eligible charitable purpose and use proceeds in accordance with current regulations and policies. Operators are also required to include the name and the licence number in all forms of advertising.
Starting January 16, 2022, operators of unlicensed lotteries could face fines under a new penalty system. Penalties will increase for each new or repeat offence under the new tiered-fine system. Under the new, tiered system, penalties will be structured as follows:
- First offence: $500 fine.
- Second offence within five years of the first: $1,000 fine.
- Third offence within five years of the second: mandatory court appearance.
Further information on Alberta’s charitable gaming model can be found here.
“These new enforcement guidelines will further protect charities that conduct their operations through the accredited process while deterring unlicensed lotteries and raffles from negatively impacting Alberta’s charitable gaming programs.”
Kandice Machado, President & CEO, AGLC
Introducing fines for unlicensed lotteries will give officers new options to enforce compliance and deter repeat offenders. Mandatory court appearances are also an option, based on the seriousness of the offence.
In 2020-2021, licensed charitable organizations in Alberta earned $137.2 million through the conduct of charitable gaming events (casino, raffle, bingo, pull ticket) to support eligible charitable programs and services for Albertans.
Related information
Find out if a business is licensed
AGLC
Provincial Offences Procedure Act O.C.
Media inquiries
Media Relations
media@aglc.ca
587-596-5351