Both government run gaming and private gaming are legal in Canada, as long as they adhere to strict Canadian laws and licensing requirements. For the most part, only the provinces may operate, license and regulate legal forms of gaming, however there are exceptions to this. Under section 207 of the Criminal Code, charitable and religious organizations may conduct lottery schemes to raise funds if they are granted a licence by the provincial government. This type of gambling is sometimes referred to as “charitable gaming”.

Under the Criminal Code, “charitable” refers to organizations which provide programs for the:

1. Relief of poverty
2. Advancement of education
3. Advancement of religion
4. Other purposes beneficial to the community

Licencing is administered by the provincial government, and different licences are required for different types of charitable gaming.

Charitable gaming may include:

• Bingos – Games where you try to complete certain patterns on a bingo card with randomly drawn numbers to win prizes.
• Raffles – Tickets for a chance to win prizes in various types of draws, such as 50/50 draws.
• Break open tickets: A specific set of prizes is awarded by selling a pre-determined number of covered tickets. Cardboard tickets contain hidden symbols hidden by tabs. When the tabs are torn open, they reveal symbols. The combinations on the back of the ticket determine if it is a winner.
• Fair or exhibition gaming event – Includes blackjack and wheel of fortune games.
• Special occasion gaming – Limited gaming event that is part of a social event, like a dinner or dance. For example, blackjack limited to 20 tables.

For more information on obtaining a charitable gaming licence, refer to 5636 How does a charity obtain a gaming licence?

For more information on how charities work in Canada, refer to 238 Charities.

								
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