Bingo is a game of chance where players are awarded a prize or prizes for being the first to complete a specified arrangement of numbers on bingo paper, based on numbers selected at random.
This chapter contains the policies and procedures for licensing bingo events conducted anywhere other than in pooling bingo halls. (For information on bingo and other charitable gaming events conducted in pooling bingo halls, please refer to Chapter 10: “Bingo—In Pooling Bingo Halls.”)
The Registrar issues certain types of bingo licences and municipalities issue others. Currently, the following types of bingo events may be licensed in Ontario:
The above list is subject to change.
If a municipal official receives an application for a bingo game that he or she is not familiar with, the official must first ensure that the bingo game in question is one which is currently approved for licensing by the Registrar before issuing a licence.
The Order-in-Council gives the Registrar sole authority to issue lottery licences allowing eligible organizations to conduct and manage:
The Order-in-Council authorizes municipalities to issue licences permitting eligible organizations to conduct Regular Bingo games with maximum prize boards of up to $5,500.
The Registrar has established criteria and procedures for opening, upgrading, relocating and reopening bingo halls.
The Gaming Control Act, 1992, governs the registration of Operators of bingo halls, which include:
Licensees that rent out their premises and/or equipment to another licensee may require registration as prescribed by Regulation.
Registration is not required in the following circumstances: