Apply for a Bingo event licence

A bingo event is a game where participants buy bingo cards and try to complete certain patterns with randomly drawn numbers to win prizes. Prizes are awarded based on completing a specific pattern from numbers drawn. Organizations that are eligible for a lottery licence can apply to host and manage bingo events.  

Different types of bingo events can be conducted and managed by eligible organizations under a provincial or municipal licence. The policies and requirements for conducting and managing a bingo event are different depending on where the bingo event will be held. A municipality may add extra conditions to a licence, as long as they don’t conflict with existing policy and regulation.

Find out whether you need to apply with the AGCO or your municipality to get the lottery licence you’re looking for. The licensing authority depends on where you are located, the expected prize amount, and the type of lottery.  

If your organization is planning to hold a bingo event at a charitable gaming site with 3 or less events per week, or at a bingo hall exempt from registration under the Gaming Control Act, 1992, you can apply for individual lottery licences to run your bingo events. For more information, see the Bingo events web page. 

If your organization is planning to hold a bingo event at a charitable gaming site with 4 or more events per week, or with 3 or less events per week where proceeds are pooled, see the Charitable Gaming in Pooling Bingo Halls page for more details.
 

Please have your items ready.

For more information, read the Bingo Event Licence iAGCO Submission Guide.

If you’re applying for the first time you need to set up an iAGCO account:

1. Go to the iAGCO online portal.
2. Click on Create a New Account at the top of the page.
3. Complete all the details on the screen.  
4. Confirm your account registration through the confirmation email iAGCO sends you.
5. Make sure the mailing address you have given to AGCO is up to date.

For general questions about your account and using iAGCO, see the iAGCO Support web page.

When you have an iAGCO account set up:

1. Log in to your iAGCO account.
2. Click on the link to Start a New Application under New Applications.
3. Select Charitable Gaming Lottery Licences on the New Application screen. Choose Bingo Event Licence as the type of application on the following screen.
4. Go through all the screens. Answer all the questions. Submit the documents the application asks for. 

Apply for a licence now

Once you’ve submitted your application, the AGCO will review it. The AGCO makes every effort to process licence applications in a timely manner. We may ask for more information if we need to.

The AGCO will let you know when we’ve finished processing your application. If the AGCO approves your application, we’ll send you an e-mail with a link to get a copy of your licence through your iAGCO account. The AGCO will contact you if your application isn’t approved. 

Know your responsibilities

Once you’ve been approved for a licence, you need to conduct and manage your super jackpot responsibly. You must meet the Registrar’s Standards for your licence. You also must follow any related laws and regulations. This includes the Bingo Event Licence Terms and Conditions and the Lottery Licence Terms and Conditions.  

Learn more about your responsibilities in the Responsibilities and resources section.    

Here’s some additional information:

• Bingo events
• Lottery Licensing Policy Manual
• Criminal Code  (Canada)
• Gaming Control Act, 1992  and its Regulations
• Order in Council 208/2024
• Standards and Directives issued by the Registrar