Charitable Purpose and Eligibility Rules for Ontario Gaming Licences
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In Ontario, charitable gaming is strictly regulated to ensure that fundraising proceeds directly benefit the community. Before any organization can host a raffle, bingo, or lottery, it must obtain a Charitable Gaming Eligibility (CGE) number from the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO). This number confirms that the group meets provincial standards for charitable fundraising.
To be eligible, an organization must be a non-profit located in Ontario with at least one full year of delivering charitable services. These activities must fall into one of the four pillars of eligibility:
- Relieving poverty
- Advancing education
- Advancing religion
- Other benefits to the community (such as culture or health)
It is a strict requirement that all net proceeds be used exclusively for these approved purposes within Ontario.
Who is not eligible? Groups that exist primarily to benefit their own members do not qualify. This includes adult sports teams, social clubs, professional associations, unions, and political or lobbying groups. Additionally, all gaming events must be managed by bona fide members of the organization—volunteers in good standing who have active roles beyond just running the lottery.