The AGCO is updating its Break Open Tickets (BOTs) licensing framework with three new reforms:
- Effective July 29, 2026, the licensing of new $0.50 tickets and $1 tickets with counts of more than 5,000 will be permitted.
- Effective September 30, 2026, all BOT licensing will be transitioned to the Revenue Split Model (formerly Section B of the Schedule of Approved Break Open Ticket Types and Associated Expense Maximums).
- Effective July 29, 2026, Gaming Related Suppliers will have additional flexibility for ticket graphics approval.
What is changing?
1. The licensing of new $0.50 tickets and $1 tickets with counts of more than 5,000 is now permitted
The AGCO is permitting the licensing of new $0.50 tickets and $1 tickets with counts of more than 5,000 effective July 29th, 2026. Suppliers can now submit these ticket types to be approved and added to the BOT licensing Schedule under the Revenue Split Model.
The decision to permit the licensing of new $0.50 tickets and $1 tickets with counts of more than 5,000 was informed by sector feedback.
2. All BOT licensing will be transitioned to the Revenue Split Model
Beginning September 30, 2026, all approved BOT types, regardless of whether they were previously listed in Section A, will be transitioned and licensed under the Revenue Split Model (previously referred to as Section B).
Note:
- Existing approved ticket types are unaffected until the transition to the Revenue Split Model on September 30, 2026.
- Any tickets ordered or invoiced prior to September 30, 2026 will be subject to the current licensing and expense framework.
- This change applies to all BOTs including those sold by a BOT seller (third party retailer), in the licensee's own location, and in non-pooling bingo halls.
Reporting
Charities will continue to use the existing Break Open Ticket Lottery Report to complete their reporting requirements:
- During the transition period, charities may report both revenue models on the same Break Open Ticket Lottery Report. The applicable revenue model will be identified by the ticket type.
- In section 5 of the report, charities may record the revenue split paid to the supplier in either the gaming equipment supplier or gaming service supplier line.
- Charities will no longer be required to report their administrative expenses, the seller commission or the dispenser fee.
This shift reduces regulatory burden for charities, suppliers and licensing authorities, in response to sector feedback for a more streamlined model.
For Reference – Revenue Split Model
This table outlines the Revenue Split Model that will be applicable to all BOTs starting September 30th, 2026*. Under the Revenue Split Model, supplier and charity expenses are allocated as follows:
| The supplier pays for the following expenses (from 50% of net win): | The charity pays for the following expenses (from 50% of net win): |
|---|---|
|
|
* This revenue model was originally announced in December 2021 and amended in July 2022.
3. Gaming Related Suppliers will now have additional flexibility for ticket graphics approval
The AGCO is removing the requirement for Gaming Related Suppliers (GRS) to submit BOT graphics for approval during the licensing process, unless requested by the Registrar.
The Registrar retains the authority to request ticket graphics to be submitted during the licensing process as a condition for approval.
GRS are required to comply with the ticket requirements outlined in the Standards for Suppliers of Goods and Services: Break Open Tickets and the Lottery Licensing Policy Manual. These include but are not limited to:
- Requirements for information to be printed on tickets, ticket construction, security and integrity of tickets.
- Roles and responsibilities for manufacturers, suppliers and ticket sellers to comply with the requirements.
- Requirements for advertising material and responsible gambling.
For updates to the BOT licensing schedule and Lottery Licensing Policy Manual (LLPM), see Appendix A.
Questions?
Contact AGCO Customer Service online anytime through the iAGCO online portal, by emailing lotterylicensing@agco.ca or by calling 1-800-522-2876, Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm. Learn more about contacting the AGCO.
Helpful links
- Lottery Licensing Policy Manual
- Schedule of Approved Break Open Ticket Types and Associated Expense Maximums
- Standards for Suppliers of Goods and Services: Break Open Tickets
Appendix A
Updates to the Lottery Licensing Policy Manual:
The Lottery Licensing Policy Manual (LLPM) has been updated as indicated below.
Chapter 7: Break Open Tickets
7.1.2. Key Definitions for Break Open Tickets
Style: Refers to the combination of compliant graphics (such as bells, boats or fruit) and prize structure used for the break open tickets. There may be many different styles within a break open ticket type, as approved graphics may be used with any type, and several different prize structures may be approved for each type.
Graphics: Refers to the symbols (such as bells, boats or fruit) and any other compliant illustrations appearing on the break open tickets.
7.4.1. General Break Open Ticket Licensing Policies
The licensee may only sell break open tickets with compliant graphics and where the types and prize structures and graphics have been approved by the Registrar.
7.6.2 (C) Provincial break open ticket (PBOT) licensing procedures
- The eligible organization must submit a fully completed application, on the form issued by the Registrar, accompanied by the following items:
- The type and style or styles of tickets to be ordered under the licence (no ticket or graphics samples are required).
7.9.2. PRIZES
The Registrar retains the sole authority to approve all tickets, including their graphics if requested, prizes, prize values, sponsorship and promotions. Only ticket types and styles approved by the Registrar may be sold in Ontario.
7.9.3. SPONSORSHIP AND PROMOTIONS
Licensees may permit external sponsors to place their branding on break open tickets sold by the licensee. The ticket must be prominently identified as a charity product. Any benefits realized by the manufacturer or the supplier are to be disclosed to the licensee. Sponsorship and branding must comply with the prescribed graphic approval requirements.
Glossary Of Terms
Break open ticket style - the combination of compliant graphics (such as bells, boats or fruit) and prize structure used for the break open tickets. There may be many different styles within a break open ticket type, as approved graphics may be used with any type, and several different prize structures may be approved for each type.