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                           Alowed?     Conditions          

Online raffles                                   Yes             Licensed, auditable

Terminal-based raffles                 Yes            ERS and venue approval

Hybrid raffles                                   Yes            Online + terminals licensed

Online presales                               Yes            Strict 14-day window, 

with terminal events                                       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.