Raffle Licensing in Canada: Provincial Rules Explained

Raffle Licensing in Canada Is Provincial

In Canada, raffle licensing is provincial, not federal. There is no national raffle license and no centralized approval process for online raffles.Each province has its own gaming regulator with authority to determine eligibility, issue raffle licenses, set operating conditions, and enforce compliance. Selling raffle tickets online does not change this structure. If tickets are sold to residents of a province, that province’s regulator governs the raffle.

Provincial Borders and Online Ticket Sales

Because raffle licensing is provincial, ticket sales are generally restricted to participants physically located within the province that issued the license. Most regulators expect organizations to limit ticket sales to the licensed province, use reasonable controls such as geolocation or address verification, and clearly state geographic eligibility in the rules of play.

Limited Cross-Provincial Arrangements (Exceptions, Not the Rule)

In limited and clearly defined circumstances, provincial regulators may approve cross-provincial ticket sales.Examples include Ontario and Nova Scotia, which have participated in reciprocal arrangements, and Lloydminster, which is often treated as a single municipality despite spanning Alberta and Saskatchewan. These arrangements are explicit, rare, and not transferable.

Grey-Market and Alternative Jurisdiction Claims

Charitable organizations may encounter platforms that claim national or cross-provincial authority based on Indigenous jurisdiction, hosting location, or alternative regulatory frameworks. Examples often reference Kahnawà:ke or platforms such as Lotto Factory.From the perspective of provincial gaming regulators, licensing authority is based on where tickets are sold and where participants are located. Platform jurisdiction or hosting location does not replace provincial licensing, and the charity remains responsible for compliance.

Enforcement Reality: Why Charities Still Face Consequences

In some cases, regulators may determine that an unlicensed raffle falls outside their direct enforcement authority and may be considered a policing matter. This does not eliminate consequences for charities. Regulators retain full authority over charities within their jurisdiction and may refuse future licenses, revoke approvals, or impose additional conditions.

Why This Risk Is Especially Serious for Teams and Foundations

For organizations that rely on licensed raffles as recurring revenue, including professional sports foundations and community teams, loss of licensing eligibility can have long-term financial consequences. In Saskatchewan, charitable gaming grants may be calculated based on raffle performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a national raffle license for Canada?

No. All raffle licenses are issued provincially.

Does selling tickets online change licensing requirements?

No. Online raffles remain subject to provincial regulation.

Can one license cover multiple provinces?

Generally no, unless explicit regulatory approval is granted.

Do Indigenous jurisdiction or hosting location replace provincial licensing?

No.

Can charities be penalized for grey-market participation?

Yes, through loss of licensing eligibility or future approvals.

Final Word

Provincial licensing is the legal backbone of raffles in Canada. Organizations that misunderstand licensing authority or rely on grey-market claims risk losing their ability to fundraise through licensed raffles in the future.