The lottery licensing policies in this manual were developed by the Registrar, based on authority and direction flowing from:
- the Criminal Code (Canada);
- Order-in-Council 208/2024 (as amended); and
- the Gaming Control Act, 1992 and its Regulations.
Each type of licensed lottery is governed by a specific set of rules known as “terms and conditions.”
1.1.1. BACKGROUND
In Canada, all authority to license gaming activity flows from provisions in the Criminal Code (Canada), which makes it possible for eligible charitable and religious organizations to conduct and manage lottery schemes under a licence issued by the appropriate provincial authority.
Based on the authority conferred by the Criminal Code, the Government of Ontario has passed an Order- in-Council 208/2024, delegating its authority to license charitable gaming events to:
- the Registrar, and
- municipal councils.
The Registrar has the authority to license all types of approved lottery events. Municipal councils may license certain types of approved lottery events.
1.1.2. THE CONTEXT OF GAMING IN ONTARIO
The responsibility for gaming in Ontario has been divided into three main areas: regulation, licensing of charitable gaming, and conduct and management.
(A) Regulation
The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) is responsible for regulating:
- commercial gaming (including casinos and internet gaming);
- charity casinos;
- slot machine facilities at racetracks; and
- charitable gaming.
(B) Licensing of charitable gaming
The Registrar as well as municipal councils may issue charitable gaming licences, as outlined in this manual.
(C) Conduct and management
The Ontario Lottery Gaming Corporation (OLG) is responsible for the conduct and management of:
- commercial casinos;
- internet gaming;
- charity casinos;
- electronic bingo centres; and
- slot machines at racetracks.
Where a charitable or religious organization is licensed, it too may conduct and manage a lottery scheme.