Manitoba Raffle Rules and Regulations
Overview
Charitable raffles in Manitoba are regulated at the provincial level and governed by a strict licensing and accountability framework. Manitoba differs from other provinces in key ways, including its prohibition on subscription-based raffles, its requirement that organizations write their own rules of play, and the availability of Social Occasion Raffle Licences.
Regulatory Authority
Charitable gaming in Manitoba is regulated by the Liquor, Gaming and Cannabis Authority of Manitoba (LGCA). LGCA determines eligibility, issues raffle licences, approves raffle formats and prize structures, approves electronic raffle systems, and enforces compliance.
Licensing Requirement
All raffles conducted in Manitoba must be licensed. There are no exemptions regardless of ticket price, prize value, event size, or duration.
Eligible Organizations
LGCA may license charitable, religious, and community-based organizations under Section 207(1)(b) of the Criminal Code (Canada). Raffle proceeds must be used exclusively for approved charitable or community purposes.
Raffle Licence Types
Manitoba offers charitable raffle licences and Social Occasion Raffle Licences. Each licence type carries different limits, permissions, and compliance obligations.
Online and In-Person Raffles
In-person raffles are permitted when licensed and conducted within approved locations and dates. Online ticket sales are permitted only when explicitly approved in the raffle licence and must occur within the licensed sale period.
Electronic Raffle Systems
Electronic raffle systems must be approved by LGCA, certified by an accredited testing facility, remain unchanged from the approved version, and be auditable and inspectable.
50/50 Raffles
50/50 raffles are permitted when licensed. Prize calculation methods must be approved and disclosed, and draw procedures must be fair, random, and auditable.
Guaranteed Jackpots and Seeding
Guaranteed jackpots and seeded prizes are not default raffle structures in Manitoba and require explicit approval and disclosure.
Subscription-Based Raffles
Manitoba does not permit subscription-based raffle models. Automatic recurring ticket issuance or billing is not allowed. Each ticket purchase must be a participant-initiated transaction.
Prize Calculations (Gross vs. Net)
Prize calculations must follow the method approved in the raffle licence. LGCA may approve either gross-based or net-based prize calculations.
Expenses
Only actual and reasonable expenses are permitted. Expenses generally must not exceed 20% of gross anticipated revenue, excluding prize costs and certain administrative fees.
Ticket Requirements
Raffle tickets must be consecutively numbered and include mandatory information such as organization name, LGCA licence number, ticket price, draw details, prize descriptions, and eligibility restrictions.
Rules of Play
Licensed organizations are responsible for writing and approving their own Rules of Play. Vendor-supplied templates must be customized to align with the approved licence.
Social Occasion Raffle Licences
Social Occasion Raffle Licences allow one-time raffles at public events with strict limits on ticket price, prize value, and total revenue. Online ticket sales are not permitted under this licence.
Unclaimed Prizes
Unclaimed prizes must be handled in accordance with LGCA licence terms and instructions.
Financial Controls and Reporting
Charitable licence holders must maintain a separate lottery bank account, retain raffle records for at least three years, and submit required reports.
Manitoba Raffle Compliance Matrix
Raffle Practice | Allowed? | Conditions / LGCA Requirements |
All raffles licensed | Required | No exemptions |
In-person raffles | Yes | Licensed |
Online raffles | Conditional | Explicit licence approval required |
Subscription-based raffles | No | Automatic recurring sales prohibited |
Automatic credit card billing | No | Each purchase must be participant-initiated |
50/50 raffles | Yes | Licensed and disclosed |
Guaranteed jackpots | Restricted | Explicit approval required |
Seeded jackpots | Restricted | Explicit approval required |
Gross-based prizes | Yes | If approved |
Net-based prizes | Yes | If approved |
Electronic raffle systems | Conditional | LGCA-approved and certified |
Vendor rule templates | Limited | Must be customized |
Charity-authored rules of play | Required | Licence-specific |
Social occasion raffles | Yes | One-time event, capped limits |
Record retention | Required | Minimum three years |
Frequently Asked Questions
Are subscription-based raffles allowed in Manitoba?
No. Automatic recurring ticket sales or billing are not permitted.
Are online raffles legal in Manitoba?
Yes, but only when explicitly approved in the raffle licence.
Who is responsible for the rules of play?
The licensed organization is responsible for writing and approving its own rules of play.
What is a Social Occasion Raffle Licence?
A licence that allows a one-time raffle at a public event with strict limits on ticket price, prize value, and revenue.
Final Clarification
Raffle platforms provide technology only. Licensing authority and compliance oversight remain with the Liquor, Gaming and Cannabis Authority of Manitoba (LGCA).
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.