The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) is updating its Lottery Licence Policy Manual (LLPM) to clarify that requiring the mandatory purchase of charitable lottery products, including for charitable activities (e.g., raffle tickets, Break Open Tickets), is not permitted.
This change supports licensing authorities and charitable gaming licensees by formally outlining requirements in the LLPM.
This action aligns with the AGCO’s mandate to regulate in accordance with the principles of honesty and integrity, and in the public interest.
What is changing?
Effective October 3, 2025, mandating the purchase of lottery products of any kind for any reason, is not permitted. This includes, but is not limited to, as a condition of registration for a program or service.
Note:
- Any organizations with active licences that currently require the mandatory purchase of lottery tickets are permitted to continue this activity until the conclusion of their existing licence.
- Organizations with active licences that do not currently require mandatory purchases are not permitted to introduce such requirements.
- To continue with future licensing eligibility, mandatory purchasing policies will not be permitted. No new licenses with mandatory purchasing policies may be issued.
Update to the Lottery Licensing Policy Manual
A new section has been added to the LLPM to reflect this new requirement:
3.7.0. Mandatory Purchasing of Licensed Lottery Products
Mandating the purchase of lottery products of any kind for any reason, including but not limited to as a condition of registration for a program or service, is not permitted.
Contact the AGCO for more information
For charitable gaming-related inquiries, email an AGCO Eligibility Officer at lotterylicensing@agco.ca or call AGCO Customer Service at 1-800-522-2876, Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.