Alberta Raffle Rules and Regulations
Online, Terminal, 50/50, Progressive, Ticket Conversion, and Seeding Explained
Charitable raffles in Alberta are regulated by the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC). This document provides a practical, Alberta-specific explanation of raffle rules governing online raffles, electronic (terminal-based) raffles, 50/50s, Chase the Ace, Gold Rush-style raffles, ticket conversion, seeded prize pools, presale timing, and interprovincial considerations.
Who Regulates Charitable Raffles in Alberta?
All charitable gaming in Alberta is regulated by AGLC. This includes online raffles, electronic (terminal-based) raffles, 50/50 raffles, and progressive raffles such as Chase the Ace and Gold Rush.
50/50 Raffles in Alberta: Core Rules
Guaranteed Jackpots
50/50 jackpots cannot be guaranteed. The prize must equal 50% of gross ticket sales and remain variable.
Gross vs Net Sales
Expenses cannot be deducted before calculating a 50/50 jackpot. The calculation must be based on gross sales.
Online and Terminal-Based Raffles
Alberta permits online raffles, terminal-based raffles, and hybrid raffles when licensed and auditable.
Online Presales for Events With Terminal-Based Sales
When a raffle includes terminal-based ticket sales at an in-person event, online presales must both begin and conclude within a strict two-week (14-day) window, measured to the hour. For example, if presales begin Saturday at 9:00 a.m., they must conclude no later than Friday at 9:00 a.m. two weeks later.
Ticket Conversion in Alberta Raffles
Ticket quantities may be converted between price levels without amendment provided total ticket value and ticket count do not increase.
Seeding a Raffle in Alberta
Raffles may be seeded using non-gaming funds or approved unclaimed prizes, provided seeding does not guarantee a jackpot and is disclosed.
Gold Rush–Style Raffles
Gold Rush–style raffles are permitted progressive raffles with conditional prize awards and carry-forward components when no qualifying winner exists.
Chase the Ace Raffles
Chase the Ace raffles operate under defined licence periods and may restart if the Ace is found early.
Lloydminster Interprovincial Treatment
Lloydminster is subject to interprovincial agreements between Alberta and Saskatchewan allowing the entire city to be treated as either province for raffle licensing and geolocation purposes.
Alberta Raffle Compliance Matrix
Raffle Practice | Allowed? | Conditions / Clarifications |
Online raffles | Yes | Licensed, auditable |
Terminal-based raffles | Yes | ERS and venue approval |
Hybrid raffles | Yes | Online + terminals licensed |
Online presales with terminal events | Yes | Strict 14-day window, measured to the hour |
50/50 raffles | Yes | 50% of gross ticket sales |
Guaranteed 50/50 jackpots | No | No minimum payout |
50/50 based on net sales | No | Expenses not deductible |
Fixed-prize raffles | Yes | Prize disclosed |
Progressive raffles | Yes | Exit conditions required |
Chase the Ace | Yes | Defined cycles |
Gold Rush raffles | Yes | Conditional win |
Rolling prizes | Yes | Only if rules permit |
Guaranteed carry-over | No | Carry-forward ≠ guarantee |
Seeding with non-gaming funds | Yes | Must not guarantee outcome |
Unclaimed prize seeding | Yes | Only if rules permit |
Ticket conversion | Yes | Value and count unchanged |
Increasing ticket value | No | Requires amendment |
Increasing ticket quantity | No | Requires amendment |
Extending sale dates | No | Requires amendment |
Lloydminster raffles | Yes | May be licensed under AB or SK |
Final Clarification
Raffle platforms provide technology, but licensing and compliance authority remains with AGLC. Organizations are responsible for following licence conditions.
Tap 50:50 Event Consultants Ltd. (operating as Tap5050, also commonly referred to as Tap 50:50) is a licensed electronic raffle supplier in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and PEI.