Online, Electronic, 50/50, Gold Rush & Chase the Ace Licensing Explained

Charitable raffles in New Brunswick are regulated under the Gaming Control Act and administered by the Province of New Brunswick through the Department of Public Safety.

All raffles — including 50/50 draws, electronic raffles, Gold Rush raffles, and Chase the Ace — require licensing and must comply with provincial policy.

This guide summarizes publicly available New Brunswick raffle regulations and practical compliance considerations.

Who Regulates Raffles in New Brunswick?

Charitable gaming is overseen by the Registrar of Gaming Control under the Department of Public Safety.

The Registrar is responsible for determining charitable eligibility, issuing raffle licences, approving electronic gaming equipment, conducting site inspections, and enforcing compliance and reporting requirements.

Licensing authority remains exclusively with the Province of New Brunswick.

Mandatory Licensing Requirement

All raffles conducted in New Brunswick must be licensed.

This includes paper ticket raffles, 50/50 raffles, electronic raffles, calendar raffles, Gold Rush raffles, and Chase the Ace raffles.

Operating without a licence may result in enforcement action and future licensing restrictions.

Eligible Organizations

Raffle licences may be issued to charitable organizations, religious organizations, and non-profit community groups.

Proceeds must be used strictly for approved charitable or religious purposes.

Types of Raffles Permitted in New Brunswick

Standard Raffles

Traditional raffles using paper tickets or approved electronic systems.

50/50 Raffles

Permitted when licensed. The prize structure must clearly disclose the percentage allocation between prize payout and charity proceeds.

Electronic Raffles and Terminal-Based Systems

New Brunswick permits electronic raffle systems, including online platforms and terminal-based sales, provided they are approved by the Registrar.

Mandatory Terminal Confirmation Process

Before electronic terminals may be used, the Registrar must confirm the serial numbers of all electronic hardware and the installed software version.

A site visit may be conducted to verify hardware configuration, serial number accuracy, software integrity, and compliance with approved specifications.

Electronic terminals may not be deployed until confirmation is completed.

Changes to software versions, hardware components, or system configuration may require renewed approval.

Both the licensed organization and the gaming supplier share responsibility for compliance.

Calendar Raffles

Calendar-style raffles may be licensed for extended periods, up to 18 months depending on approval.

Gold Rush Raffles (Progressive 50/50 Format)

Gold Rush raffles operate as progressive lotteries. A portion of weekly ticket sales forms the weekly prize, while another portion contributes to a growing progressive jackpot.

The jackpot increases weekly until the winning condition is met, after which the raffle concludes or resets under a new licence.

If seeded, the amount must be disclosed and the Registrar may require acceptable security or bond.

Chase the Ace (Progressive Card-Based Raffle)

Chase the Ace licences are valid for up to one year and require weekly draws and reporting.

The licence expires when the Ace is drawn.

If the jackpot is seeded, security acceptable to the Registrar may be required.

Rules of Play must clearly explain jackpot accumulation and draw mechanics.

Prize Limits

Under standard regulation, a raffle licence may not exceed $150,000 in total prizes per draw unless otherwise authorized.

Higher-value raffles may require additional documentation and approval.

Geographic Restrictions

Ticket sales must comply with provincial licensing conditions.

Selling or distributing tickets outside New Brunswick may violate provincial policy.

Organizations should clearly state geographic eligibility in their Rules of Play.

Reporting and Financial Controls

Licence holders must maintain accurate financial records, submit required reports, and provide weekly reporting for progressive raffles.

Proceeds must be used for approved purposes only.

New Brunswick Compliance Matrix

Frequently Asked Questions – New Brunswick

Do electronic raffle terminals require inspection?

Yes. The Registrar may conduct a site visit to confirm hardware serial numbers and installed software versions before terminals can be used.

Can electronic raffle software be updated without approval?

No. Changes to software versions or hardware configuration may require renewed regulatory approval.

Are Gold Rush raffles allowed in New Brunswick?

Yes. Gold Rush raffles are permitted under a licensed progressive structure with disclosed prize allocations.

Can a Gold Rush or Chase the Ace jackpot be seeded?

Yes. Seeded jackpots must be disclosed and may require acceptable security or bond.

What is the prize limit for raffles in New Brunswick?

Standard raffle licences may not exceed $150,000 in total prizes per draw unless otherwise authorized.

Can tickets be sold outside New Brunswick?

Ticket sales must comply with provincial licensing conditions. Out-of-province sales may place the raffle in violation.

Final Clarification

Raffle platforms provide technology only. Licensing authority, equipment approval, progressive structure authorization, and enforcement remain with the Province of New Brunswick.

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.