In Ontario, successful charitable gaming starts with getting the fundamentals right. From licensing and compliance to selecting the right formats and setup, each step shapes how your program performs.
This guide covers what you need to run smooth, compliant events that make a meaningful impact in your local community.
The Impact of Charitable Gaming
Charitable gaming plays a vital role in funding community services, local charities, youth programs, and more. Across the province, organizations rely on the revenue from lottery games, break open tickets, raffles, and electronic gaming to support local initiatives – from local sports teams to accessibility programs.
Before applying for a charitable gaming license in Ontario, your organization must meet strict eligibility criteria.
Eligible groups typically include:
Registered Ontario charities
Religious organizations
Service clubs
Other non-profit organizations
Your organization must:
Demonstrate a defined membership base
Show how proceeds support approved charitable purposes
Operate within your local municipality
For large organizations, approval often involves submitting documentation to the AGCO and obtaining a CGE number (Charitable Gaming Eligibility number).
Licensing Checklist
Obtaining the proper license is a critical first step before running any gaming activities.
Here’s a simple checklist to get started:
Determine the type of event (raffle, bingo, etc.)
Apply through your municipality or the AGCO (depending on event size)
Submit a detailed event plan that clearly outlines the use of proceeds
Provide a financial reporting structure
Ensure a designated event lead (e.g., a bingo coordinator) is assigned
For events running in large bingo halls or charitable gaming centres, additional oversight and reporting requirements may apply.
Choosing Your Gaming Format
Not all gaming formats serve the same purpose or deliver the same results. Choosing the right option depends on your audience, the type of venue you’re working with, and what you’re trying to achieve with your fundraising.
Break Open Tickets (Nevada Tickets)
Ideal for ongoing fundraising in bars, legions, c stores, and other retail-style environments. Break open tickets are designed for quick play. They are easy to distribute and can generate consistent revenue when placed in high-traffic locations.
Raffle Tickets
Ideal for one-time campaigns, such as school fundraisers or community draws. Raffle tickets work best when they’re tied to an attention grabbing prize and supported by promotional initiatives that drive participation and sales.
Bingo (Paper & Electronic)
Ideal for larger venues and recurring events, especially through established partnerships with charitable gaming centres and bingo halls. Bingo remains a cornerstone of charitable gaming. New electronic bingo formats have modernized and streamlined the experience while maintaining compliance and the traditional gameplay players know and enjoy.
Working with experienced suppliers ensures your setup aligns with AGCO standards and avoids costly compliance issues.
Sample Timeline for a Compliant Event
Here’s a realistic timeline to help you plan:
6–8 weeks before
Confirm eligibility and gather documentation
Apply for your charitable gaming license
Secure venue and suppliers
4 weeks before
Order tickets or equipment
Finalize staffing and assign roles
Begin promotional efforts
1–2 weeks before
Train volunteers on compliance procedures
Set up financial tracking systems
Confirm all approvals and inventory
Event day(s)
Conduct gaming activities according to license terms
Monitor sales and maintain records
Post-event (within required timeline)
Reconcile finances
Submit reports to the AGCO or municipality
Allocate proceeds to the approved cause
Ensuring Gaming Supports Community Good
Charitable gaming continues to evolve, with ongoing regulatory changes and the introduction of electronic systems changing how organizations plan and run their programs.
Working with an experienced partner helps ensure your charitable gaming program is not only compliant but also well-structured, efficient, and set up to support local communities. Contact our team today to see how we can support your program.
Understanding Charitable Gaming in Ontario: The Complete Playbook
In Ontario, successful charitable gaming starts with getting the fundamentals right. From licensing and compliance to selecting the right formats and setup, each step shapes how your program performs.
This guide covers what you need to run smooth, compliant events that make a meaningful impact in your local community.
The Impact of Charitable Gaming
Charitable gaming plays a vital role in funding community services, local charities, youth programs, and more. Across the province, organizations rely on the revenue from lottery games, break open tickets, raffles, and electronic gaming to support local initiatives – from local sports teams to accessibility programs.
With oversight from the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO), charitable gaming is structured to ensure transparency, accountability, and community impact.
Understanding Eligibility
Before applying for a charitable gaming license in Ontario, your organization must meet strict eligibility criteria.
Eligible groups typically include:
Your organization must:
For large organizations, approval often involves submitting documentation to the AGCO and obtaining a CGE number (Charitable Gaming Eligibility number).
Licensing Checklist
Obtaining the proper license is a critical first step before running any gaming activities.
Here’s a simple checklist to get started:
For events running in large bingo halls or charitable gaming centres, additional oversight and reporting requirements may apply.
Choosing Your Gaming Format
Not all gaming formats serve the same purpose or deliver the same results. Choosing the right option depends on your audience, the type of venue you’re working with, and what you’re trying to achieve with your fundraising.
Break Open Tickets (Nevada Tickets)
Ideal for ongoing fundraising in bars, legions, c stores, and other retail-style environments. Break open tickets are designed for quick play. They are easy to distribute and can generate consistent revenue when placed in high-traffic locations.
Raffle Tickets
Ideal for one-time campaigns, such as school fundraisers or community draws. Raffle tickets work best when they’re tied to an attention grabbing prize and supported by promotional initiatives that drive participation and sales.
Bingo (Paper & Electronic)
Ideal for larger venues and recurring events, especially through established partnerships with charitable gaming centres and bingo halls. Bingo remains a cornerstone of charitable gaming. New electronic bingo formats have modernized and streamlined the experience while maintaining compliance and the traditional gameplay players know and enjoy.
Learn more about how electronic bingo systems can coexist with paper games.
Approved Equipment and Setup
Using compliant equipment is non-negotiable.
For break open and raffle tickets, this includes:
For bingo or electronic games:
Working with experienced suppliers ensures your setup aligns with AGCO standards and avoids costly compliance issues.
Sample Timeline for a Compliant Event
Here’s a realistic timeline to help you plan:
6–8 weeks before
4 weeks before
1–2 weeks before
Event day(s)
Post-event (within required timeline)
Ensuring Gaming Supports Community Good
Charitable gaming continues to evolve, with ongoing regulatory changes and the introduction of electronic systems changing how organizations plan and run their programs.
This is where Bazaar Marketing helps. With over 30 years of experience in the charitable gaming industry, we provide organizations with everything from break open tickets and electronic gaming systems to promotional merchandise and event supplies. Beyond providing products, we help organizations navigate the licensing and eligibility process and understand what’s required to stay compliant.
Working with an experienced partner helps ensure your charitable gaming program is not only compliant but also well-structured, efficient, and set up to support local communities. Contact our team today to see how we can support your program.